NORWICH – The Chenango Blues Association is thrilled to announce that the free NBT Bank Summer Concert Series will jump start the 4th of July weekend this year with the first concert on Thursday, July 3.

The series will once again bring nationally touring artists to East Park in downtown Norwich every Thursday from July 3 to August 28 for 7:00 p.m. shows.

 “East Park in Norwich is the place to be every Thursday in July and August,” said Rachel Flanagan, Chenango Blues Association treasurer. “The shows are a great opportunity to gather friends and family to come downtown and enjoy world class music. And you can’t be the price! The shows are free thanks to the longtime support of NBT Bank and generous local foundations that provide resources to make them possible. You couldn’t ask for better community partners.”

“The free summer concert series put on by the Chenango Blues Association is truly a highlight of the summer in Chenango County,” said NBT Bank CEO Scott Kingsley. “NBT Bank is proud to play a part in bringing amazing sounds to downtown Norwich as a way to say thank you to the community we’ve called home for nearly 170 years.”

This year’s NBT Bank Summer Concert Series lineup features a great mix of returning favorites and exciting new acts.

July 3 – Buckwheat Zydeco, Jr. and the Ils Sont Partis Band  brings a zydeco show that continues the legacy of his father. With two Grammy Awards to their credit, every show is guaranteed to be a good time.

July 10 – The Record Company, a swaggering three-piece rock band with a foundation in early rock and roll and old blues masters, will deliver roots rock at its finest.

July 17 – The Travelin’ McCourys, a returning favorite, will bring their innovative blend of traditional bluegrass and contemporary music styles. Stellar musicians, each band member has received an International Bluegrass Music Association Award.

July 24  –  John Brown’s Body  is a legendary reggae band that formed in the mid 1990’s. They were one of only a handful of acts touring nationally at that time, and they helped carve a route for the major success of the big reggae acts that followed. Their early recordings reached #1 on the Billboard charts, and they went on to tour the world.

July 31  –  The California Honeydrops  are an exciting new addition to the lineup. A mainstay at major festivals around the world, they are an electrifying retro-soul outfit that defy convention at every turn. Their shows navigate a vast repertoire of original songs and timeless classics with a commitment to improvisation that means no set list or show is ever the same.

August 7  –  The Garcia Project  is always popular when they come to Norwich with their “days between” performance of recreated Jerry Garcia Band set lists.  There may even be a surprise special guest!

August 14  – Kick off Blues Fest weekend at this doubleheader show with an early 6:00 p.m. start!  Brandon Santini, American roots rock and blues harmonica player and singer, will provide a strong start to the evening that will be capped off with a set from this year’s Traditional Blues Artist of the Year  Sue Foley.  Sue has won numerous awards for her guitar playing and her set at last year’s Chenango Blues Fest was a festival highlight.

August 21 – The Outlaws  will be another highlight of the summer series. Henry Paul honors the legacy beloved by longtime fans while forging new ground in the southern rock tradition.  With their two-hour live shows, this band burns hotter than ever.

August 28 – George Porter, Jr. and Runnin’ Pardners  will light up the stage for the final show in the series. George is widely recognized as one of the greatest bassists of all time. A founding member of the Meters who pioneered New Orleans funk music, he has performed with a “who’s who” list of artists, including Dead and Company, Jimmy Buffett, Allen Toussaint and Tedeschi Trucks to name a few.

For further information on the Chenango Blues Association’s events, including the 32nd Chenango Blues Festival, visit the group’s website at: www.chenangobluesfest.org

All shows are rain or shine. Organizers encourage everyone to come ready for the weather.

The NBT Bank Summer Concert Series is for all ages. Admission is free, and there are food vendors onsite plus an adjacent beer garden. Plan to arrive early and enjoy a meal at one of Norwich’s many restaurants. For those traveling to the area, take advantage of room specials being offered by the Red Roof Inn and Fred’s Inn, and plan a visit to the Norwich Museum District the next day.

- Information from Chenango Blues Association