Blair Crimmins and the Hookers rocked the East Park stage last week, and tonight the NBT Bank Free Summer Concert Series will return to East Park in Norwich. Opening the night will be the Nate Gross Band at 7 p.m., followed by headliner Mike Zito's Big Band. (Photo by Todd Rutan)

CHENANGO COUNTY — The 29th annual Chenango Blues Fest weekend kicks off tonight at 7 p.m. in Norwich's East Park with another installment of the NBT Bank Free Summer Concert Series. The Nate Gross Band will be opening the evening, followed by headliner Mike Zito's Big Band.

According to the Chenango Blues Association, "Mike Zito is an American guitarist, singer, record producer, and songwriter from St. Louis, Missouri and one of the most lauded artists in the contemporary blues arena today."

During the show, spectators can also enjoy a delicious meal from one of several food trucks, or sip a refreshing beer or cocktail in the Park Place beer garden, adjacent to East Park.

Those who wish to try their luck can purchase raffle tickets to win VIP tickets to the 29th annual Chenango Blues Fest. Raffle tickets will be on sale at the artist merchandise tent in East Park from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight. The winning ticket will be drawn later in the evening, and participants do not need to be present to win.

Also up for grabs is a custom-built guitar, built and donated by former Norwich resident Mike Aronson. Raffle tickets will be available from 6 to 8 p.m. at tonight's East Park show, as well as at the Chenango Blues Fest at the Chenango County Fairgrounds.

On Friday, August 19 tickets can be purchased from 6 to 8 p.m. at the artist merchandise table at the fairgrounds, as well as on Saturday, August 20. The winner will be drawn later in the day on Saturday, and participants do not need to be present to win.

Entry to the Chenango Blues Fest is free on Friday, and performers include the Hi-Jivers at 5:30 p.m., Angel Forrest at 7:15 p.m., and Popa Chubby at 9 p.m.

Tickets to attend the festival on Saturday are still available for purchase at SimpleTix.com, and will also be available at the gate the day of the event. General admission tickets are $45 per person, and tent camping tickets are $80 per person.

Parking will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with the gates to the festival opening at 11 a.m. The day kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with a performance by the Misty Blues Band on the Infield Stage, followed by Annika Chambers at 12:30 p.m., the Altered Five Blues Band at 2:45 p.m., Nick Moss and special guest Dennis Gruenling at 5 p.m., and headliner Jimmie Vaughan at 7:30 p.m.

On the tent stage, performances will begin at 1:45 p.m. with a performance by Corey Harris and Cedric Watson, followed by a 4 p.m. show by the EG Kight Trio, Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps at 6:15 p.m., and closing out the event will be a 9 p.m. show by Southern Avenue.

More information on the 29th annual Chenango Blues Fest, performers, vendors, and ticket information can be found at ChenangoBluesFest.org, or on the Chenango Blues Association Facebook page.