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14th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & BLUES Festival
For Immediate Release: March 19, 2025
CONTACT: Elaine Lyda, Public Relations
205-243-9492 elaine.lyda@gmail.com
Bessemer, Alabama Barbecue and Blues are a great combination so start planning for the 14th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & BLUES Festival presented by City of Bessemer and Coca Cola United is set for Saturday, April 26, 2025. The event will combine the best of blues music and legendary Bob Sykes Bar B Q from 12-6pm. Gates open at 11am. Be sure to bring your chair or blanket and set-up your spot for the day to enjoy talented blues musicians.
Since 2010, the event has been a local favorite for festival goers. Attendees of the festival range from youth to adults. 2nd generation owner and pit master of Bob Sykes Bar B Q Van Sykes says “Each year the festival grows and we couldn’t do it without our sponsors and the support of the community.” City of Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley says "The Bob Sykes BBQ and BLUES Festival has been a great event for the City of Bessemer. We're looking forward to many
more great years of barbecue and blues music in downtown Bessemer.”
The festival has been chosen for numerous years as one of the top food festivals in Alabama by al.com. There are activities for the entire family including a large kids corner. Children eight and under are free with a ticketed adult. Besides great music and bbq the festival offers a variety of booths including arts and crafts, outdoor exhibits, and a diverse selection of vendors selling tempting offers.
The 2025 musical performance schedule:
11am Gates Open
12:00-12:10pm: Opening Prayer
National Anthem by Emcee of Festival-Ms. Aretta Woodruff
12:10-1:10pm: Kid Sly Feat featuring Hurricane Elaine
1:20-2:20pm: Ra’Shad the Blues Kid
2:30-3:30pm: Diedra the Alabama Blues Queen
3:40-4:45pm: Southern Avenue
4:55-6:00pm: Shemekia Copeland
Since the 2010, the festival has provided funding for Alabama local charities including Ady’s Army, The Bessemer Education Enhancement Foundation, Bessemer Service League, Caring Men and Caring Women, Children’s of Alabama Hospital, Clay House, Hands on Birmingham, Latch and Live Foundation and Red Mountain Grace. The 2025 charity beneficiary will be the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama whose mission is to feed people in need today and foster collaborative solutions to end hunger tomorrow.
Bob Sykes BBQ & BLUES Festival Event Information:
14th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & BLUES Festival
Saturday, April 26, 2025
12pm-6pm. Gates open at 11am
DeBardeleben Park at 1623 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, Alabama
$10 Tickets can be purchased at www.BobSykesBlues.com
or visit Bob Sykes Bar B Q Restaurant
$15 tickets day of event
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bob-sykes-bbq-blues-festival-tickets-894003798427?aff=oddtdtcreator
Call for more details at 205-426-1400
