Thousands of music lovers flock to Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival

Michelle Lin floated in a chain of inner tubes Saturday on the Russian River in Guerneville as the musical strains of her favorite soul singer echoed across the blue-green water.

The San Francisco resident, who was relaxing with friends at the start of the weekend Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival, couldn’t think of a better way to spend the day.

“This is awesome,” said Lin as she waded ashore in a bikini. “All music festivals should feature a lazy river like this.”

Lin was among about 3,000 music lovers to attend the 38th annual event on Johnson’s Beach, which continues Sunday.

Like many in the sun-drenched crowd, she spent much time in the water, sipping beer and listening music from artists like Grammy nominee Boney James and her favorite, neo-soul singer Goapele.

Lin wasn’t the only one to take to the river. Much like in years past, a flotilla of ice chest-laden canoes, kayaks and inner tubes anchored off shore, taking in the show for free.

Organizers said they’d love to sell the boaters tickets, which cost $50 a day, but conceded there was nothing they can do.

“They can’t block access to the river,” said Jim Jacobson of Vacation Beach, who came ashore in a kayak with his dog, Cosmos. “Everyone owns the river.”

But others seemed happy to pay the money and spread a blanket or raise an umbrella on the wide beach.

Eugene Turner of Sacramento danced with two women as performer Larry Graham, the former bassist of Sly and the Family Stone, belted out the funk classic, “Everyday People.”

“I love it,” said Turner, who wore a T-shirt that read, “Life’s short. Let’s party.” “It’s about letting it flow,” he said.

With temperatures reaching into the 80s, the cold beer was flowing from multiple taps. The smell of barbecue and deep-fried foods wafted through the crowd.

Festival-goers also pored over merchandise from more than a dozen vendors including concert shirts and pork-pie hats.

Sunday’s headliner is Grammy winning blues guitarist Gary Clark Jr. Also featured is New Orleans artist Trombone Shorty and Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings.

A slightly larger crowd is expected.

“It’s going to be like a Mardi Gras party,” promised organizer Ryan Cueva.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ppayne.