Indianapolis music festivals haven’t always had the best relationship with Mama Nature (ask Indy Jazz Fest and the Broad Ripple Art Fair). But by the time the gates at the first Broad Ripple Blues Fest were open, it was going to be smooth sailing, weather-wise. Musically, it all depends on your answer to the question: “What is blues?”

Local representation kicked off the festival with Gene Deer and Gordon Bonham. Deer’s blend of rockin’ blues got everyone on their feet. Bonham’s solid choice of blues is more traditional. You can tell because the same dancers sat during his set. Or it was too hot. Or they spent their energy during Gene’s set. You be the judge.

And now for the non-traditional portion of the blues festival: Joe Bonamassa and Indigenous. Note: Both get regular play on rock radio.

Bonamassa and his band was high octane and jammed out some good blues-rock. They also threw in a cover of Blind Faith’s “Had To Cry Today” and some Yes. Joe’s bassist told me he never claimed to be a blues man and that the band has “pissed off a few blues societies across the country.” Liberal blues fans would say these guys help “build the bridge” between blues and rock.

Don’t get me wrong, Indigenous is a solid band. There were grooves and jams and solos, but the band was there for those who don’t like blues at their blues festivals. Of course, the crowd ate it up. I understand festivals want to attract a variety of people so the musical lineup reflects the diversity of the crowd, etc. Call me the world’s youngest crabby old blues fan, OK?

The irony of the previous paragraph is that the headliner was Taj Mahal, who’s recorded a few Hawaiian and African albums in his career. He grabbed the crowd right away with his smooth talkin’ “Annie Mae.” For Taj fans, it was a satisfying greatest hits show (“Blues With A Feeling,” “Fishin’ Blues,” “Honey Bee,” “Creole Belle”). For the Bonamassa/Indigenous crowd, it was an opportunity to see (I’m saying it) a living legend. Taj Mahal’s performance was one of the highlights of the summer season.

Overall, the first (not first annual) BRBF was a success. Not perfect, musically, if you’re a crabby old blues fan, but a success nonetheless.