Kenny Wayne Shepherd, the five-time Grammy-nominated blues-rock virtuoso, is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated Backroads Blues Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, August 10th at ARTPARK in Lewiston, NY, this third edition of the festival promises an unforgettable experience with performances by Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson, Duane Betts, Bobby Rush, among others. The festival, known for its celebration of both the titans and emerging stars of blues and rock, is a must-attend event for enthusiasts of the genre.
"I wanted to offer a traditional touring blues festival," Shepherd commented. "One that will give people a chance to see the best of the best all in one place.” Reflecting on the legacy of blues festivals and inspired by the success of similar events, Shepherd aims to fill a void in the contemporary music scene with the Backroads Blues Festival. This commitment to blues music and its community is at the heart of the festival’s mission.
The Backroads Blues Festival draws inspiration from Shepherd’s award-winning, Platinum-selling "10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads" film and album project. This ambitious endeavor featured Shepherd traveling the country, collaborating with both legendary and unsung heroes of the blues. The project included performances with icons such as Etta Baker, Pinetop Perkins, Honeyboy Edwards, and B.B. King, showcasing the rich diversity and depth of blues music.
Remembering the influential B.B. King Blues Festival Tour, Shepherd said, “Those were very special shows, and once that ended, there was a void. Our Backroads Blues Festival Tour is firmly rooted in that same tradition.” By reviving this concept, Shepherd not only pays homage to these monumental events but also breathes new life into the tradition, ensuring its continuation for new generations of fans and musicians.
This announcement comes amid a busy year for Shepherd, following the release of his latest studio album, 'Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1'. The album, a blend of contemporary and classic blues sounds, marks another milestone in Shepherd's illustrious career. It showcases his continued evolution as an artist committed to the blues while exploring new musical territories and themes.
In addition to headlining the Backroads Blues Festival, Shepherd's current tour plans include performances across the United States, sharing the powerful, emotional, and high-energy shows that have defined his career. Fans can look forward to experiencing the new material from 'Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1' live, alongside Shepherd's extensive catalog of hits.
The Backroads Blues Festival in Lewiston, NY, is an event not to be missed, offering a unique opportunity to witness some of the most respected and talented artists in blues and rock today. For more information on the festival and Kenny Wayne Shepherd's upcoming tour dates, please visit www.kennywayneshepherd.net/tour.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Guitar + Vocals
Noah Hunt - Vocals
Kevin McCormick - Bass
Chris Layton - Drums
Joe Krown - Keyboards/Organ
Doug Woolverton - Trumpet
Charlie DiPuma - Saxophone
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Backroads Blues Festival
