NORWICH – Thousands are expected to flock to the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich this weekend for the 22nd Annual NBT Bank Chenango Blues Festival, an event many consider a summer-time staple in the area.

Headlining the festival this year is Robert Randolph and The Family band, a group which both committee members and attendees said they are looking forward to see.

“I am very excited to see everything come together this weekend,” said Norene Palmer, a Blues Fest Committee Member as of this year, and long-time festival attendee. “It has been exciting to see behind the scenes and appreciate all of the generous donations from the community. I am especially excited to see Robert Randolph and the Family Band in my hometown.”

Randolph plays the pedal steel guitar and has been with The Family Band for years.

“My thing is really upbeat, uptempo, with great guitar riffs,” reads Randolph’s website, “but also catchy choruses and lyrics that someday will make this music into classic tunes.”

Randolph was named on the list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine. The group has released six albums, the most recent titled “Lickety Split” in 2013.

Randolph has made guest appearances with artists including but not limited to Soulive, Dave Matthews Band, Rob Thomas, Buddy Guy, Ringo Starr, Santana, Elton John and Leon Russell, and Los Lobos.