NORWICH – It’s a big anniversary for the Chenango Blues Festival and they are celebrating in style. Lots of award winning blues stars will descend on Norwich for a great weekend of music, food, crafts and children’s activities. Make plans now to join in the fun – it’s the best party of the year!
The 15th Blues Festival kicks off on Friday, Aug. 17 at the County Fairgrounds with a performance by rising blues star, Eric Lindell. He last played in Norwich for one of the Blues Association’s Free Thursday in the Park concert a couple years back. Since then he has signed a major label record deal, has been nominated for a Blues Music Award for Best New Artist and had one of his songs used by the hit TV series, Boston Legal. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with an acoustic show by the Wiyos at Guernsey Library before moving to the County Fairgrounds at 7:15.
On Saturday, Aug. 18, the Festival will be headlined by Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm, winners of a 2007 Grammy Award. Ike Turner is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee who has persevered through good times and bad. He and his ten-piece band have made music history over a fifty plus year career and it will be a rare chance to see the legend live. Appearing before them on the Kerry Bio-Science main stage will be Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, winners of several Blues Music Awards for band of the year and past Chenango Blues Festival headliners. Their west coast swing and jump blues have garnered legions of fans, and it isn’t often that they appear on the east coast. As if these two headliners weren’t enough, the festival will also feature the hottest female star on the blues circuit: Janiva Magness. She has been nominated for Blues Music Awards for both Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, and deservedly so. Her sultry, smoky voice is matched by her commanding stage presence. Also on the bill is Big Sams Funky Nation, a New Orleans band with boundless energy and a great groove. And don’t arrive late to the festival because the opening act on the main stage, Geoff Achison and the Souldiggers, were just voted Australia’s best blues band. It is an impressive main stage lineup featuring some of the nations’ best artists presented in a relaxing, down home atmosphere.
The Nelson & Flanagan/Grouse Ridge Kennels acoustic stage is as impressive as the main stage, with blues legend Roy Book Binder sure to be an audience pleaser.
Another act that may be the hit of the day is the Wiyos, whose 20’s and 30’s vaudeville blues and jazz is accompanied with humor and wit.
Food vendors are a highlight of the festival, with the always-popular Dinosaur BBQ anchoring a wide array of choices. From hot dogs to Greek food, there is something for everyone. A diverse group of craft vendors is always on hand as well. There are also free children’s activities on the grounds.
Tickets to the festival are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Eighteen and under are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 336-2787. There are also room and ticket packages available at the Howard Johnson’s Hotel at 334-2200.
Camping is available at the fairgrounds for the weekend; please check the website for details.
For further information on the festival line-up, vendors, places to stay, camping, etc., check the website at www.chenangobluesfest.org or call 334-5653 and press 1.