Even Topangans get the blues

It might be tough to feel the deepest “blues” while immersed in the lush nature of Topanga’s Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, so maybe just shoot for a bittersweet feeling instead.  

The Topanga Blues Festival has presented legends and upstarts alike at the Theatricum for 28 years. This year it’s headlined by Blues Hall of Fame inductee Chick Willis, a.k.a. “The Stoop Down Man,” who brings his upbeat and humorous version of the blues all the way from Atlanta. The lineup also includes the Lynwood Slim Blues Band, Gregg Wright and Sean Lane. Of course, nothing goes better with blues than barbecue, and there will be plenty available for purchase at the festival. 

The organizer and beneficiary of the event is the Southern California Blues Society, a non-profit group dedicated to promoting American Blues tradition in Southern California. 

The Theatricum Botanicum is a natural outdoor auditorium and a sanctuary for performance arts. The theater seats 300 in an intimate, park-like setting. Visit their website for a summer schedule of plays, events and educational programming. 

The Topanga Blues Festival takes place May 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available online and cost $28.50 for Blues Society members and $38.50 for non-members. Organizers recommend buying tickets in advance because they are limited. 

The Theatricum is located at 1419 North Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Parking is available in the lot for $5 or on the street for free. 

Posted 4/28/11