Larry Long and his American Roots Revue will bring their inspiring blend of gospel, reggae, Cajun, swing, folk, R&B and rock to this year’s stage show at the 10th Annual CHUM Rhubarb Festival on Saturday, June 28.

The band is packed with Twin Cities musical luminaries, including vocalists J.D. Steele, Tonia Hughes and Robert Robinson. The Rhubarb Festival is the band’s first performance on a Greater Minnesota tour. Each stop includes a songwriting session where Long will work with local folks to write a song to add to the show.

Throughout his career, Long has played at community events that celebrate those who have made history, including Rosa Parks at the 45th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Long’s performances draw upon the musical roots of the Anishinabe-Ojibwe Nation, Pete Seeger, Mahalia Jackson, Woody Guthrie, and Billie Holiday to the present day.

Long and the American Roots Revue will perform at the Rhubarb Festival at 2:15 p.m., capping off a full-day lineup of performances, including singer-songwriter extraordinaire Claudia Schmidt and local artists Jim Hall, the Riverside Bog Stompers and Vivielle. Deb Cooper will also be sharing her poetry, and the Duluth Running Company will host a children’s run at 9 a.m. For the full stage show schedule, visit http://www.chumduluth.org/stageshow.

CHUM’s 10th anniversary festival will honor Steve O’Neil, a community leader who spent most of his life advocating for Duluth’s homeless. O’Neil started the Rhubarb Festival ten years ago, and he worked tirelessly to make the festival what it is today. CHUM will honor O’Neil, along with the community members and volunteers who make the festival possible, at this year’s event.

Taking place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 11th Avenue East and London Road, the festival raises funds for CHUM’s programs and services, which provides basic needs services for people who are homeless, hungry and seeking the support of a community. At the event, rhubarb goodies are sold, including hundreds of pies, muffins and crisps as well as rhubarb brats and burritos. A silent auction, children’s area, several bucket raffles, and a photo booth will also take place at the festival. Admission is free.

For more information about the festival, click here

For a list of the stage show performers click here

 

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