MOORPARK, CA - The 8th Annual Ventura County Blues Festival announces this year’s event date and a new location – Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Moorpark College. Tickets are on sale now.

Previously known as the Simi Valley Blues Festival and located at a west Simi Valley county park, the festival now is presented by the new Ventura County Blues Society. It was moved to a venue suitable for larger audiences expected to come see the renowned blues artists scheduled to perform.

Headlining will be the legendary Johnny Rivers, who had nine Top-10 hits in the 1960s and 1970s, including the No. 1 “Poor Side of Town” and the television series theme “Secret Agent Man.” Overall he has sold more than 30 million records.

The festival also will feature Savoy Brown featuring Kim Simmonds; Kenny Neal; Dona Oxford; Preston Smith & the Crocodiles; and Michael John and the Bottom Line. There will be an artist booth for attendees to meet performing artists including the headliners.

“We have an exceptional lineup and expect a big crowd, so early ticket purchases are highly recommended,” said Michael John, president of the Ventura County Blues Society. “We are thrilled with the new venue so more people can come and enjoy the blues while raising needed funds for local charities.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Moorpark College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for scholarships and other college needs, as well as the American Diabetes Association and other local charities.

Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance via event website www.venturacountyblues.com, or by calling the festival hotline at (805) 501-7122. Tickets at the gate will be $30.

Doors open at 10 a.m., musical performances begin at 11 a.m. and last to 7:15 p.m. The festival will feature food and craft vendors, a kids’ area, guitar giveaway and more. Scheduled to emcee is local celebrity Mickey Jones.

The Moorpark College Foundation is pleased to host such a significant musical event at the campus. “Our job is to raise funds as well as awareness for everything that Moorpark College has to offer,” said Elad Goren, Foundation president. “The Ventura County Blues Festival should attract visitors from throughout the region and showcase the campus while raising needed funds for our Foundation and other local charities.”

The Moorpark Kiwanis Club will assist with event parking, and the event also is supported by generous sponsors including Cal State Site-Services, Inc., Guitar Center, Shock Top Belgian White beer, Holiday Inn Express, Welcome to the Neighborhood magazine, Ventura County Star, Simon Productions, DayInSimiValley.com and SimiValleyNightOut.com. Stage provided by Live Sound Professional Sound Reinforcement.

Rivers’ career dates back to the late 1950s and includes the 1960s hits “Poor Side of Town,” “Secret Agent Man” and “Summer Rain.” The singer, guitarist, songwriter and record producer won two Grammy Awards and has 17 Gold records and 29 chart hits.

Savoy Brown is one of the earliest British blues bands, helping to launch the late-‘60s blues revival in Britain and America. The band has been called “legendary,” a “blues-rock institution” and “true innovators” by critics and fans the past 40 years.

Kenny Neal is an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist known as a modern swamp-blues master. Dona Oxford has performed with legendary performers such as Keith Richards, Bob Weir, Levon Helm, Buddy Guy and Johnnie Johnson.

For the festival schedule, map, tickets or more information please visit www.venturacountuyblues.com or call (805) 501-7122.