Louie Bluie Festival at Cove Lake in Caryville, Tennessee

The Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival in Caryville, Tennessee, is held annually at Cove Lake State Park.

The line-up and activities for this festival get better every year. None has ever been better than this year. In 2009, the event celebrates the 100th birthday of Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong.

"Louie Bluie" is the son of Campbell County, Tennessee who's music is famous worldwide. According to the Campbell Culture Coalition, "Louie Bluie" Armstrong was named a national treasure by the National Endowment for the Arts. His works include When He Calls I Will Answer, Railroad Blues and more.

The day long event is on Saturday, June 13, 2009. Fun and activities begin at 10:00 am and last until 8:00 pm. The site is again the beautiful Cove Lake State Park in Caryville, Tennessee.

Visitors who want to stay all day may also want to spend the night. The Hampton Inn of Caryville is off I-75 at exit 134. It is only 2.5 miles from the festival site. Other motels in the area include the Econo Lodge and others.

Entertainment includes all day music spread out over 4 separate stages. Performers includes the John Myers Band, Laycee Lee Mack & Granite Station Band, the famous Guy and Candie Carawan, the Five Star Gospel Jubilee Singers and more. Over 70 musicians will be performing in all.

Storytellers will be entertaining with crowd pleasing stories. These are not just tall tales. Some stories will share about music, history and Appalachian life.

Diane Hackworth tours throughout the southeast regaling audiences with stories learned from her grandparents. Michael "Badhair" Williams keeps kids of all ages spellbound with tales that have been told in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina for generations.

There's plenty of food vendors to keep the crowds happy. You will find local favorites as well as traditional festival food.

The Louie Blue Festival, arts and crafts area has an impressive variety of vendors. This (most likely) doesn't include your Auntie's crocheted sweaters. Handcrafted items include wood carvings, watercolor, oil and pencil artists, pottery and Native American Mandelas. There are also handcrafted soaps and candles, primitive furniture, handwoven baskets, jewelry, stained glass, dreamcatchers and more.
Kids will find plenty to do at the Louie Blue Festival. There are all sorts of craft demonstrations to keep them occupied. Face painting and games are popular with kids of all ages. Plus, there is even a parade.

Sponsors for the Louie Blue Festival include the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce, Campbell County Commission, City of Caryville, City of LaFollette, the Tennessee Arts Commission, Southern Arts Federation, WBIR, WDVX, LaFollette Press and the National Endowment for the Arts. A full list of sponsors can be found online.

The Louie Bluie Festival in Caryville, Tennessee happens only once a year. It is about 30 minutes outside of Knoxville on I-75 North. Get off at exit 134 and follow the signs for Cove Lake State Park. You can't miss it and you wouldn't want to.

Sources:

http://louiebluie.org/performers/schedule-of-events/

http://campbellculturecoalition.org/louie-bluie-festival/

http://louiebluie.org/donate/sponsors/

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/feb/18/carawans-used-music-help-champion-civil-rights/?printer=1/

http://campbellculturecoalition.org/louie-bluie-festival/