North Country Blues
Wausau's Big Bull Falls Blues Festival Celebrates its Seventh Anniversary
by Dave Leucinger
   For one weekend every year, the Gateway city to Northern Wisconsin becomes the Gateway for blues musicians and blues fans alike. The Big Bull Falls Blues Festival, held this year on August 14th and 15th, brings together top regional and national talent. The festival grounds are in scenic Fern Island Park, which splits the Wisconsin River as it flows through the city's downtown.
   Friday's music lineup includes Reverend Raven, Otis & the Alligators, and Janet Planet with Otis Mc Clennon and John Altenburg. The headliners that night are the Senders, one of the Twin Cities' top swing groups. On Saturday, the lineup includes the Swingin' Kools, the Mighty Aces, the Westside Andy/Mel Ford Band, blazing guitarist Tommy Castro, and the one-two Texas punch of Lavelle White, the diva of Houston since the `60's; and the Fabulous Thunderbiirds, driven by Kim Wilson's harp and vocals. For more info, call (715) 845-6231.