(Fargo, ND) -- Fargo Blues Festival organizers announced Friday that the annual music event will be back at Newman Outdoor Field for 2021 with the 26th annual two-day blues music event being held on Friday, July 30th and Saturday, July 31st.
This year’s lineup features John Mayall, the legendary “Godfather of British Blues,” as the headliner for Saturday night. For over 50 years, Mayall has served as a pioneer of blues music and was inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame in 2016. This will be the second time John Mayall has performed at the Fargo Blues Fest after he made his first appearance in 2004.
New to the Fargo Blues Fest is Samantha Fish, who headlines Friday night’s show. Fish started playing guitar at the age of 15 and recorded her first album, Live Bait, in 2009. Since then, she has recorded six solo albums and won the Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year Award at the 2018 Blues Music Awards. Her live shows feature multiple genres including blues, rock, country, funk, bluegrass, and ballads.
The rest of Friday’s lineup includes the Jeremiah Johnson Band, Mississippi Heat, Vella, and the Blue Wailers. Gates open at 1:00pm on Friday with the first act going on stage at 2:00pm.
Saturday’s lineup features John Primer, who last played the festival in 2011. Rocky Athas, Ally Venable, Miss Myra and the Moonshiners, and a local favorite, the Deb Jenkins Band, make up day two’s acts.
“We’re very excited to be able to have Blues Fest back at Newman Outdoor Field for 2021,” said promoter Brad Thom. “This year’s lineup includes some of the best Blues acts, both new and old, and will offer something for music fans of all ages.”
Advanced ticket sales will be available at all Fargo and Grand Forks Happy Harry’s locations and at the Newman Outdoor Field Ticket Office.
The Fargo Blues Fest was started in 1996 by Dan Bredell and has run continuously for the last 25 years. Bredell passed away in early 2021 at the age of 73 and upon his passing, Dan’s family sought out a new promoter to keep the annual event going.
“Dan’s family have been wonderful to work with, especially while dealing with their loss,” said Thom. “We will continue to keep the Fargo Blues Festival going by bringing in some of the best musicians and adding some new things as well. All of us want to continue Dan’s work over the past 25 years and keep his legacy alive by continuing to host one of the best blues festivals in the country each year.”
Information on this year’s event, along with a full lineup, tickets, camping and more, click here.
