The festival kicks off Thursday night with an evening of down home blues featuring national recording artist and American Idol alum CASEY JAMES. Also taking the stage is blues legend RAY REED along with JIM SUHLER & MONKEY BEAT, HOLLAND K. SMITH, RUBEN V and DYLAN BISHOP. Arlington Mayor, The Honorable Jeff Williams and Mrs. Karen Williams will serve as the honorary hosts of the evening which will benefit Fort Worth’s Jubilee Theatre.