U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Representative Bruce Braley (D-IA) have announced that $451,290 has been secured for Scott Community College to construct a connector road from the south end of College Loop Drive to a second entrance at US 67. The funds will also be used to make intersection improvements to US 67. A second route is important to the college for safety as well as to reduce congestion.

Three years ago, the Black Banjo Gathering was held in North Carolina to celebrate "the African American heritage of the banjo, which has not only a historic past, but also a resurgent present, and a great future," according to the event's Web site (http://blackbanjo.com).

Part of that future is the Carolina Chocolate Drops, an African American string trio whose members first met at the gathering. The young group - two members are in their mid-20s, and one is 31 - should help keep alive a rich tradition of the Piedmont string band.

Kilborn Alley Blues Band, 5 p.m.

Kilborn Alley is Andrew Duncanson (lead vocals, guitar), Joe Asselin (harmonica), Josh Stimmel (guitar), Chris Breen (bass), and Ed O'Hara (drums). They are 2007 Blues Music Award nominees for Best New Artist Debut and 2008 Blues Music Award nominees for Contemporary Blues Album of the Year. They will be opening the Blues Fest on the main stage and will also be the house band for the after-fest showcase.

Little Bobby & the Storm, 2 p.m.