By Caroline Roosevelt
Contributing Writer

Back by popular demand, the Second Annual Roots and Blues Festival is returning to Anson B. Nixon Park on Aug. 9 with a full line-up of musical acts and headlined by harmonica genius Mikey Junior. 

Junior has been wowing the blues circuit for the past several years and has become a staple in the Mid Atlantic summer blues scene. Junior just released his latest album, Traveling South, which showcases his storytelling prowess and also delights with selected covers. Junior’s passion for blues developed in high school where he taught himself the basics and more from his growing collection of vinyls. From there, he made his way to VizzTone Label Group, where Dave Gross produced his most recent album.

Dukes of Destiny, a Philly favorite, will also be gracing the stage at this year’s festival. This six-piece band was founded in 1985 has over 200 years of experience combined, featuring an impressive local resume including regular, ongoing gigs at the Mermaid Inn, the Chestnut Hill Garden Fest, the Pastoruius Park Concert Series, the Commerce Square Concert Series, and the AIDS Walk, all in Philadelphia. They have also performed at the Pennsylvania State Arts Fair in Harrisburg, the Yo Philadelphia Festival and River Blues at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens, the State Street Blues Stroll in Media, and The Spring Garden Fair and Fall Arts Fairs in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, Philadelphia's world-renowned World Cafe Live. Their motto, “Everyone has a dancing good time!” is fitting for the Roots and Blues Festival.

The event will also feature performances by Brother John, Johnny Never & John Colgan-Davis, James Day & the Fish Fry and Stevie and the Bluescasters. The concert pavilion at Anson B. Nixon Park hosts a variety of popular events throughout the year from the Trout Run to the Summer Music Series, and in addition to the music, those who attend will be able to enjoy food trucks and beverages, an artisan corner and a music merchandise booth. The event, which begins at 11 a.m., will be held rain or shine, so plan accordingly with some lawn chairs and an umbrella in the car just in case.

Tickets to the Second Annual Roots & Blues Festival are on sale now ($45 online, $40 flash sale!), through the park: https://www.ansonbnixonpark.org/events/2nd-annual-roots-blues-festival.