Due to rain predicted last Thursday, the NBT Bank Free Summer Concert Series was moved under the tent at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. But the rain didn't stop the Garcia Project and guest performer Maria Muldaur, or Chenango County residents, who packed the tent for their performance. (Photo from the Chenango Blues Association Facebook page)

NORWICH — Despite the rain, The Garcia Project and special guest performer Maria Muldaur were still able to put on a show at the fairgrounds for Chenango County residents.

The NBT Bank Free Summer Concert Series will return to East Park in Norwich at 7 p.m. tonight with a performance by Blair Crimmins and the Hookers.

Blair Crimmins is a multi-instrumentalist that has developed a style over the years that the Chenango Blues Association calls "modern while being deeply rooted in the past." Utilizing trumpets, clarinets, and trombones, his blend of ragtime and Dixieland jazz has been entertaining audiences across the country for years.

Visitors to East Park can also enjoy food provided by area restaurants and food trucks, and refreshing beer and cocktails in the Park Place Beer Garden adjacent to the park.

The 29th Annual Chenango Blues Fest is quickly approaching, with just one week until the beloved festival makes its return to the Chenango County Fairgrounds. Opening night on Friday, August 19 is free to attend, and will feature performances by Popa Chubby, Angel Forrest, and the Hi-Jivers.

Saturday's lineup is packed full of high-caliber acts, including Jimmie Vaughan, Southern Avenue, The Nick Moss Band featuring Dennis Gruenling, Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps, Altered Five Blues Band, EG Kight Trio, Annika Chambers, Corey Harris and Cedric Watson, and the Misty Blues Band.

Today is the last day to purchase tickets at their reduced price of $35, and they are available now at SimpleTix.com. Beginning tomorrow ticket prices will increase to $45 and will be available on Simple Tix as well as at the gate the day of the festival.

More information on the Chenango Blues Fest and the NBT Bank Free Summer Concert Series can be found at ChenangoBluesFest.org and on the Chenango Blues Association Facebook page.

Tune in next week for a performance by Mike Zito's Big Band, with an opening performance by local group the Nate Gross Band.