NOXON - The fourth annual Big Sky Blues Rhythm and Blues Music Festival was held at the park near the Clark Fork River in Noxon over the weekend. Musicians from around the region and as far away as Seattle gathered to provide the audience with the soulful yearnings of the popular musical genre.

The event began with a pre-festival celebration in Trout Creek on Friday featuring music by RJ Knapp and Honey Robin. The family friendly gathering made their way from Trout Creek to the festival and campsite in Noxon.

The festival kicked off on Saturday around 12:30 p.m. with a performance by Michelle Taylor and the Blues Junkies. The band from Seattle led by the passionate vocals of Taylor had the audience dancing to their selection of covers.

Ranging from blues standards to traditional renditions of contemporary pop music, Taylor and the Blues Junkies played an enthusiastic, dramatic set that oozed with a zealous intensity.

RJ Knapp and Honey Robin played an encore set on Saturday followed by Junkyard Jane. Blues legend Bonnie Raitt’s brother David Raitt performed next with his group the Baja Boogie Band. The Randy Oxford Band were next with the Rafael Tranquillo Band finishing out the evening.

Sunday began with Stage Coach Nettie and the Wolf Tones taking the stage followed by the Coyote Kings with “Mush” Morgan. The finale was a classic jam session with dozens of musicians playing to the crowd.

Festival organizer and self-proclaimed blues fanatic Lorne Riddell said the event was unique from others on the blues circuit due to excellent acoustics and the scenic beauty of the location. Riddell said past events have attracted over 500 people and he was expecting a similar turnout this year.

“We bring in some of the best blues bands in the Northwest,” said Riddell. “This venue is one of the best on the circuit. We thought we needed something like this in the area so we made it happen.”

The Big Sky Rhythm and Blues Music Festival is in its fourth year in Noxon. Nine bands performed over the two-day festival.