Hudson River Park’s 25th annual Blues BBQ Festival is set to take place on Saturday, August 16th, from 1pm-9pm, at Pier 76. The all-day celebration features soulful blues music from world-renowned artists and popular local acts, accompanied by delicious barbecue from top-notch restaurants from around the city and refreshing drinks in a unique venue. This year’s celebration features two live stages, a blues dance floor with free lessons, hot sauce duels, a riverfront marketplace, games, and more!
The Blues BBQ Festival is the longest-running free blues festival in the New York region. This year, the Blues BBQ Festival is sponsored by Hudson River Park Friends, Jazz Foundation of America, Rivian, Lagunitas, and Tito’s Vodka. Media partners include WBGO, WFUV, and WNYC.
The Blues BBQ Main Stage entertainment kicks off with an energizing performance from Ivy Ford, a rising star in the Chicago blues scene. Following Ford, visitors will be treated to electrifying sets from Nikki Hill and her powerhouse band, as well as Grammy-nominated accordion player, C.J. Chenier accompanied by The Red Hot Louisiana Band. Blues and jazz singer Dawn Tyler Watson, and 2019 Juno-winner, will continue the show with a thrilling vocal display. The evening will close with a soulful finale by The Blackburn Brothers, an award-winning Canadian blues band composed of a core group of three siblings, known for their infectious and feel-good energy.
The Second Stage, which is presented by the Jazz Foundation of America, will showcase amazing local talent in a more intimate setting. Performers include Minneapolis R&B legend Jimmy Hill and the Allstarz, Blues Hall of Fame vocalist, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Kalb, and Seydurah Avecmoi who will delight with a mix of Motown, Blues, and Rock.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Bark BBQ, and Jase’s BBQ are back this year, serving up signature, mouthwatering barbecue as attendees enjoy an incredible day of live music. Dickson’s also returns, offering artisanal meats and house-made sausages. Another returning joint is Kimchi Smoke Barbecue, which blends award-winning barbecue with traditional Korean American flavors. New to the festival is Tikkun BBQ, Astoria’s beloved pop-up, known for setting up in unconventional places. Attendees will also be able to enjoy refreshing beverages from Lagunitas and Tito’s Vodka.
In addition to the music and barbecue, this year’s celebration will feature a number of fun activities for all ages. The Blues Dance Floor will feature dance classes from Blues Dance NY. Anyone can take a free class between main stage acts and then dance the day away right on the river. And this year the Blues Kids Zone will feature entertaining activities for our youngest music lovers.