Mark Your Calendars: The Best Blues Music Festivals of 2022
Contents
Mark your calendars and start planning your trip to one of these great blues music festivals happening in 2022!
Chicago Blues Festival
The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world and has been held annually in Chicago, Illinois since 1984. The five-day event typically draws 500,000 people to listen to over 100 blues artists perform on six stages. Past performers include Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Bo Diddley. The 2021 festival has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but is scheduled to return in 2022.
International Blues Challenge
The International Blues Challenge (IBC) is the world’s largest gathering of blues bands and solo/duo artists. The event is annually held in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, during the last week of January. More than 300 acts from across the globe come to Memphis to participate in the IBC. Bands and solo/duo artists compete in preliminary rounds held at various clubs on Beale Street, with the winners advancing to the semi-finals and finals, which are held at The Orpheum Theatre. First prize for bands is $25,000 and first prize for solo/duo artists is $15,000.
Memphis in May
Memphis in May is one of the largest and most prestigious blues music festivals in the world. Held every year in Memphis, TN, the event features some of the biggest names in blues music, as well as up-and-coming artists. The festival also includes a wide variety of food and drink options, making it the perfect event for music lovers and foodies alike.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, commonly known as Jazz Fest, is a music festival that takes place annually in New Orleans, Louisiana. The seven-day event features a wide variety of musical genres including blues, R&B, gospel, rock, Afro-Caribbean, folk, and jazz. In addition to music, the festival also offers food and crafts from Louisiana vendors.
Jazz Fest is one of the largest and most well-known music festivals in the United States. Each year, the event attracts around 500,000 attendees from all over the world. The 2021 festival is scheduled to take place from April 22-May 2. Tickets go on sale in January.
Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival will be held on Labor Day weekend, September 2-5, 2022. The festival features a wide range of jazz styles, including traditional, contemporary, Latin, and fusion. The lineup includes some of the biggest names in jazz, such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Chick Corea.
