MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW) – For music lovers, few sounds are as timeless as the blues. On Saturday, Aug. 15, Marion residents and visitors will once again have the opportunity to experience that tradition firsthand as the Coldwell Banker Realty Marion Blues Festival returns for another day of free live entertainment.

This year’s festival moves to a new location at the OK Cafe, 734 E. Center St., where four regional bands will perform from 2 to 10 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, offering an afternoon and evening of music in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

Presented by TruBlues 97.5 and Marion Makes Music, the festival has become a summer tradition that highlights both accomplished musicians and the enduring legacy of the blues.

A Sound That Shaped Modern Music

While the festival celebrates blues music itself, its influence reaches far beyond a single genre. Blues laid the foundation for rock and roll, rhythm and blues, soul, country, jazz, and countless artists who continue to shape today’s music.

Festival organizers hope the event introduces new listeners to that history while giving longtime fans an opportunity to enjoy outstanding live performances close to home.

“The blues are more than music—they’re part of America’s cultural history,” said Scott Shawver of TruBlues 97.5. “Our goal is to create an event that not only brings outstanding musicians to Marion but also introduces new audiences to the music that influenced generations of artists.”

Regional Talent Takes the Stage

This year’s lineup features four bands representing a variety of blues styles throughout the day:

Whether attendees stay for a favorite performer or settle in for the entire afternoon, organizers encourage guests to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the festival at their own pace.