“The Show Must Go On: The 28th Annual Joe Douglas Old School & Blues Festival Thrives at Huntsville Dragway, Despite Rain, Mud, and Adversity”

By Dr. Jerome Dorn 

Rain Couldn’t Stop the Rhythm — The Music Roared Louder Than the Storm

The forecast called for rain, but the hearts of thousands beat louder than the thunder at the 28th Annual Joe Douglas Old School & Blues Festival. Held at the iconic Huntsville Dragway, the festival was a mud-splashed, soul-soaked testament to the power of music, unity, and unwavering Southern spirit. No storm could silence the legends — and no downpour could wash away the vibe.

Fans came prepared, bringing their lawn chairs, umbrellas, ponchos, and their love for classic soul, blues, and hip-hop. With every raindrop, the bond between the artists and the audience only grew stronger — because when the blues hits this hard, you feel it in your bones.

Opening Fire: One Degree Entertainment Sets the Tone

Kicking off the festivities, One Degree Entertainment set the stage ablaze with an unforgettable showcase of rising talent, reminding everyone that the next generation of soul and blues is alive and thriving. Their opening acts ignited the crowd, setting a high bar before the legends stepped in.

The Icons Deliver – Rain or Shine

The moment the headliners hit the stage, the Huntsville Dragway turned into a celebration of Black music history. From the electric energy of Big Daddy Kane, who had the crowd rapping along to every verse, to the smooth, funk-driven sounds of Midnight Star that turned the wet pavement into a dance floor, it was clear: nothing was stopping this show.

LeVelle brought modern soul flavor with a throwback heart, earning ovations that echoed into the hills. And when The Legendary Isley Brothers stepped out, the rain seemed to pause in reverence. With their timeless hits like “Between the Sheets” and “For the Love of You,” the crowd was transported — ponchos, muddy boots, and all — into pure, musical bliss.

“This is what we live for,” said a fan named Marcus Thomas, drenched but beaming. “This is soul therapy. This is family.”

Joe Douglas: The Vision Lives On

For festival founder Joe Douglas, this year’s event proved exactly why the tradition continues to matter.

“For 28 years, we’ve brought the people what they love,” said Joe Douglas Jr.  “The weather might change, but the heart of this festival never does. We’re here for the culture, for the legends, and for the people.”

Despite muddy grounds and steady rain, the energy never dipped. Whether fans were two-stepping in puddles or singing along under umbrellas, one thing remained clear: the music was medicine — and the show was unstoppable.

Closing Notes: A Festival for the History Books

As the night closed with cheers, laughter, and soaked clothes turned souvenirs, the 28th Annual Joe Douglas Old School & Blues Festival proved that resilience, rhythm, and soul are forces of nature in their own right.

Rain came. Mud stuck. But the music? It soared.

Because when it comes to the music — the show must go on.