July 8, 2009 > You've got the Blues You've got the Blues By Mona Shah Summer speeds by with an abundance of festivals, but one of the largest of the season is the Russell City Blues Festival, celebrating Hayward's rich blues tradition. Sparking the careers of such Blue's legends as Big Joe Turner and Big Mama Thornton, Russell City is home to the best Blues in the West. This little town of African-American's who migrated to an unincorporated area of Hayward from the Deep South was one of the proving grounds for many blues musicians. During its heyday, Russell City was a down home community, known for its dirt floor clubs, bootleg electricity and steady stream of musicians playing a unique style of Delta Blues. The Bay Area Blues Society will resurrect the Blues of Russell City (where Southland Mall now stands) in a festival of great music, lectures and archival musical showings. This year's festival will feature an array of Texas Blues artists to celebrate the festival's 10th Anniversary theme, "From Texas to Russell City." The state of Texas will provide some of the greatest blues artists to ever perform in the bay area. Back by popular demand, the original car show will also make a return appearance. The Blues Festival continues to be a must-see for the weekend - the best in Blues, up close and personal the way it was meant to be. To purchase tickets and get a complete list of performers, please visit http://www.bayareabluessociety.net/2009_HRCBF.html. You've got the Blues Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hayward City Hall Plaza 777 "B" Street, Hayward (510) 836-2227 Kick off Party July 10 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Bistro 1001 B Street, Hayward (B and Main Streets) (510) 886-8525 After Party July 11 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Bistro 1001 B Street, Hayward (B and Main Streets) (510) 886-8525 $15 in advance / $20 at the door per day / $30 2-day in advance. $10 students/seniors (62+) in advance; $15 student/seniors (62+) at the door per day with ID.