Performers in the 31st annual Chenango Blues Fest, held on August 16 and 17 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY — The Chenango County Fairgrounds hosted the sound of blues once again this year for the 31st annual Chenango Blues Festival.

More than a dozen performers and bands took to the stage on August 16 and 17 to bring world-class music to Chenango County.

“From Devon Allman’s roots music to Ruthie Fosters gospel-tinged blues, from Robert Finley’s Louisiana juke joint energy to Tinsley Ellis’ acoustic fervor, you can enjoy a journey through the wide spectrum of the very diverse styles of music under the blues umbrella,” said Chenango Blues Association President Eric Larsen.

The lead sponsor for the 31st annual Chenango Blues Fest is Preferred Mutual. The festival was also made possible by sponsors Rentals to Go, Flanagan Law Office/Grouse Ridge Realty, Laral Management, Walking Ridge Development, Southern Tier Pet Nutrition/Bright Pet, Kerry, Inc., Cristi Larsen, New York Central Mutual, Norwich Rehabilitation & Nursing, Oliver’s Campers, Raymond Foundation, Build Block CNY, and the Evening Sun/Pennysaver.

“Every single donor you see listed in this program means a lot to us,” said Larsen. “This year we have ten days of programming, nine of which are free for everyone. Collectively our 20 performances will take place throughout our area and over 20,000 people will enjoy world-class music.”

But the fun doesn't stop there; the Chenango Blues Association has two more nights of blues to share in downtown Norwich.

On Tuesday, August 22, the NBT Bank Free Summer Concert Series will continue at 7 p.m. with bluegrass icon Sam Bush, followed by the final performance of the season at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 29 with a performance by "musical mad scientist" Keller Williams.

The free concerts are made possible by NBT Bank, the RC Smith Foundation, the Greater Norwich Foundation, and other generous foundations who sponsor the series.

The Chenango Blues Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster an appreciation of uniquely American music forms including blues, jazz, zydeco, and gospel. They strive to accomplish this by presenting the highest caliber of artists in diverse settings for the lowest possible cost. This strategy is designed to make the music accessible to as many people as possible.

All the activities of the C.B.A. are governed by a volunteer board of directors drawn from Chenango County. There is no paid staff and no office expense, so all contributions directly increase their ability to expand programming.

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

-Sarah Genter and Kelli Miller,

Evening Sun Staff Writers