Albert White, Shelton Powe, & Mudcat at The Chicken Raid

Chicken Raid is back! After a six-year hiatus, this blues festival honoring the legendary Mr. Frank Edwards returns. The festival originated as a birthday celebration for Mr. Frank, organized by Daniel Dudeck, who was mentored by Mr. Frank. When his home was nearly lost due to a predatory loan in the mid-1990s, Chicken Raid evolved to become a two-day festival, with over 100 musicians donating their time and talents, many of them including a Mr. Frank song or two in their set. Proceeds from the door benefitted Mr. Frank and his family, as well as elder musicians who performed at the fundraiser.

With Mr. Frank’s passing in 2002, the annual event continued, memorializing the man who wrote and recorded the song “Chicken Raid,” for Pete Lowry’s Trix label. The festival organizers continued to donate proceeds to the Edwards family to ensure the home that he and his wife raised their children in could remain in the family.

After losing the backing of the original venue, the Chicken Raid went on break until a suitable new venue could be located. Chicken Raid 2025 will be at Waller’s Coffee Shop in Decatur GA, with performances from 1pm – 9pm on Sunday, March 23rd.