Blues at the Arch is alright 

When Mississippi native Christone “Kingfish” Ingram played as part of the 2018 Blues at the Arch lineup, he was still a teen prodigy. His name was already circulating as the heir apparent to the late B.B. King, but he had yet to release an album. That would come almost a year later — long after he stunned St. Louis blues lovers with talent and instinct that stretched far beyond his 18 years during the festival’s third annual run.

Eight years later, Kingfish is a Grammy winner and one of the genre’s most visible keepers of the flame. His most recent visit to St. Louis was a headlining performance at The Factory last fall. Many in that crowd can say they first saw him under the Gateway Arch, playing “The Thrill Is Gone” with such soul and mastery that B.B. King was likely cheering him on from above.

Blues at the Arch, presented by the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, has grown steadily in the years since Kingfish left the stage smoldering. Some of the biggest names in the local and national blues community have graced the festival’s stage — including Marquise Knox, Uvee Hayes, Ms. Hy-C and the Fresh Start Band and Jeremiah Johnson. The trend will continue next weekend when the Blues at the Arch Festival returns for its 11th year August 14–16.

This free, end-of-summer tradition has brought tens of thousands together through the music that helped shape St. Louis. It’s where people from all walks of life find commonality and community, surrounded by a joyful celebration of music in one of the most iconic venues in the country. Families bring lawn chairs. Friends gather on blankets. Tourists stumble upon the festival and stay for hours. The riverfront becomes a place where the city’s blues legacy is remembered and lived in the same moment.

This year’s festival will continue that tradition with a lineup that reflects both the roots and the reach of the blues. The 11th annual celebration features Toronzo Cannon, a modern blues powerhouse with 10 Blues Music Award nominations. He will perform alongside fan favorites Tullie Brae and the Soulard Blues Band — a group that has been a fixture in St. Louis blues scene.

The weekend will also include DJ sets, a Saturday night fireworks display, and family-friendly programming throughout Gateway Arch National Park. Festivalgoers can explore the history walk, visit the interactive Kids Korner with activities from The Magic House and City Museum, and grab food from some of St. Louis’ most beloved food trucks.

On Saturday, attendees can sit in on “Exploring the BluesPrint,” a special panel featuring blues legends Uvee Hayes, Bernie Hayes, Chris Shepherd, and Meaza Joy. The conversation will highlight the stories, traditions, and lived experiences that continue to shape the blues in St. Louis.

“You can hear somebody’s whole life in a blues song,” Uvee Hayes told The American ahead of her headlining Blues at the Arch appearance in 2020. “The stories and the music are unlike anything else — which is what keeps the blues alive.”

Ryan McClure, executive director of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, said the festival’s staying power comes from the community that surrounds it.

“There’s something magical about bringing thousands of fans back for Blues at the Arch every year,” McClure said. 

Over the past 11 years, Blues at the Arch has become a signature St. Louis event — one that honors the city’s deep musical roots while giving new artists a platform to grow. It’s where Kingfish once stood as a teenager, where Marquise Knox has delivered blistering sets, where Ms. Hy-C has brought crowds to their feet, and where the next generation of blues artists will continue to emerge.

“Whether you’re a lifelong blues fan or just looking for a great way to spend a summer weekend on the riverfront, this is the place to be,” said McClure. 

The Gateway Arch Park Foundation will present the 11th Annual Blues at the Arch Festival August 14–16. For a full schedule of participating artists and programming, visit archpark.org.

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