About the Marquette Area Blues Society

The Marquette Area Blues Society (MABS) was born on July 4, 2003, during the annual fireworks display in Marquette’s Lower Harbor Park. Founding members Terry Klavitter, April Lindala, and Walt Lindala loved the sights and sounds of Marquette—but they kept asking, “Why doesn’t this town have a blues festival?” 

Marquette’s residents love music and they love a good time—starting a blues society just made sense.

An announcement in the local papers brought together a group of like-minded music lovers, and the first MABS meeting was held on July 23, 2003, at the Peter White Public Library. Interest grew quickly, and the Marquette Area Blues Society officially became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation of blues music and culture in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

For 20 years, MABS proudly presented the Marquette Area Blues Fest each Labor Day weekend in downtown Marquette, bringing world-class blues artists to the shores of Lake Superior and building a loyal and passionate community of fans, volunteers, and supporters.

While the festival has come to a close, MABS continues to keep the blues alive and thriving through:

  • A quarterly concert series featuring national and local blues artists
  • The Bluesday Tuesday monthly blues program in collaboration with the Peter White Public Library
  • Expanded educational outreach efforts to introduce blues music to new generations
  • Regular updates and opportunities for members and sponsors to stay connected

We are a proud member of the Blues Foundation, and we invite you to become part of our community. Consider signing up for a membership and help us share the power, soul, and joy of the blues throughout the U.P.

Thank you for your support!

Marquette Area Blues Society