HopCat WYCE Blue Bridge Music Festival

ArtPrize 10, Grand Rapids, MI

September 29, 2018

by Amy McClees, Contributing Blogger

photo by Amy McClees

The Blue Bridge Music Festival at ArtPrize 10 in Grand Rapids, MI was a colder, more subdued event. In an outdoor venue like this, it often depends on weather as to the atmosphere and attendance. Walking past the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum on the way to the Blue Bridge, there were throngs of ArtPrizers admiring the Cat/Lion sculpture Dare to Dream Big by Chris Navarro, an ArtPrize 10 entry display.

photo by Amy McClees

Cameron Blake played guitar to a respectful welcoming audience. He was accompanied by a flutist, keyboardist, stand-up bass, cello and drums. Cameron’s band includes Martin Spence (keyboard), Jennifer Fortosis (backup vocals and flute), Jill Collier Warne (cello), Ian Thompson (upright bass), Andy Szumowski (drums), and Debra Perry & Majestic Praise (gospel group on Queen Bee).

The mostly acoustic ensemble was trying to assemble in a little bit of wind over a river, which, by most musicians standards is out of the ordinary.

photo by Amy McClees

They opened their set with the title song, “Fear Not.” It is a piano/keyboard-based acoustic ballad and involves musicians and instruments that take skill and talent to play. According to his website, he learned to play the violin at age 12 and has since received a master’s degree in 2007 from the Peabody Institute of Music in Baltimore.

photo by Amy McClees

He has been a favorite of Local Spins and has been featured at the SpeakEZ Lounge also. “While having a full time job and family including 2 children, he writes most of his songs standing at the sink doing the dishes” according to press for the Fear Not album.

photo by Amy McClees

I find the opening song of the talented group in front of me very ironic, after having been a repeated victim of thefts and vandalism to vehicles, one of which happened three years ago at an evening venue for ArtPrize in the heart of downtown.

Looking Ahead

Keep an eye on the Events page of Cameron Blake’s website for upcoming gig information, though the calendar is currently empty. You can also follow Cameron via his Facebook page.

photo by Amy McClees