Fest-goers from all around the county had the opportunity to experience a one-of-a-kind music festival, when Moorpark College hosted the ninth annual Ventura County Blues Festival on April 26.

A full day of blues music and family enjoyment was marked by the energetic lineup that kept the crowd amused. The show was headlined by Fabulous Thunderbird’s front man, Kim Wilson and his Blues All-stars.

The festival opened with an a cappella duet of the national anthem. Followed by the Ventura County Blues Society Band Challenge winner, Lightnin’ Willie. The 45-minute set, warmed up the audience that was impatiently waiting for some blues.

Next in line, was Michael John and The Bottom Line, including BMA nominee vocalist, Karen Lovely and guitar player BB Chung King.

Hearts melted when Michael John’s grandson, Dylan, made an appearance on stage. The two-year-old performed “You Talk Too Much” by John Lee, along with his father Mickey Mo and his grandfather.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was told he was only two years old,” said Moorpark resident Mayra Rodriguez. “He’s definitely got the blues in his blood.”

Surprise appearances of guitarist Alastair Greene, John Marks and Joey Delgado from the Delgado Brothers, kept the blues coming and the audience growing.

Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers were up next along with guest artist Coco Montoya.

The festival’s lineup also included soulful vocalist, Sista Monica Parker and Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue featuring Sugaray Rayford with Kid Ramos and friends, who definitely made the out of the night something special.

“This is fantastic,” said Simi Valley resident Wendy Goose. “So many number one acts playing in one place, right after each other. They are all headliners.”

Musician and actor Mickey Jones has been the celebrity emcee for the Blues Festival every year since its beginning. He kept the audience entertained with his presence in between sets.

The family-oriented festival benefits the American Diabetes Association, as well as local charities.

Moorpark High School student Hannah Giffin, 16, is the youth ambassador for the Los Angeles American Diabetes Association. About 15 percent of the festival proceeds go toward the association.

“It makes me feel like people want to help when people come, and ask questions and they want to learn,” said Giffin. “People do care, they want to learn.”

During the past seven years she has raised over $70,000 for the association. When Giffin was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 11, she decided that she wanted to be part of finding a cure. With the help of the Ventura County Blues Festival, Giffin has been able to accomplish her goals.

“Diabetes is very lonely disease,” said Giffin. “[The festival] definitely makes it feel like you have a bigger community around you and supporting you.”

Michael John Basowski, president of the Ventura County Blues Society, said his vision of making an impact in his community led him to host his first blues festival with only a few people in his backyard.

“Our goal is the bigger the better,” said Basowski. “The more people we have in attendance, the more we have to give out to the community. We always try to do our best.”

Simi Valley resident Victoria Peabody had a tent selling raffle tickets for a quilt she and two other colleagues made. The proceeds benefit the Warrior Dog Foundation and Help-Vets.com.

“This is absolutely fantastic. Michael John and Mickey Jones have done a fantastic job on doing something to bring a community together,” said Peabody. “It is a day in the park with the most fantastic musicians in the whole wide world.”

Among this year new attractions was the VIP area. This new addition to the festival allowed audience members to enjoy the private shade, restrooms and bar. Plus, dozens of food and music-related vendors made a special event for music fans and their families. Even the younger audience members were able to enjoy the day with the different craft booths.

“Families can come in the daytime, bring their strollers, their teenagers; the teenagers can bring their parents,” said Peabody. “And there’s so much to do, so many vendors that have excellent quality products.”

With Moorpark College as a home for the second time, the festival received full support from the Moorpark College Foundation. Students, faculty and administration at Moorpark College all played a role in helping out with the festival.

“We had approximately 40 students, as well as football players and basketball players volunteering,” said sociology faculty member Kari Meyers. “Several of the sociology students are here for extra credit as well.”

Meyer’s students are expected to write an essay and make a connection between the blues festival and sociology.

“[The festival] brings recognition to the college,” said former Human Resources manager Don Diamond. “And people may not know there is a college out here in this city, so it helps bring recognition to this area.”

The event, drawing nearly $3,000, according to Basowski, left the audience happy and content.

“I think the event went well overall,” said Basowski. “People really enjoyed themselves.”