August 29

Capital city residents can expect less competition at this year’s Old Capitol Blues & BBQs Festival — but we’re not talking about between BBQ vendors or blues entertainers.

“We’re not planning on having to accommodate President Obama,” DSI event coordinator Ann Frescura says. “It was quite an honor to have him here on the same day as our event, but it wasn’t without its challenges.”

Even so, the 2008 event reached a record of 40 BBQ competitors — a number DSI would like to see repeated. During the contest, teams set up stations downtown and grill pork entries from 11 a.m. to the 4 p.m. deadline. Judges determine the winner based on the meat’s appearance, tenderness and taste. Spectators can visit BBQ booths and crown their own favorites.

Locally and nationally known blues talent join in the fun, both on the main stage lineup and during the Illinois Central Blues Club’s Third Annual Blues Challenge. As many as 10 bands and four solo-duo acts play for 25 minutes apiece for the chance to represent the club at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2010. Five judges decide who’s got the blues based on elements like originality, voice, instrumentals and stage presence.

“It’s always a high quality range of music and outstanding BBQ,” Frescura says of the fan-favorite festival. “It’s a perfect blend for a summer outing.”

The 2009 Old Capitol Blues & BBQs Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29, noon-midnight, at Fifth and Washington streets downtown. Admission is $5. For more information visit www.downtownspringfield.org.

— Amanda Robert