A strong lineup of singers and musicians will be painting Rivertown blue on Saturday, Sept. 16 for what is rapidly turning into a venerable institution - the Delta Blues Festival, now in its eighth year of rocking Waldie Plaza in downtown Antioch.

"Blues music is a true American art form. It reaches the soul if you'll hear it," said event organizer Frank Giovanni. "That alone gives it the right to be celebrated."

The event will feature The Blue Roots, Earl Thomas, Souled Blue, Blues Logic and Texas blues guitar legend Roy Gaines.

"He will shake the Earth," said Giovanni about Gaines. "He is a big presence."

The entertainment also includes Chris Cobb, who will present The Bay Area Blues Divas featuring Leah Tysse, Mz. Dee, The Princess Honeychille and Wendy Dewitt.

Also on hand in the comfortable, family-oriented environment will be craft booths and food vendors.

"This is a very community-focused event," said Giovanni, adding that the backdrop of the Delta and train tracks is a great experience for children. "In this world of dotcoms, it is pretty cool for a kid to see a locomotive go by during the show."

The Delta Blues Festival was begun in 1998 by David Williamson, who died in a car crash not long after the fifth festival. Williamson's family and friends, with help from Giovanni, have made sure his blues legacy survives and thrives.

"This is his brainchild. The first year (after Williamson's death) it was a little overwhelming because we were still dealing with the grief of a close friend," said Giovanni.

"The volunteers really help," he said, adding that the celebration is possible because of their efforts and support from community. "They put their heart and soul into it."

The volunteers are Gail Lueck, Gina Hendrickson, Jay Smith, Trevor Donaghu, Randy Sampson, Rick Carraher, Manny Soliz, Diane Gibson-Gray, Donna Salazar, Judi Hagen, Laurel Hagen, Kyle Dieker and Ryan Dieker.

The Delta Blues Festival begins at noon off Second Street between G and I streets and goes to 7:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free; no pets or alcohol are allowed. For more information, visit www.deltabluesfestival.net.

Sponsors include Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch, City of Antioch, Contra Costa Newspapers, Comcast, Mirant Corporation, Bell Investment Advisors, Allied Waste Services, Kaiser Permanente, Pepsi Cola Bottling Group, AT&T, Morales & Gary, Ramada Inn of Antioch, Midas of Antioch, Progressive Electric and Data, Mac Akin and Antioch Rivertown Business Association.