Long Beach is getting a bit of the blues this summer, and that’s a good thing for fans of the musical genre.
With a lineup of more than 20 acts, the New Blues Festival is taking place at Shoreline Aquatic Park on Aug. 23-24, featuring traditional and contemporary blues music on two stages.
“The talent this year is superlative,” said Bill Grisolia, the festival founder. “We are known for having a knack for putting together a fabulous bill of talent,” he added.
Headlining this year is guitarist and singer Ana Popovic, who blends electric funk and slide guitar with jazz and soul. Also on the main stage will be Dennis Jones, who is known for his high-energy live shows where he shows off his guitar solos and smooth vocals. Blues Foundation Award winner Laurie Morvan is another main stage act who’s known for performing more rock-driven blues.
Chicago Style blues will be represented by bands like The Blue Henrys, while a bit of Latin soul with come from bands like the Delgado Brothers. Local acts on the lineup include Long Beach native Shy but Flyy, whose music and powerful voice blend genres like blues, jazz, and spoken-word. She’s joined by other Long Beach natives like Familiar Faces, who are led by identical twins Chad and Sean Bierman. The young alt-rock band mixes psychedelic sounds with funky grooves and tight harmonies.
Fans of classic blues may want to check out up and the up-and-coming acts like the Los Angeles based Andrew Alvarez trio, whose music has been compared to legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Johnny Winter.
“We pride ourselves on putting together a bill that features both up-and-comers, rising stars and venerable talent,” Grisolia said. “We like to promote the future and preserve the past.”
New Blues Festival
When: Aug. 23-24
Where: Shoreline Aquatic Park, 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
Tickets: $50-$150
Information: newbluesfestival.com
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