Western Maryland Blues Fest in Hagerstown, MD

May 29–June 1 17 bands, 4 big days, $50 Fri/Sat Combo Tickets* — Best Value!  Get your tickets now! The Western Maryland Blues Fest roars into its 19th big year in Hagerstown, MD! Come celebrate with four jam-packed, jumpin’ days filled with music from national, regional & local performers! These are just some of the great artists you’ll hear throughout the festival… Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters Legendary blues guitarist Ronnie Earl brings his celebrated band back to Hagerstown for a special show. Having played alongside such greats as B. B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, and Otis Rush, Ronnie’s guitar speaks with an authoritative blues voice that only a veteran player can summon! Ian Siegal & Band Be part of one of the first American audiences to hear this multiple British Blues Awards winner! Ian’s May 31 Hagerstown performance culminates his first-ever U.S. tour! Don’t miss this songwriter’s exciting new blues, conveyed in the traditional Delta blues style, all the way from across the pond! Eric Steckel Band A young blues veteran, a powerful player with an authentic blues soul, Eric is already hailed by many as one of the next big things in bluesrock! Eric Steckel is a must see and must hear for fans of SRV, Jimi Hendrix and Joe Bonamassa. Doug Macleod Performing in the tradition of the blues as a story-telling medium, acoustic guitarist, Doug MacLeod, has been nominated for THREE (3) 2014 Blues Music Awards, including Acoustic Artist of the Year, Acoustic Album of the Year and Blues Song of the Year. Giving a FREE Sunday performance in City Park, come see what all the fuss is about! Mingo Fishtrap WOW! What’s in a name? Well, this Texas-based large ensemble will give you a sweet soulful style of rhythm and blues, including plenty of horns. Describing its sound as “the space where melodic pop meets gritty Memphis soul, with a twist of N’awlins funk,” Mingo Fishtrap’s tenacious groove is central to its sanctified mission to shake your soul. 19th Annual Western Maryland Blues Fest Schedule View the full schedule here. Thursday, May 29—Blues Prelude 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. University Plaza, 50 West Washington Street, Downtown. Free admission. Lawn chairs and blankets encouraged! Gates open at 4:00 p.m. ID required. No smoking venue. Don’t miss the Blues Fest Poster Art Exhibit opening, featuring this year’s artist, Matt Long! The exhibit will be held at the Washington County Arts Council at 36 South Potomac Street from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, May 30—Lotta Blues Kickoff 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. City Center Lot, North Potomac Street. $20 in advance* and $30 at the gate. Children 12 and under free with paying adult. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. ID required. Saturday, May 31—Downtown House Party Noon to 9:30 p.m. City Center Lot, North Potomac Street. $35 in advance* and $45 at the gate. Children 12 and under free with paying adult. Gates open at 11:00 a.m. ID required. Sunday, June 1—Family Blues Picnic Noon to 5:00 p.m. City Park Bandshell. Free admission. Lawn chairs and blankets encouraged. No smoking venue. While you’re at Blues Fest…  Visit the Maxwell Street Market area of the festival for plenty of food, drink and specialty vendors.  Kids Jam, Too in the HUGE children’s area design just for them! It’s their very own playground filled with music, crafts, activities and more on Sunday.  Grab a limited 19th anniversary edition t-shirt, hat, or other Festival gear from the Blues Boutique. *Transaction fee of $5.00 per ticket applies in advance sale tickets. Schedule and artists subject to change. No chairs, coolers, food or beverages may be brought into the festival area Friday or Saturday. No animals (except service animals) and no audio/video recording permitted at any time during the festival. All packs, parcels and bags subject to inspection. Supported in part by: City of Hagerstown, Maryland State Arts Council and Washington County Arts Council.