The ARTSQUEST CENTER at STEELSTACKS in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania hosted the 6th annual BLAST
FURNACE BLUES FESTIVAL back in March. Among the many performers were headliners VICTOR
WAINWRIGHT and ANA POPOVIĆ.
VICTOR WAINWRIGHT
Georgia native Wainwright has his share of accolades including numerous blues music awards—including
“BB King Entertainer of the Year”—along with records on the BILLBOARD BLUES CHARTS in the top 10.
However, it seemed as though his most treasured reward to date was the receptive response he received
while connecting with his audience—and it was apparent that he reveled in dispensing joy through his music
to those that listened.
The warm and amicable Wainwright effortlessly moved up and down his piano, belting out honky tonk,
boogie woogie, and soul music. Together with his 3-piece band, they delivered this hard-driving blues
continuously while injecting his affable personality. Wainwright and his band built in some variety as well,
with an a cappella stroll among the audience and an extended jam to "I Wanna Be Like You" from Disney's
“The Jungle Book”. Each tune built upon the last with a growing energy that, by the end of the 75 minute
performance, culminated in a standing ovation.