The gates open on 4:30 today for the 12th annual Greater Ozarks Blues Festival in downtown Springfield, MO (the address of the unnamed venue is 504 W. Sunshine, Springfield MO 65807). 

This year will feature a local favorite, the ABS Band, along with several national-level heavy hitters during each of the festival's two days.

Headlining this first day, will be J.J. Grey and Mofro, a band that has been steadily moving up the ranks in the national blues circuit with a blues-based sonic alchemy that blends infectious soul with a stinging classic rock sensibility. Having just released their second full-length, Orange Blossoms, the band seems to be taking a cue (for the better) from the legacy of the Motown and Stax label more than ever. At the Greater Ozarks fest, they will be supported by the slick Tommy Castro Band. Starting off the night, however, will be not only the 2008 International Blues Challenge representatives from the Greater Ozark Blues Society (the organizer for the festival), the ABS Band, but also the winners of the IBC, Trampled Under Foot.

Tommorrow, the 6th, will be headlined by the great nexus of English blues and rock, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Although he's coming up on 75 within the next couple months, Mayall looks as feisty as ever on YouTube clips of recent performances, with off-the-cuff vocal and harmonica work that turbocharges his band's boogie. Mayall & Co. will be supported by the electric storm of the 2008 Blues Music Award "Best Band"-nominees The Mannish Boys. The night will be opened up by Cate Brothers, Teeny Tucker and the Deanna Bogart Band.

Fans can still purchase tickets for both days of the festival ($35 in advance or $40 at the gates), or just today ($20 each) or tommorrow ($30). Tickets can be purchased online, and more info on the festival can be found, at the festival's website, greaterozarksbluesfest.com, or on the phone by calling (417) 869-1334.