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I'm not saying that last year's Monterey Bay Blues Festival was lackluster, but it didn't bring the big names to town that it's consistently brought in the past like B.B., Taj or Etta.

This year's festival, which happens June 24-26 at the Fairgrounds, has big-time acts on board including legendary soul goddess, Mavis Staples (above), longtime funk-instrumental outfit, The Bar-Kays (top) and master of the nuvo-gospel blues, Ruthie Foster (below).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOfonsEH79E

That’s just the tip of the mainstage iceberg. Other performers include: Bobby Rush, Millie Jackson, Dazz Band, Charlie Jene, Magic Slim & the Teardrops, Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Chick Willis, Blues at Eleven, Sharon Lewis & J.C. Smith Band, Peabo Bryson, Freddie Jackson, Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Osborn.

There are also two other stages that will host a plethora of blues, soul, jazz, funk and gospel talent.