Virginia Blues & Jazz Festival

This weekend we ventured to Bath County, VA (Warm Springs, near the Homestead Resort) to the Virginia Blues and Jazz Festival.  Bath County is one of the prettiest spots in Virginia.  Much of the county is in conservation easement or part of a state park.  The temperature was perfect, low 70's, no humidity, sunny most of the day.

We arrived Saturday, early afternoon, missing the very first act, The Bert Carlson Quartet.  We heard the Honey Island Swamp Band and then Grupo Fantasma.  The Latin band was great, a Grammy winner, with a good beat.

Garth Newell is a music conservancy just down the road from The Homestead, an "old Virginia" resort located in the mountains, literally in the middle of nowhere.  A wealthy patron donated the farm and land back in the 70's asking that it be made into a music center.  Throughout the year, GN offers concerts and dinners, in the barn, by candlelight.  Definitely worth the trip!

The grounds are lovely.  The event was not crowded. This was not a beer fest but a sophisticated Jazz and Blues festival.  A gourmet lunch was served. Premium beer and wine was also available.  

The main act was The Robert Cray Band. I had not heard him before but certainly knew the name.  He is superb, now I understand why he has won so many Grammy Awards.

When the concert ended we had cocktails at a friend's house in Warm Springs.  We then opted for a light dinner at The Inn at Gristmill Square which is located in the village of Warm Springs.

A fun weekend!  Can't wait until next year!  Enjoy this rainy Monday.