Bernard Allison performs during Czech Village Blues 2018 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Supporters of rebuilding the Riverside Roundhouse announced today that Czech Village Blues brought in more than $30,000 in its second year.

Held in August in Czech Village with Friends of Czech Village and the Linn County Blues Society, the festival attracted more than 1,500 fans.

Ally Venable performs Aug. 11, 2018, at Czech Village Blues. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

See photos from Czech Village Blues 2018 and its inaugural year.

Michelle Bell, President of Friends of Czech Village, said the total raised toward the $2.5 million estimated cost of rebuilding the roundhouse – to be used for farmers markets, festivals and other events – is now at $725,000.

Construction is expected to start in 2020.

Learn more about today’s announcement from the two groups:

Czech Village Blues is pleased to announce positive steps in charitable fundraising and attendance from it’s second annual blues festival featuring Ruf Records Blues Caravan along with local opening acts Shane Johnson’s Blue Train and Tim&TheTrutones.

Held in historic Czech Village, the cause aids in the restoration of the Riverside Roundhouse and related charities. Over 1,500 attended the event, bringing in $30,000 in revenue. Many sponsors, including lead supporters Highway Equipment Company and Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery, made the day possible. A complete list of sponsors may be found on the Friends of Czech Village Facebook page.

Mike Zito plays a solo at Czech Village Blues 2018. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Czech Village Blues is well into its third year of successful production and looking forward to a strong day of paying it forward in 2019. Save the date for the 3rd Annual Czech Village Blues concert on Saturday, August 10, 2019.

Friends of Czech Village is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for and reconstructing the Riverside Roundhouse building in the Czech Village neighborhood. Once rebuilt, this high-quality facility will be a venue for farmer’s markets, recreational activities, festivals, social occasions, and more. For additional information, please visit www.CzechVillageFriends.org.

The Linn County Blues Society is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion and perpetuation of Blues music in Eastern Iowa, as well as to provide charitable contributions to other community organizations. For more information, please visit www.LCBS.org.

Learn about other Czech events in Iowa.