Photo: Davy Knowles will headline Saturday night’s show at the Prairie Dog Blues Fest.

The annual Prairie Dog Blues Festival is getting ready to rock the night away. This is not your stereotypical backwaters nightclub blues. This festival is celebrating its 12th year with 10 of the hottest groups from all over the United States, plus 2 international performers. Music will range from Chicago styles to Swing to Rock. In addition to the wonderful entertainment, the festival has generated over $100,000 for non-profit groups.

The event typically draws in people from all over the world as thousands of people a day come to join in the activities and enjoy the music. Bean Bag tournaments are paying out $600 for 1st place as well as cash prizes for 2nd through 5th places. A Co-Ed Volleyball tournament pays out $300 as well. Camping is available for those who want to the entire experience. The festival also boasts vendors of handmade jewelry & clothes, as well as great food. And don’t forget to meet the “beer girls.”

Todd Yeomans started this event to celebrate his 30th birthday and continues to expand the festival each and every year. As president and event coordinator for the Prairie Dog Blues Festival, Todd is proud to have this year’s performers. “My favorite part is exciting people enough to travel across the country to Prairie du Chien. It helps the local businesses. I even know of a few people that ended up moving here,” Todd said. “It’s also great to expose our local community to an American art form which is not readily available in this area. Many people have misconceptions of blues and they don’t realize the wide variety styles within it.”

And right he is about the variety. Performers such as the young English songwriter Davy Knowles (pictured above) has performed on the Jimmy Kimmel show as well as the Today Show. The tremendous vocalist, Curtis Salgado was the lead singer for Robert Cray and Santana, and he also played a major influence on John Belushi’s interest in creating the Blues Brothers. In addition to many other great acts, the internationally popular Ana Popovic from Belgrade has her own flavor and brand of music.

The 2009 Prairie Dog Blues Fest begins Friday, July 31st.

Link: Blues Fest Band Line-Up