NORWICH – It’s hard to say which is better: seeing an old returning friend or meeting a brand new talented one.
At this year’s Chenango Blues Fest you’ll get the best of both worlds. Returning after a too long hiatus will be a festival favorite from the murky past: Larry McCray. In 1996 he was practically a kid, as he is considered now to be part of the new wave of talented blues-rock players that crosses boundaries. It will be great to see what he brings to the Sheffield Bio Science Infield Stage almost twenty years later.
After Larry will be 2012 Grammy nominee, Shemekia Copeland, a returning festival headliner from 2003. She was a great performer then and she has only gotten better. Shemekia has since opened for the Rolling Stones and played at the White House for the President. The reigning Queen of the Blues is a passionate performer with a blast furnace voice.
Also back, but after a much shorter hiatus, will be newer festival favorites, the Honey Island Swamp Band. Their music has been described as “Bayou Americana” because it draws influences from roots artists ranging from Johnny Cash to Taj Mahal. With a stellar rhythm section and two song writing frontmen, they are practically the house band of the festival with this being their third appearance in five years. You only get to do that if you’re really good – they are the only group in 21 years to be so honored.
With a good time already guaranteed with some old friends, it’s hard to imagine how much fun will be had given the talent level of the newcomers. Royal Southern Brotherhood will close the show, and with Cyril Neville of the Neville Brothers fame and Devon Allman being joined by Mike Zito, Yonrico Scott and Charlie Wooten you have an all-star band of the first order.
Earlier in the day, and prime reasons not to arrive late, are the Cris O’Leary Band and the California Honeydrops. Cris will kick things off in style because he has a wealth of experience having been the lead singer for Levon Helms band and earning a Blues Music Award nomination as Best New Artist.
The Honeydrops will be making a too rare East Coast visit to spread infectious energy on what is sure to be an appreciative audience.
The Nelson and Flanagan/Grouse Ridge Tent Stage will be equally entertaining, with an opening acoustic set by Tas Cru setting the table for a great day.
Next up will be a unique rising star, Valerie June. She is a multi-instrumentalist and gifted musician who you absolutely do not want to miss. Just ask the 250,000 people who’ve viewed her video, “Workin Woman Blues.”
Also under the tent is Ben Prestage, who is a band onto himself. His deep Mississippi roots and experience busking on Beale Street come through in his powerful live performances. Ben’s interesting approach to instrumentation (he plays guitar, harmonica, banjo, lap steel, fiddle, foot-drums, and diddly bow) and original songwriting have earned him invitations to perform all over the world.
The festival is a fan and family friendly event that draws thousands of fans from throughout the east. There are wonderful food and craft vendors that are reasonably priced. Adult tickets for Saturday’s show are $20 in advance and $30 at the door, but those 17 and under are free. The event kicks off on Friday, August 16 with a free for everyone show sponsored by Frontier Communications. Performers include renowned blues guitarist, Tinsley Ellis and zydeco sensation, Dwayne Dopsie, which is a lot of talent for a free event.
On Saturday, the gates open at 11 a.m. and the music continues until after 10 p.m. Camping is available on site and details on all aspects of the fest can be found on the non-profit group’s website at chenangobluesfest.org
Organizers wanted to make it a point to thank the Greater Norwich Foundation and the R.C. Smith Foundation for their support in keeping this event accessible to everyone in the area who enjoys great music.