Editor, Gazette-Journal:

My wife and I attended the Main Street Association’s "Blues & Brews" event last weekend. I’m sure I speak for almost all who attended by expressing my wholehearted thanks to the Gloucester Main Street Association for offering our community such an outstanding event.

The blend of blues music and microbrew beers was a huge success in many ways. The music and libation were outstanding, the large gathering’s mood matched the perfect weather, and a wonderful time was had by all throughout the 11 a.m.-7 p.m. festivities. The five musical acts played a wide range of blues (and a smattering of other) music during each of their one-hour sets before a very enthusiastic audience. The musical highlight for me and many other locals was the appearance of Gloucester native and Nashville recording artist Sarah Williams. Using only a keyboard, her wonderful voice and her own songs, she entertained a very appreciative and SRO crowd. Many thanks go to Sarah for her graciousness in coming home to play for this event.

The wide range and outstanding tastes of the microbrews also matched the quality of the music. Wine and food from Main Street’s restaurants were also available for those in attendance. It was very rewarding to see our community so strongly support this event; all whom my wife and I spoke with expressed our same level of enthusiasm in describing the very enjoyable time had by so many.

Many thanks to Jenny Crittenden and Jen Christman of the Main Street Association and all others who assisted them in making "Blues & Brews" such a raging success. This is but one of many outstanding events which the association offers our community. Special thanks also go to Warren Haskell and Kelsick Market for selecting and coordinating the 20+ microbrews made available on Saturday. We’re already looking forward to the second annual "Blues & Brews" next fall

Steve Parker

Gloucester, Va.