Stater Bros. Stadium was the site of Adelanto’s first-ever Blues Festival this past May where 1960s Blues/Rock band Canned Heat headlined the event. The festival was the brainchild of Adelanto City Councilman John “Bug” Woodard, Jr.

Woodard is committed to bringing the arts to Adelanto, not only for residents but for the whole High Desert. “It’s not just about Adelanto, we bring this for the entire Victor Valley,” Woodard said in an interview with the Victor Valley Daily Press. “It’s an investment in our future. It brings quality of life to our residents, brings all our people together.”

The festival featured 10 hours of music. In addition to Canned Heat, The 44s, New Blues Revolution, Might Mojo Prophets, Boxcar 7, Blue Henrys, DJ Parker, Victor Crain and the George Foster Band all played to an enthusiastic audience.

According to Woodard, the event was a success in more ways than one. Not only did it give residents a chance to attend a quality event locally, it drew a developer who expressed interest in building a housing tract in Adelanto.

Perhaps even more interesting is that it also attracted representatives from Farm Aid, the organization founded in 1985 by Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp, to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep farm families. Their annual concert is held at different venues around the country.

The inaugural event attracted more than 200 attendees. “Quite frankly, that was an exceptional kickoff,” Woodard said. “Just like anything new, it’s going to grow.”