The Between the Lake Blues Festival will take place Saturday, May 30, from noon to 6 p.m. at Rose Center, 442 W. Second North St., Morristown. Admission is $15, and children 12 and younger will be admitted free.

The festival will feature performances by Wayne Baker Brooks, Piper & The Hard Times, Few Miles On and Throwin’ Stones, along with local artists, crafters and food vendors.

Wayne Baker Brooks is considered one of today’s top guitarists whose signature style combines powerful vocals with liquid fire guitar playing that honors his rich blues heritage yet effortlessly expands the boundaries of the genre. Born and raised in Chicago, IL amongst the most prolific blues legends and blues masters in the world, Wayne Baker Brooks’ blues roots may run deeper and wider than the Great Lakes themselves.

Since winning the prestigious International Blues Challenge in January 2024 held in Memphis, Tennessee, the Nashville-based roots rock group, Piper & The Hard Times, has had an unforgettable run. The band assembled a grass-roots team and worked tirelessly to create a name for themselves internationally. On August 16th, 2024 the band released their debut album, “Revelation,” to critical acclaim.

Founded in 2012 Few Miles On is comprised of four veteran musicians with roots in Chicago, Detroit, Pennsylvania and Nashville, each with a shared love and respect for Blues music and its influence on other musical genres. With more than a decade of live shows and five studio albums the band has crafted a musical style all their own which reflects the soul, energy and power derived from their collective musical experiences.

Their songs are driven by solid grooves that make your feet want to move. Their lyrics tell the story with raw emotion and humor.

Throwin’ Stones is an East Tennessee band blending classic blues influences with contemporary jam-style performances. Along with original music, the group performs covers from artists including B.B. King, Cream and Stevie Ray Vaughan, while also introducing audiences to lesser-known blues favorites. The band is preparing to release new music in early summer and continues to book performances throughout the region.

An afterparty featuring Billy Crawford & the Lowdown will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Prater Hall. Afterparty-only tickets are $10, while advance combo tickets for both events are $20. Children 12 and younger will be admitted free.

Billy Crawford and The Low Down featuring Smokin’ Joe is a powerhouse blues band delivering deep-rooted, nononsense blues with modern fire and undeniable soul. Anchored by the seasoned guitar work and vocals of Billy Crawford— whose career includes performing alongside blues icon Deborah Coleman— the band blends traditional blues foundations with a raw, contemporary edge that keeps audiences locked in from the first note to the last encore.

Proceeds from the festival and afterparty will benefit Rose Center’s art and cultural programs.

Parking will be available at Henry Street Public Parking, downtown public parking areas, Second North Street, Allison Street lots, Main Street and Jackson Street.

For more information, visit rosecenter. org/events, the Rose Center Facebook page or call 423-581-4330.