The Best Blues Music Festivals in the Southwest US
Contents
Check out our comprehensive list of the best blues festivals in the Southwest US. Find one near you and enjoy some great music!
Introduction
The best blues music festivals in the Southwest offer a wide range of sounds and styles, making them ideal events for music lovers of all stripes. From the laid-back vibe of Austin’s annual Pecan Street Festival to the high-energy jams of Albuquerque’s Blues Fest, there’s something for everyone at these can’t-miss events.
So whether you’re looking to groove to some classic Texas blues or get down with some New Mexico-style R&B, these festivals are sure to satisfy. Here are our picks for the best blues music festivals in the Southwest.
King Biscuit Blues Festival
The King Biscuit Blues Festival is a music festival held annually in October in Helena, Arkansas. The festival features three days of live blues music on multiple stages, as well as food and craft vendors, and other family-friendly activities.
The festival was founded in 1986 to showcase the music of the Mississippi Delta region, and it has since become one of the premier blues festivals in the country. past headliners have included B.B. King, Buddy Guy,John Lee Hooker Jr., and many more.
Lucerne Blues Festival
Lucerne Blues Festival is a music festival that takes place annually in Lucerne, Switzerland. The festival features a wide range of blues performers from around the world and is one of the largest blues festivals in Europe.
The Lucerne Blues Festival was founded in 1991 by Swiss music promoter Thomas Ruf and American musician Tony Carey. Carey had previously organized the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and was looking to bring a similar event to Europe. The first edition of the Lucerne Blues Festival took place in September 1991 and featured performances by artists such as Bobby Bland, Junior Wells, and Buddy Guy.
In the years since its inception, the Lucerne Blues Festival has welcomed a who’s who of blues performers, including B.B. King, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Albert Collins, Otis Rush,John Lee Hooker, Koko Taylor, Muddy Waters, and many others. The festival takes place over four days in early September and features over 100 concerts on multiple stages throughout Lucerne.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, commonly known as Jazz Fest, is a music festival that takes place annually in New Orleans, Louisiana. The festival is a celebration of the music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. Jazz Fest is traditionally held during the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May. It is one of the largest music festivals in the United States, with an estimated half a million people attending each year.
Jazz Fest was founded in 1970 by George Wein, producer of the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival. Wein’s goal was to create a festival that would celebrate the music and culture of New Orleans, which he felt was underrepresented at other music festivals. The first Jazz Fest was held on April 22–23, 1970, at Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park. It featured performances by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Mahalia Jackson, and other jazz and blues legends.
Telluride Blues and Brews Festival
The Telluride Blues and Brews Festival is held in the mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. The three-day event features over 50 musical acts performing on six different stages, as well as a homebrew competition and beer tastings from over 30 breweries. In addition to the music and beer, the festival offers a variety of food options, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Tucson Folk Festival
The Tucson Folk Festival is a three-day event that features a wide variety of folk musicians from all over the world. The festival takes place in late April and features over 100 acts on 10 stages. In addition to the music, there are also workshop stages where you can learn about different aspects of folk music, such as songwriting and instrument making.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best blues music festivals in the Southwest US are the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, and the Memphis in May International Festival. Each of these festivals has something unique to offer blues fans, so be sure to check them out if you have the chance!
