MONROE — The long-term weather forecast for June 14 and 15 in Monroe is hot; hot air and hot blues are on tap for the 2019 Balloon and Blues Festival, with two days of color in the sky, fire on the ground and a smokin’ lineup on stage.
Hot air balloons go up on Friday and Saturday around 6 p.m. and Saturday morning at 6 a.m. Balloons float with the wind over the countryside of Southern Wisconsin’s Green County. When the propane runs low, pilots look for open fields to land, providing a spectacle for “balloon chasers” and photographers, and on occasion some curious Holsteins or Brown Swiss. For evening balloon lift-off from the Green County Fairgrounds, keep an eye to the sky and an ear tuned to the stage. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to stake out a spot near the music tent.
Always a favorite crowd pleaser are the “balloon glows” at dusk on Friday and Saturday night. The pilots tether their balloons and fire up the propane. Hot colors run hotter, the dark sky gets brighter, and the stage starts smoking.
Dave Potter gets the party started Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. with an assist from Madison Slim (aka Mark Koenig) on harp. Potter’s been working the mojo on his own brand of the Chicago sound since he first picked up a guitar at age 10.
Friday evening showcases the grit, soul and charm of Milwaukee-based band Altered Five at 8:30 p.m.
The vocals of Jeff Taylor plus the guitar work of Jeff Schroedl are a force to be reckoned with; contemporary blues fused with vintage soul. Altered Five’s single “Charmed and Dangerous” won Blues Song of the Year at the 2018 Wisconsin Area Music Awards, and the band was also named Blues Artist of the Year.
Saturday afternoon the music starts at 2:30 p.m. with hometown favorite Birddog Blues Band featuring the vibe and the signature sounds of Ken “Bird Dog” Olufs on the harp.
Next up is Ivy Ford Band at 4:30 p.m. “Chicago’s Blues Kitten” will let the good times roll for some sultry blues with an indigo attitude. On her latest album “Time to Shine” Ford doubles on vocals and guitar; a signature custom black and white polka dot Stratocaster. She’s opened for Buddy Guy and plays the Chicago Blues Festival earlier in June.
New York Blues Hall of Famer Dave Fields takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. with blues, rock and beyond. No one can bend the notes like Fields when he has a guitar in his hands. He’s high energy, funky nerves, a fiery and soulful performer.
The Saturday night headliner will start at 8:30 p.m. Brandon Santini hits all the right (sliding) notes: funk and jazz and blues tinged with the flair of country rock. His influences are as much the Rolling Stones and Tom Petty as they are Muddy Waters. Santini has played everywhere from Mumbai, India to Memphis, Tennessee, and now right here in Monroe. This is one band you cannot miss.
Monroe Balloon and Blues Festival is sponsored by major “crown sponsor” Klondike Cheese in Monroe — home of Odyssey Brands feta cheese and Greek yogurt, along with artisan cheese crafted under the Buholzer Brothers label. In balloon lingo, the crown refers to the very top of the balloon, and Klondike represents the top of the game when it comes to award-winning cheese and Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers.
Balloon and Blues is presented by The Arc of Green County, an organization that assists individuals with disabilities to enhancing educational opportunities, independent living, social experiences and general enjoyment of life.
Admission to the Green County Fairgrounds, 2600 10th Street in Monroe, is free, with parking onsite for a nominal fee. Street parking is available around the fairgrounds.
On site: beer, wine and food vendors. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Proceeds from the Beer and Wine Stand will go toward projects and causes of The Arc.
Call 888-222-9111 for a Green County Visitor Guide and map. For the latest schedule of weekend events, including the Classic Cruse-In Car Show, craft show, helicopter rides and pony rides, visit monroeballoonrally.com or follow the event on Facebook at facebook.com/balloonrally/.