NORWICH – A tradition Downtown is about to begin for another summer. The Chenango Blues Association has announced the lineup for the 2026 Summer Concert Series. Sponsored by NBT Bank they have brought these free musical performances to Chenango County for roughly three decades. The 2026 season kicks off on Thursday July 2 at 7 p.m. with a new musician each Thursday night until August 27 at Nowich's East Park.

This year's lineup spans bluegrass, soul, brass bands, Americana, roots rock, and New Orleans funk, a deliberate mix that organizers say reflects the spirit of the series.

“We want to represent a lot of different kinds of music,”said Eric Larsen, President of the Chenango Blue Association. “There's so many different kinds of music that we like to try and get as many different kinds of things out there as we can.” He explained that to choose the musicians for the series they canvas other events and go to other shows, and says this year offers a lineup of big names on the festival circuit.

“Each year, we work to build a lineup that offers something for everyone while staying true to the spirit of the series,” said Rachel Flanagan, treasurer of the Chenango Blues Association. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see East Park come alive with music and energy as people gather week after week to enjoy these performances together.”

2026 NBT Bank Summer Concert Series Lineup:

July 2 – Clay Street Unit – Emerging band offering a fresh take on American roots music.

July 9 – The Dirty Dozen Brass Band – Grammy Award–winning New Orleans ensemble celebrated for redefining brass band music with a fusion of jazz, funk and R&B.

July 16 – Robert Randolph – Renowned sacred steel guitarist known for his high-energy performances blending rock, funk and gospel influences.

July 23 – Sierra Hull – Acclaimed mandolinist and songwriter bringing a fresh, modern perspective to bluegrass music.

July 30 – The California Honeydrops – A returning favorite delivering dynamic, improvisational performances rooted in soul, blues and R&B traditions.

August 6 – The Garcia Project – A crowd favorite recreating the music and spirit of the Jerry Garcia Band.

August 13 – Eddie 9V – Rising artist delivering soulful, vintage-inspired rock and roll.

August 20 – Chenango Blues Festival kicks off with a double-header starting at 6:00 p.m. and featuring Desoto Tigers Testimony and John “Papa” Gros, bringing a special evening of blues and New Orleans-inspired sounds.

August 27 – Shinyribs – Known for their genre-blending sound and engaging live shows that mix roots music with humor and energy.

The August 20 concert will serves as a “double-header” starting at 6 p.m. instead of the usual 7 p.m. Allowing for two artists to take the stage on the same night. Organizers say this will start off the annual Chenango Blues Festival that weekend. “It's kind of the kickoff to Blues Fest weekend for us. A lot of people come into town, and a lot of them come into town early. So we like to kind of bring in a bigger show,” said Larsen.

Each Thursday throughout the summer, East Park transforms into a lively outdoor venue. Audience members bring their own lawn chairs, while organizers get there early in the morning to set up sound equipment, fencing, lighting, signage, artist tents, merchandise, and more show aspects on concert days. Food vendors will also be on site every week. Larsen says East Park Place will be closed for each show to accommodate vendors, the beer garden, and touring equipment.

East Park offers a family-friendly environment within walking distance to all that Norwich has to offer. “It's right downtown. Great to come down, eat at one of the restaurants, eat from one of the food trucks in the park. It's just a great family night,” said Larsen. Concertgoers can choose to enjoy on-site food vendors, outdoor beverage area, and opportunities to connect with artists after they perform.

Larsen says the artists often remark on the number or children in attendance, something uncommon at many festivals and night venues. “We'll always have tons of kids. And they're the first ones to be right up front, Dancing around, “ said Larsen “It's an all-ages crowd. It's 1 to 91. And as we always say, that's not an expression. I will be able to find you somebody who's 1 and somebody who's 91 at the show. It's an all-ages, everybody enjoys it.”

The Summer Concert Series remains free, thanks to support from NBT Bank and local Foundations including the Greater Norwich Foundation, the R.C. Smith Foundation and other local partners. “We’re grateful for the support that allows us to bring nationally recognized artists to Norwich and keep these concerts free for the community,” said Flanagan.

“NBT Bank is proud to support a tradition that brings people into the heart of downtown Norwich and strengthens connections across the community,” said NBT Bank CEO Scott Kingsley. “Events like this not only create memorable experiences for residents but also help showcase the region and support local businesses throughout the summer.”

“We're a 100% volunteer organization. With no overhead and generous support, that's what lets us bring this kind of high caliber artist to town,” said Larsen.

The concerts happen at East Park rain or shine. They cannot be moved in doors because even with reduced crowds in bad weather, Larsen says that as they have brought in more high profile artists, there is no indoor venue nearby able to accommodate the audience that typically shows up. “Even the crowds that show up on a rainy day exceed the capacity of any venue in town,” he said, “We're better off just to say, bring an umbrella, dance in the rain, and we'll get through it.”

The first concert falls on Thursday July 2, just days before the U.S. Semiquincentennial, providing the community with live music to begin the weekend. “It kicks off on the 4th of July weekend is the way we look at it,” said Larsen. “Everybody's got the next day off. Great way to start your official summer.”

For newcomers interested in the Summer Concert Series, Larsen offers simple advice, “Get out your calendar and just put a big box around every Thursday night,” he said. “Because once you come to one, you're going to want to come to all of them.”

The Chenango Blues Association is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to presenting live music experiences “by fans, for fans.” In addition to the NBT Bank Summer Concert Series, the group produces the annual Chenango Blues Festival, now in its 33rd year, taking place August 21–22 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. Headliners include Booker T. Jones, the Record Company and Charlie

Musselwhite with GA 20.

For more information on the concert series and festival, visit www.chenangobluesfest.org.