7th Annual Blues Masters at the Crossroads
Friday, October 15th and Saturday, October 16th, 2004

Here is what some of the lucky people who attended had to say:

"For years now, I've wanted to attend Blues Masters at the Crossroads, the annual concert weekend that Chad Kassem hosts at his Blue Heaven Studios in Salina, Kansas...What I experienced was one of the greatest weekends of music and friendship I'd ever encountered...I remember walking into the Church - for that is what Blue Heaven Studios was - for the first time. It really was an awe-inspiring moment - it sort of takes your breath away. Every ounce of decor has been carefully restored while no expense has been spared in the wiring and outfitting of a fully-fledged recording studio. They've really done an outstanding job of maintaining the look, feel and great acoustics of the church, while not detracting from this when the studio portion was added to the rear of the building...As concerts go, this is one jam-packed musical weekend. No fewer than 16 acts appear in two evening sessions. The program began at approximately 7:15 in the evening and the last curtain call wasn't until a quarter after midnight. Ticket prices at the door are a measly $40, and if that's not a bargain then I don't know what is." - Richard Foster, Hi-Fi+, Issue 38

"Do you believe in magic? How about legends? Masters of the blues? This year's 'Blues Masters at the Crossroads' was the 7th annual gathering for one of the most unique and least-known Blues events in the world...Blue Heaven Studios in Salina, KS is the setting each fall for a public recording session involving some of the best-known as well as least-known 'Blues Masters.' The recording studio is a beautiful old church that has been equipped with state of the art acoustic equipment, engineers and a healthy does of magic. The venue deserves an article by itself (some other time)...Each performer seemed to delight in the unique setting of the venue and the audience who listened intently to their offerings. In addition to the listening, there was also time to mingle with the artists in the church basement between sets, to visit or get an autograph on a newly purchased CD. I intend to return often (6 out of 7 so far) to 'Blues Masters at the Crossroads' and to thank Chad personally for what I know is a labor of love for him. I encourage you to seek out the next opportunity yourself. Remember that tickets are limited, so advance planning can prevent disappointments. See 'ya there!" - Ken Lockman, Holler, Bimonthly News of the Colorado Blues Scene, February-March 2005

"The intimate setting and great acoustics of the wooden interior of this old cathedral is unique among blues festival venues...The wildly enthusiastic crowd got the chance to meet the artists up close and personal in the basement of the church throughout the two evenings...At Blue Heaven, Chad has recorded aging black blues musicians, many of whom have been under appreciated and treated poorly by the industry, in state-of-the-art analog and digital sound, preserving their artistry forever. The meaning of his work has become especially poignant, as many of these artists have since passed away...Our best wishes to Chad for many more successful years of stunning Blues Masters at the Crossroads festivals. It's become an event that your authors can't bear to miss." - Dave Glackin and John Volk, Positive Feedback Online, Issue 16, Nov/Dec 2004

"Back in CA - we are in a state of complete and utter shock - having left behind the church, the music, the people and incredible high of it all over the past weekend. I just have to say it one more time - what a superb, over-the-top, unforgettable experience it has been for the three of us! At risk of making a bad pun (KS being tornado country), I would like to say that we WERE, indeed, blown away!" - Natasha Krol, San Francisco

"Never before have I been so moved by such talented blues musicians as I was during your recent concerts. I drove all the way from near Toronto, primarily to see Homesick James and was treated to the entire lineup as a bonus. I enjoyed EVERY performance, and want Chad to know how honoured I felt just to be there. Thank you all for your Kansas hospitality as you treated me like royalty. Now, the biggest problem is, we've got to wait for a whole year to witness this very unique experience all over again!" - Fred
Barfoot, New Lowell, Ontario, CANADA

"Once again, thanks for the most gracious hospitality and the absolutely top-notch festival. I've played festivals all over the U.S. and Europe, and I have to say that your festival has the best sound/sound reinforcement hands down in the world. The sound, vibe and setting were state-of-the-freaking-art, end of story." - Bob Lohr, St. Louis

"Chad was in great form & my sincere thanks go out to him for putting together such a killer 3 days. It was good fun partying with his staff as well...I'll be jumpin' from the music for a long time to come...Just my favorite picks among a group of 16 acts...Millage Gilbert plus King Alex, Cootie Stark, SilverCloud, Leroy Jodie Pierson & Texas Johnny Brown. Man these were nothing short of outrageous performers. Tight, right & some of
the coolest dudes on the planet." - Duane Goldman, St. Louis

"Chad, I can't begin to express my appreciation for everything you and your teams (at Acoustic Sounds and Blue Heaven) did - Shari and I felt like we were family. Your generosity and overwhelming courtesy is something we'll never forget...everyone was simply great...This was one of the best times I can ever remember! There were so many high points, including rubbing elbows with the musicians...and of course the great music performed. I'm at a loss to know what to say, so I'll make it simple: Thank you. Best wishes, and continued success!" - Jeff Bernhard, Plantation, Florida