This year the Festival returns to a six band format, featuring four national touring blues acts: Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, Nora Jean Bruso, and Chick Willis with the King Bees.

Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials

Rounding out the lineup are regional favorites Blues World Order and 2007 PBPS Blues Challenge winner Big Road Blues. Learn more about them on our Schedule/Bios web page.

Originally scheduled to appear in the Festival was Sean Costello, the brilliant young guitarist/vocalist who died recently at age 28. The PBPS has decided to honor his memory by dedicating the 22nd Annual Carolina Blues Festival to Sean Costello.

Once again this year, The Music Academy of North Carolina will operate the Kids Area at the Carolina Blues Festival in partnership with the PBPS. The Academy will bring exciting enhancements including demonstrations of Early Childhood Music programs and the very popular instrument petting zoo to the Kids Area. Additional activities are planned, as detaled on our Kids Area web page. Information about the MANC and its programs and faculty will be available on site and faculty and staff will be available to answer questions. This year we are proud to welcome Tom Beardslee of Greensboro as our Kids Area entertainer. Tom will provide blues performances and storytelling throughout the day.

A huge thank you to our presenting sponsor YES! Weekly. Big thanks to Rock 92, WNAA 90.1 FM, Smith Stokes Chrysler Dodge Jeep Chevrolet, Miller Brewing Company, The Bank of Oak Ridge, Stonefield Cellars Winery, ALPZ Printing, Grateful Bread, and Fiji Water.

Check out these webpages for more information on this event, or call (336) 275-4944.