The mission of The NY State Blues Festival is to preserve, protect and promote blues music and culture and showcase a collection of regional and national artists from multiple genres, all with roots steeped in tradition and vision.

The festival was founded in 1991 and is supported by government grants, corporate sponsorships, private donations and fundraising events. We are a 100% volunteer organization, made up of a diverse group of dedicated individuals donating their time and talents to producing this Syracuse favorite every summer.

Your generous, tax-deductible contribution provides us with the financial means to produce a free public event attracting thousands of local, regional and international visitors who in-turn, generate millions in tourism dollars and good-will.

Thank you in advance for your support.
The NY State Blues Festival

For more information or to make a donation click here.

More News & Events

Youth Initiatives Fundraiser May 2

Fundraiser Upstairs @Dinosaur BBQ with The Ripcords & The Boneyard Horns benefitting our Blues in the Schools and Blues Ignition youth initiatives.

Spreading the word on Hadestown!

We are thrilled to announce a special giveaway in partnership with Broadway in Syracuse! One lucky person will win 2 tickets to the Tuesday, April 16 opening night of “Hadestown” at the Landmark Theater in Downtown Syracuse.

Little Feat To Headline The Admission-Free 2024 New York State Blues Festival

The New York State Blues Festival is excited to announce that blues rock legends, Little Feat, will be headlining this year’s festival with a Saturday night June 15 performance at NYS Fairgrounds’ Chevy Court (Syracuse). Blues royalty Shemekia Copeland and guitar master Matt Schofield, will add to the day’s big…

Blues Ignition

In addition to the K.J. James Memorial Scholarship and Blues in the Schools, the New York State Blues Festival’s youth development program is proud to present Blues Ignition.

New York State Blues Festival Reaches The Final Four!

The New York State Blues Festival is very happy to announce that we have made it to the final four in Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMY’s) People’s Choice contest. We are grateful for your support and encourage you to keep voting!