Prairie Dog Blues Fest: This year’s line up includes Grammy-nominated artists
Parker Barrow will return to the Blues Fest this year after a stunning performance in 2024. Ten musical acts will take the stage during the three-day festival highlighting blues and rock n’ roll. (Photo used with permission from Parker Barrow)
This year’s Prairie Dog Blues Fest promises a packed lineup of big names and even award winners during the three-day event, which will take place on July 24, 25 and 26 on St. Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien.
The various musical talents booked for the 2025 event will fill the stage for the Fest’s 27th edition and include Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal, Sugaray Rayford, Indigenous and Mike Zito.
On July 24, entertainment starts at 5:30 p.m. when Julian Primeaux will bring his unique fusion of rock n’ roll and Southern gospel to the Thursday Night Kickoff Party in the Beer Tent, and the party doesn’t end until midnight.
Primeaux is a Grammy-nominated artist from Louisiana. His album, Songs for the Heart of Sister Flute, received a Best of The Beat Music Award nomination in 2023.
The Thursday night show is free for attendees, and Primeaux will give an encore performance the next day for those that can’t get enough — and, let’s be real, everybody is going to want more.
While Primeaux rocks the Beer Tent on Friday, the main stage has a triple threat of big names.
McKinley James starts things off with a bang at 5:30 p.m. Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal will follow at 7:30 p.m., and Sugaray Rayford will close out the night at 9:30 p.m.
Hoyer’s band started out in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 2012, releasing six studio albums. Most recently, Green Light (2022) won Best Self-Produced Record from the International Blues Awards and Album of the Year at the Omaha Arts and Entertainment Awards. Earlier this year, they won the 30th Annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn. Hoyer also appeared on NBC’s The Voice in 2017.
Rayford has crafted his brand of blues since the 1990s and is another Grammy-nominated talent. He has released seven albums between 2010 and 2024. He has also received multiple Blues Music Awards, including Best Album for In Too Deep (2023).
Saturday, heavy hitters take the stage starting at 1 p.m. with The Rush Cleveland Trio, followed by the Madtown Mannish Boys at 3:10 p.m.
The Madison-based Mannish Boys bring some local flavor to the show, bringing a sound influenced by the Midwest blues scene that thrived in places like Chicago. The band won a Best of Madison Award from Madison magazine in 2020 and was a finalist for the Madison Area Music Award the same year.
Indigenous takes over the stage at 5:20 p.m. The South Dakota band gained popularity in the late 1990s, making them one of the veteran acts in Prairie Dog’s lineup this year. Three of their albums have reached the top five in Billboard’s Top Blues Albums category.
At 7:30, Parker Barrow returns to the island after a stunning showcase in 2024. Fronted by Megan Kane, the group has made a lasting impression with their southern rock sound.
In a statement to the Courier Press, Parker Barrow’s team said, “We are so stoked to be returning to Prairie Dog Fest this year! It was a highlight of last summers tour for us so we couldn’t be any happier to be back to spread some peace love and rock n’ roll to the great people of Prairie du Chein.”
Finally, Mike Zito won’t just pull the curtain down — he’ll bring the house down at 9:30 p.m. Zito has released numerous albums, including Make Blues Not War and First Class Life, which debuted at number one on the Billboard Blues Album Chart. He has accrued numerous accolades in his career, including the Rock Blues Artist of the Year in 2018. This past year, he won two Blues Music Awards at the 45th show.
During the blockbuster show on the main stage, the Travis Reid Band will put on a show of their own in the Beer Tent.
Fest goers also have the opportunity to peruse Vendor Row to check out jewelry, clothing, various art pieces and much more. Food trucks, including Mississippi Meats, will supply food and refreshments all throughout the event.
And the Prairie Dog Beer Girls will be on hand to ensure nobody goes thirsty for very long.
The Blues Fest has camping on-site, with campfires allowed. The advance price for camping is $100 and $110 at the gate.
Ticket prices are $55 for one day and $100 for Friday and Saturday. Kids 12 and under get in for free. Tickets can be ordered online at www.prairiedogblues.com, by phone at 608-326-0085 or by mail at 318 South Wacouta Ave., Prairie du Chien, WI 53821.
For more information on accommodations and other attractions in the Prairie du Chien area, call 800-732-1673 or visit www.prairieduchien.org.
