Thankfully you can find a great blues festival almost any time of the year. In the winter you’ll find some great blues in Florida and California.
But in the summer… well you can find blues just about anywhere in the Country. And they come hot and heavy, especially in July. There’s something going on just about every weekend.
Coming this week is the North Atlantic Blues Festival in Rockland Maine, July 13 and 14th. And it’s one of the bigger ones. You can count on some great talent.
Here’s the scoop from their website…
The North Atlantic Blues Festival is an annual two-day blues music festival featuring national blues performers and considered one of the most prestigious on the East Coast. The festival is held at the Public Landing in Rockland, Maine, overlooking the picturesque Rockland Harbor.
Some of the top names in blues music have been featured at this prestigious East Coast festival. In addition to all day live entertainment, the festival has vendors selling a wide array of food, drinks and crafts. Saturday evening, Main Street is closed to traffic for the NABF Club Crawl. Attendees of legal age, wearing their wristband from the festival are allowed admission to the many bars and restaurants featuring many of the top regional blues performers. There are also bands performing on Main Street for all ages at no charge.
This years lineup is top-notch.
- Selwyn Birchwood
- Sugar Ray and Bluetones
- Matt Anderson
- Corey Harris
- The Holmes Brothers
- Samantha Fish
- Popa Chubby
- Eddie Taylor Jr.
- The Lee Boys
- The Blues Broads
And the headliner…
- Mavis Staples
One of the features of the North Atlantic Blues Festival is the location… right on the water in Rockland, Maine, overlooking the beautiful harbor. You can’t find a more stunning scene.
And you can count on Maine being cool in the summer. For us Florida folks, it’s a great escape from the heat of summer down here. It’s bound to be a blast. Where else can you get fresh Maine lobster and “steemahs” for your eating enjoyment.
Here’s Some Videos
Tab Benoit in 2012
Keb Mo’ in 2010
Promotional Video with several of the acts
If you’re looking for something great to do in July, or are looking for a great place to cool off in summer. I guarantee it will be “cool” in more ways than one up in Rockland Maine at the North Atlantic Blues Festival. Here’s their website for more info.
