I do agree with you 1/2Fast on the "melting pot" of rock and blues.......quite a lot of bands these days are performing blues tunes within a rock format much like today's country music that is certainly more rock than C&W.  Some of it works really well and it also leads people to those origins you talk about and allows them to discover the sources of the "blues" material.

And I will also give you affirmation that British blues came about from copying the old masters and giving it a more "commercial" (airplay) sound.  But I must and will give credit to those same Brits and Europeans without whom, most of the "deep Blues" music would have died.  Here is the U.S. "blues" records or "race" records were on their way out because the record companies and the money that ran them didn't wish to promote such music or such people for that matter.  People like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Ike Turner, et al weren't getting bookings, weren't making records, and were basically out of the music business.  If it weren't for people like Willie Dixon and a few others who saw the possibility and promise of performing in England and Europe where the social climate was certainly more inviting.......many in the "blues" business would never have had a rediscovery and second chance at getting their music heard.

Yes, the British bands took directly from the American bluesmen and women and made fortunes imitating their songs and styles but in doing so awakened the whole world to the the music and ultimately to the real performers. 

I guess it is all a matter of perspective.............you can hear a lot of rock in your blues, or,

you can hear a lot of blues in your rock.

I remember listening to Otis Taylor playing at Merlefest in North Carolina a few years back.  For a few songs he switched from guitar to banjo.............and he addressed the crowd by saying that, "I am here in N. Carolina where bluegrass is a way of life but I am here to tell ya...............the banjo came from Africa."

Don

All of the past Beans have been great but, personally the 2005' Bean had the best talent. That group now represents 4 past headliners. I'll keep plugging Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials for the headliner and please keep the young talent coming that wows us and may turn into future stars (Jason Ricci, TUF, etc.) Great job John! Keep em coming.

It would be nice to see  different acts.  We've seen the same opening acts for enough years now, it's time to get some new blood.  How about Bernard Allison, Noah Hunt, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Room Full Of Blues, Susan Tedeshi, Lil Ed and The Blues Imperials, E.C.Scott, Magic Slim and The Teardrops.  It would be nice to see more headliners even if it cost more, or how about finding some sponsors to defer the cost.  Let's step this fest up a notch.

I like all the suggestions. . I'll add my plug for Mike Stevens for the advanced harmonica.

1/2 fast,