Mississippi Heat headlines the 3rd annual SAMI City Blues Fest.
The free music festival, which takes place Saturday on the grounds of Quaker Steak & Lube in downtown Sharon, Pa., is presented by the Sharon Arts & Music Initiative in collaboration with the Winner Foundation, Joy Cone Company and Steve's Teez Custom Screen Printing
The lineup features a mix of national and regional blues talent.
Mississippi Heat has been called one of Chicago's top bands by both the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times. Its original songs are influenced by Chicago blues legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Jimmy Reed, Jimmy Rogers and Sonny Boy Williamson. Its latest album is ''Delta Bound.''
Also on the bill is Eddie Shaw & the Wolf Gang. The saxophone-playing frontman moved from Mississippi to Chicago in 1957 after sitting in with Muddy Waters' band and being hired on the spot. In addition to recording and touring with his own band, Shaw has worked with such artists as Otis Rush, Freddie King and Hound Dog Taylor.
Other main stage acts are Studebaker John & the Hawks, the Max Schang Blues Band featuring Rodger Montgomery and Travis Moonchild Haddix.
Acts on the second stage include Kids of the Blues, Colin Greenan - ''The Transpacific Bluesman,'' Miss Freddye & Blue Faze and The River Saints.
Artist Michael DeBonis created the ''Cool Blues'' artwork for this year's festival, and limited edition signed prints will be available for $25. More than 35 regional artists will be displaying and selling their work during the day.
Activities for children include an inflatable bounce house, face painting, crafts and games along with professional storyteller Vicki Lingner.
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday outside Quaker Steak, 101 Chestnut St., and admission and parking are free.