Bluesfest raises funds for music program

This year’s Panhandle Bluesfest was another great success. 

There was plenty of sunshine and lots of great entertainment, with members of the Priest River Lamanna High School band and choirs taking part in Bluesfest.

PRLHS band members Owen Kinney, Aiden Tolley, Caleb Delorenze, Peyton Whitehead, Alexander Stone and Riley Straley performed three songs; and Riley, who also performs in the choir sang the national anthem.

"After that, everything fell into place," Panhandle Bluesfest organizer Billy Mullaley said.

Performing were The Meat Sweatz, Kenny James Miller Band, Alison Joy Williams and Indigo Edge. Ending the event was the Bobby Patterson Band. 

"We want to thank everyone who came and supported the event," said Mullaley, who along with his wife, Patty, helped organize the event. "Because of you and the local businesses, we were able to raise $2,275 for the Priest River schools music department."

Sponsors of the event include Old Town AutoZone, Mama Mac’s, Patti’s Action Auto, Priest River Ace Hardware, Jammers, Jo Mamas, Double Barrel, Village Kitchen, Brownells, Ranch Club Golf, AJ’s Café, Klondyke, Home Design Center & Flooring, Popeye’s, Asphalt Angel’s, Dick Blaine and Tom Blaine, Les Schwab, and Timber Town Brewery.

 Also helping were Tamra Bird, Robin Thayer and Heartbridge Life Center for helping at the gate.

Bill Mullaley gave special thanks to  Dick and Janice Blaine and their family for the use of their unique venue and to his wife, Patty, for all the time and effort she put into organizing and working the event. 

An open mic event Friday, Sept. 6, showcased outstanding talent from the crowd. 

"Thank you to all the volunteers that made this event so successful, and congratulations to Sheryl Willcox Shreve for winning the signed guitar," Mullaley said.

For more information, follow Panhandle Bluesfest on Facebook.

    Sheryl Willcox Shreve displays the signed guitar she won as part of a Panhandle Bluesfest raffle.