Blues Festival Nets Over $2K for Bonham Theatre Project

Blues fans came together for the first-ever Winter Blues Festival to raise money for the Bonham Theatre Project in Fairbury. According to Debby Ebke, Bonham Theatre Project treasurer, more than $2,000 was raised to assist the Bonham Theatre Project with efforts to renovate and reopen the 88-year old movie theatre, located in the downtown historic district. “It was a great event,” said Ebke.

The Tasting Room inside Stagecoach Mall Antiques provided the backdrop for the festival. Festival goers enjoyed blues music from featured three acts  – Emily Bass, Jared’s Super Blues Party and Howlin’ Steve Howell. BBQ ribs and all the fixin’s were provided by Totally Smoked BBQ, owned by CB Snider of Fairbury. The Fairbury Chamber of Commerce co-sponsored the sold-out event, which drew more than 125 people.

“Everyone who came had a great time and there is talk of a repeat, perhaps on the 4th of July, which just happens to fall on a first Friday,” according to Julie Katz, owner of The Tasting Room and coordinator of Fairbury’s First Friday events. “Live music and great food always bring people together, and it’s for a great cause!”

The next fundraiser for the Bonham Theatre Project will be a soup luncheon called “Bowls For Bonham” on Sunday, February 16. in The Tasting Room featuring crock bowls made by artist Lucky Stradley. A variety of homemade soups, sandwiches and desserts will be available, plus live music provided by David Hunt of Fairbury.

For more information about the Bonham Theatre Project, log on to their website www.BonhamTheatreProject.org or find them on facebook.com/BonhamTheatreProject.