This past weekend, the base area of Blue Mountain Ski resort was transformed into a rockin', swingin' and dancin' outdoor blues event.

The 23rd annual Pennsylvania Blues Festival, sponsored by L.T. Verrastro Inc. and WZIY, brought in 15 national acts and a plethora of craft and music vendors.This is the third consecutive summer that the festival has been held at Blue Mountain. In previous years, it was held at Jack Frost Ski Resort.Two stages were constructed for the event: The Main Stage outside of the base lodge and the indoor Adventure Stage inside the snow tubing lodge.The main chair lift was also running, offering concertgoers a scenic view of the surrounding fields and mountains.Blues fans were eager to get the festival started. Campers began to line up at 7 a.m. Friday at the on-site camping area.The atmosphere was filled with good vibes and positive people."These people are all about rhythm, blues, rock 'n' roll, all sorts of genres mixed together," said Jim Dailey, general manager of Blue Mountain."What is unique about this event over any other we have is everybody is easygoing, they're all about fun, listening to music and party."Ester Wilbourn of the Mississippi-bred music group "Como Mamas," was thrilled by the weekend."I'm just excited about being here today, and it seems like the people just love us," the gospel singer said. "They're receiving the gift that God gave to us, and we're spreading that gift to the world."Raymond Smalls has been coming to see famous blues acts take the stage in the Poconos for over eight years.Although Smalls has love for the festival, he fears that the spirit of blues music may be dying."It's getting a little more compact," the Queens, New York, native said."Before, it started out as much bigger crowds than this in the Pocono mountains at Jack Frost. Now it seems to be a little bit more condensed."In fact, the stage count has decreased from four to two in recent years.Dailey and his team are working hard to ensure this doesn't happen."Blues fest enthusiasts are hard-core," Dailey said."We want to make sure we deliver the product they expect. I hope that we have not failed them in any way.""The best part is just seeing the people hang out," said Robbie Dewitt, Allentown."It's a good time. I don't want it to end."But if you'd ask any of the attendees, they have no plans to discontinue their blues fest visits.As long as blues, rhythm, gospel and zydeco music maintain their subcultures, it most likely will not end.Blue Mountain will be hosting even more summer events, starting with Blue's Brew Fest on Aug. 15. For more details, visit

http://www.skibluemt.com/seasonal-activities/blues-brew-fest.