The Baton Rouge Blues Foundation announced the lineup for this year’s 25th annual affair with performances by Mavis Staples, Kenny Neal, Lil Ray Neal, Tyree Neal, Henry Gray, William Bell and many more. The festival will take place in downtown Baton Rouge from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. both Saturday, April 13, 2019 and Sunday, April 14, 2019. This year’s festival, presented by Smoke-free East Baton Rouge, is located in and around Repentance Park and Galvez Plaza.

The Baton Rouge Blues Festival will create a family-friendly and fun environment with incredible music from both international and local artists, food and drinks from vendors, and hundreds of people celebrating the Blues culture. Over 30 talented musicians will be playing over the two days including 16 artists who have previously appeared at the festival and many special guests. This will be Henry Gray’s 21st appearance at the festival.

Originating in 1981, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival is one of the oldest free blues festivals in America. The festival is produced by the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation, a non-profit organization striving to preserve, promote, and propel the swamp blues and Baton Rouge blues culture.

To celebrate the festival’s 25th anniversary, the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation is releasing a special commemorative pin. When purchased, guests are directly supporting the future of Baton Rouge Blues Festival and the swamp blues legacy. In addition, the festival will be celebrating the legacy of Leslie ‘Lazy Lester’ Johnson, a staple at Blues Fest, who passed away on August 22, 2018.

While the festival is still free to the general public, an All-Weekend Experience Pass is available for purchase. The pass includes food and beverages, private bars and bathrooms, VIP lounging areas for viewing, and a one-year membership to the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation. Passes are on sale now here. For more information, visit here. Click here for stage schedules.

This years festival will feature:

Mavis Staples

Kenny Neal, Lil Ray Neal and Tyree Neal

Henry Gray with special guests Bob Corritore and others

William Bell

Deacon John & The Ivories

Papa Grows Funk

Jonathon “Boogie” Long

Warren Storm & Willie Tee & The Band Cypress with Special Guests

Chris Leblanc Band with a Tribute to Lazy Lester

Quiana Lynell

Greyhounds

Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor

Cedric Burnside

Lil Freddie King

Sam Hogan

Smokehouse Porter & Miss Mamie

Chicago Al & the Backburners

Harvey Knox & The Soul Spectrum Band

Darcy Malone & the Tangle

Cedric Watson

Levee Road Revue

Killer Whale

Lane Mack

Hogy & the Healers

The Excelleauxs

Zion Harmonizers

Elder Timothy Britten & Shabach

Arthur Gremillion & Friends Community Choir

DeAndre Tate & Company

April “Sexy Red” Jackson

OMT