Check out highlights from the Federal Way Symphony’s first Blues Festival, held Sept. 16 at Town Square Park. The event featured live music as well as craft beer, wine, cider and spirits.

Live performers included Mark Riley, Chris Stevens Band and Jay Mabin, Stickshift Annie, and the Federal Way Symphony Big Band with Maggie Laird.

Each ticket came with “tasting tokens” to sample beers from 7 Seas Brewing, Alaskan Brewing Co., Half Lion Brewing Co., Harmon Brewing Co., Jellyfish Brewing Co., Ninkasi Brewing Co., Odd Otter Brewing Co., The Ram and Rogue. Ciders were provided by Schilling Hard Cider. Federal Way’s Abbe Winery and Wilridge Winery were pouring reds and whites, while Blackfish Spirits Distillery served up bourbon, gin and more.

Proceeds benefit the Federal Way Symphony, including its Masters and Mentors program that provides free private music lessons to local youth. The Federal Way Symphony will also participate in the inaugural season of the city’s new Performing Arts and Event Center.

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Photos and video by Andy Hobbs, Federal Way Mirror

Mark Burr, a co-owner of Jellyfish Brewing Co., was among the vendors at Saturday’s Blues Festival. The brewery opened about six months ago in Seattle.

Federal Way Symphony volunteer Bob Kellogg sells pretzel necklaces at the Blues Festival held Sept. 16 at Town Square Park.

Federal Way Symphony volunteer Bob Kellogg sells pretzel necklaces at the Blues Festival held Sept. 16 at Town Square Park.