The mission of the New York State Rhythm & Blues Festival, Inc. is to preserve, protect and promote blues music and culture. This is achieved through education in school programs, community events, and workshops, culminating with the production of an outdoor festival uniting our diverse citizenry in a celebration of American blues-based music. The Syracuse, New York based festival entertains while educating on the role of the blues in the development of popular music in the United States and around the world.

The NYS Blues Festival has been recognized with many remarkable accolades. National, regional and local awards, music critic acclaim, community organizers and blues fans have all come together in their praise for this midsummer's celebration of blues music. The New York State Rhythm and Blues Festival, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit, tax exempt, New York Corporation. This annual event draws fans from all over the globe and the festival has a significant positive impact on the economy of Central New York. This summer we promise to deliver another outstanding festival in the continuing tradition of consistency and excellence that has defined the festival. And this year the festival will once again be free to the public.