By RODNEY HART

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

The Quincy Area Blues Fest is known for its downtown Quincy park atmosphere, great blues music and hot weather.

Two out of three wasn't bad Friday night at the 16th annual event kicked off in Washington Park. In fact, it was welcomed.

Cloudy skies and cool breezes kept it comfortable in the park. In past years, temperatures have soared into triple digits with high humidity.

"If this is global warming, I'll take it," said Jerry Davis of the Mid-Mississippi Muddy Water Blues Society, which organizes the event. "With the bad economy, I was worried about the weather, but this has turned out great."

Davis said ticket prices, $15 for both days or $10 each day at the gate, have remained unchanged since 2000.

"We try to bring in the best acts we can," Davis said.

Washington Park's new fountain was a topic of discussion as the Beat Daddy's kicked off the festival at 5 p.m. The new water fountain was just finished in time for the event, and the flat layout makes the park look a lot bigger.

Chairs will not be allowed on the fountain until a cover can be installed at a later date.

"It opens it up and it will make the park a lot more usable," Davis said. "It adds to an already great atmosphere."

It also opens up the area in front of the stage. Several hundred fans stood during Eric Sardinas' blazing 9 p.m. set.

Ben Bumbry & amp; The Messengers took the stage at 7 p.m. Bumbry has played at every Blues Fest except last year, when rain canceled his band's performance.

"This event brings a lot of people together," Bumbry said shortly before taking the stage. "It has things people need to know about Quincy, the whole atmosphere. A lot of people come a long ways to this event and it's good for our downtown and our hotels -- our local businesses make some money."

The crowd steadily streamed in as Bumbry's band played, and by the end of the night there were 700 or more in the park on a cool summer evening.

"This is a nice day for May, let alone July," said Bumbry's keyboard player, Steve Buckman.

The Beat Daddy's opened the show with original blues music. Frontman Larry Grisham made his third appearance at the Blues Fest, this time with a new band.

"We just played in Texas and it was 105 degrees, so I'm cold now," Grisham said with a laugh. "I like coming here because it's very well organized and they take care of you here."

Grisham planned to attend the after-party at The Club Tavern, 1023 N. 10th, where the Scottyboy Daniels Band and Dave Chastain were expected to play. The Club also will have a party tonight after the Blues Fest concludes.

Today's first act, Rich Berry, takes the stage at 1 p.m.

-- rhart@whig.com / 221-3370