The second annual Roots & Blues Festival at the historic Midland Railroad Hotel will be held on Sept. 27 and 28, in conjunction with Wilson Tourism Hub Inc. Wilson Tourism Hub Inc. has supported the idea and significance of bringing music to the center of Kansas, especially in rural areas such as Wilson. The economic impact in a Rural community with tourism driven events occurring on a regular basis such as the Roots & Blues Festival allows for a time to showcase the community.

The headlining band, Kelley Hunt & The 5 kick off the festival Friday night “Most people know I’ve had a long international touring and recording career, but as a Kansas artist one of my favorite things has always been to play for people in my home state. I love to see venues being restored and coming to life in Kansas and I love to see events like the Midland Roots and Blues Festival happening in towns like Wilson. We’re capable of great creative things in our state and I’m honored to be part of this really cool home-state festival. So fellow Kansans come on out, we’re gonna have a ball,” said Hunt. Along with eight bands performing over the two-day festival, on Saturday the day will start with an acoustic lunch show at The Barn with various vendors and “Two Brothers & A Pig” BBQ food truck will be serving lunch. 

Event schedule:

Sept. 27

Tom Pevear: Tom Pevear - 6-7 p.m.  

Kelley Hunt & The 5 : Kelley Hunt - Music with righteous roots, Kansas City native Kelley Hunt leverages Roots, R&B, and Americana as a singer, songwriter, piano player and guitarist - 7:15-8:45 p.m.

Sept. 28

Tom Pevear: Tom Pevear - noon-1 p.m. 

Lem Sheppard: Home - 1:15-2:15 p.m.

John Paul Drum & Bill Dye: Home - John Paul Drum - 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Lonesome Stranger: (17) Lonesome Stranger Band - 4-4:45p.m.

Dustin Arbuckle & The Damnations: Dustin Arbuckle & The Damnations - 5-6:30 p.m.

Grand Marquis: Grand Marquis band - 7:15-8:15 p.m.

Mike Morgan & The Crawl: Mike Morgan And The Crawl - 8:15-10 p.m.