NBT Bank made a $170,000 sponsorship commitment to the Chenango Blues Association during the final show of the NBT Bank Summer Concert Series in East Park on Thursday night. (Photo by Zachary Meseck)

NORWICH – Blues fans from near and far are pouring into Norwich as the 33rd annual Chenango Blues Festival brings the Chenango County Fairgrounds to life for a weekend-long celebration of good tunes.

Friday's free-admission show presents Dustin Arbuckle & the Damnations at 5:30 p.m., Roomful of Blues at 7:15 p.m., and blues-rock guitarist Larry McCray at 9 p.m.

Eric Larsen, President of the Chenango Blues Association (CBA), who put on the festival, mentioned that Friday's show has always been free, “we want the shows to be accessible to as many people as possible,” he said.

“When we look at Friday, we're always going to try and present high caliber artists, award winning artists, and this year is no exception. Larry McCray is a fantastic blues rock guitar player who has received a lot of recognition. Roomful of Blues is kind of a legendary blues swing band that's really enjoying kind of a revival right now,” Larsen Said.

Saturday, August 22, brings a full day of music to the fairgrounds beginning at 11 a.m. and running through the evening. General admission tickets at the gate cost $50, children 17 and under are admitted free with an adult, keeping the festival accessible for families. VIP ticket and RV sites were in high demand and sold out well in advance. The parking lot opens at 9:30 a.m. and festival entry beings at 10:30 a.m.

This year's lineup includes a mix of rising artists, regional favorites, and legendary figures in blues and soul music across two stages.

Music on the tent stage starts at 11 a.m. with a performance by Blue Avenue, an up and coming band from central New York. Followed by three time Grammy Award nominee and Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, John Primer, whose performance starts at 1:20 p.m. At 3:45 p.m. Texas artist Carolyn Wonderland hits the tent stage in a returning performance to the festival. Then at 6:25 blues legend Charlie Musselwhite and GA 20 take to the stage together.

On the infield stage music begins at 12:00 p.m. with a performance by family band Blackburn Brothers, followed by award winning Vanessa Collier at 2:25 p.m.. At 5:05 p.m. blues legend, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Booker T. Jones takes to the infield stage, followed by Grammy Award nominated band The Record Company closing out the festival at 7:45 p.m.

“These really are just the top echelon of performers,” Larsen said referring to the star-studded line up.

“Booker T. and the MGs were progenitors of soul blues, they basically invented that style. He’s a platinum selling artist, a multi-Grammy winner, he’s in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He’s just an icon really.”

Larsen said Musselwhite carries similar weight. “Charlie Musselwhite is similarly a legend from the 60s,” he said. “From the south side of Chicago playing with all the real deal guys.” Adding, “He learned at the knee of great blues players.”

Creating a lineup that pairs legends like Booker T Jones, and Charlie Musselwhite with rising artists reflects an important feature of blues music.

“We’re bringing in the legends, and we’re also bringing in the people who are carrying the torch forward,” Larsen said. “They’re influenced by these great artists, but they also have their own artistry. They're kind of putting their own stamp on the music. As it should be, right? Nothing should remain static. Music is an evolving thing.” Larsen noted that newcomers often leave surprised by the diversity of the music.

The festival's identity is rooted in passion, not profit, the organizers do this for the love of the music and desire to share it with everybody. A spirit that keeps both artists and audiences returning. They create an atmosphere that satisfies the blues enthusiasts, inspires artists, and welcomes newcomers to the vast genre.

“Our logo is kind of 'by fans, for fans,'” Larsen said. “And if you haven't been, come and find out what it's all about and bring a neighbor and bring a friend.”