Coming Soon
TBACheck back for the first wave of 2026 artist announcements.
2026 Artist Lineup
Two days of blues, roots, and soul on the Long Beach waterfront
2026 Lineup
Current 2026 Artist Line Up
Stay tuned — the full 2026 artist lineup is coming soon. Sign up for updates to be the first to know when performers are announced.
Coming Soon
TBACheck back for the first wave of 2026 artist announcements.
Coming Soon
TBACheck back for the first wave of 2026 artist announcements.
MCs & Special Guests
Ann the Raven
On air with KCSN 88.5FM since the late 1980s, Ann "the Raven" brings decades of blues radio experience to her role as event MC. Her deep knowledge of the music and its history, combined with a genuine love for connecting artists with audiences, makes her an essential part of the festival experience. Known as the "mother of the blues" on airwaves, she champions both the legends and the newcomers who keep the tradition alive.
BIGLLOU
You've likely heard Big Llou Johnson's distinctive voice on SiriusXM's B.B. King Bluesville show. A sought-after voiceover talent whose work spans national advertisers — White Castle, McDonald's, Kraft Foods, and more — BIGLLOU brings his deep, resonant voice and encyclopedic blues knowledge to the festival stage. A true Renaissance figure, his career spans radio, film, music, and voice acting.
Past Performers
Featured Past Artists
Over the years, the New Blues Festival has welcomed an incredible range of talent. These artists have graced our stages and represent the best of what the festival brings to Long Beach — award-winning musicians, genre-bending innovators, and the torchbearers of a living American art form.
Ana Popovic
Blues / Funk / RockSeven-time Blues Music Award nominee. Called "one helluva guitar-player" by Bruce Springsteen.
Andrew Alvarez
Blues RockLA-based power trio fronted by a charismatic guitarist whose style pays homage to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Johnny Winter.
Angela Morgan
Blues / JazzNamed after her father Stanley Morgan of the Ink Spots and sister of sax great Frank Morgan. Vice President of the Houston Blues Society.
Bernie Pearl & The Pearl-Bailey Band
Traditional BluesThe "Dean of the Blues in Southern California" — founder of the original Long Beach Blues Festival.
Bill Grisolia
New Blues / RockLeading the vanguard of the new blues movement — sold out NYE with Los Lobos.
The Blue Henrys
Chicago BluesHigh Desert blues fixture since 2003, known for putting their own spin on Chicago-style blues. Shared stages with Canned Heat and Taj Mahal.
Brick Alley Blues Band
Blues / Rock / CountryVersatile four-piece band covering the full spectrum of American roots music.
Bubba and the Big Bad Blues
Blues RockSoCal-based original blues rock blending Texas blues, SoCal swagger, and New Orleans R&B funk.
Darnell Cole
Rock / SoulAmerican rock and soul artist who fronted international band Porcelain Hill for nine years.
Delgado Brothers
Blues / Roots Rock / Latin SoulBlending blues, roots rock, Americana, and Latin soul into a sound all their own.
Dennis Jones
Blues RockSizzling guitar solos and high-energy stage presence. Opened for Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, and George Thorogood.
Familiar Faces
Alt-Rock / BluesLong Beach natives blending psychedelic textures with funky grooves and soaring guitar solos.
George Foster
Blues / Hard Rock / SoulHigh-energy performer who can be spotted in the film "Wayne's World" as the guitarist in Tia Carrere's band.
JazzZon Ensemble
Jazz / BluesDedicated to promoting the rich history and culture of jazz and blues through live performance.
Jessica Kaczmarek
Blues / AmericanaMulti-instrumentalist and film composer whose career began at age 17.
Laurie Morvan
Blues / RockBlues Foundation Award winner with a devastatingly tight band and true stage chemistry.
Lester Lands
Gospel / BluesA maestro of the blues and gospel tradition, born in the Mississippi Delta.
Patricia Manion
Blues / RockAccomplished guitarist and vocalist who has performed across the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean. Opened for Living Colour.
Redd House
BluesRaw energy and soulful melodies blending classic blues with modern influences.
Shy but Flyy
Blues / Jazz / Spoken WordLong Beach-based blues, jazz, and spoken-word artist. Performed internationally at the Rhythm Riot Festival in England.
Tim Russ
Blues / RockActor, director, and musician with 35+ years in the performing arts.