31st Annual Blues and Jazz Fest Returns to Frontier Park

Contributed

After a year's hiatus, the Erie Blues and Jazz fest is back in its traditional spot in Frontier Park for its 31st year. Catch headliners Dumpstaphunk (pictured) and multiple other world-class musicians alongside local talent at the defining musical event of Erie's summer.

BEGINNING SATURDAY, AUG. 3

For over 30 years, the Erie Blues and Jazz festival has been one of Erie's most unique and important music festivals, hosted at Frontier Park. This summer fixture has featured world-class  artists alongside local talent, who perform for thousands of residents over the first weekend in August. It's long served as a showcase for both up-and-coming artists and music legends, and carrying on the tradition this year are Dumpstaphunk, Barbara Blue featuring Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, and Terrance Simien and the Zydeco. A second stage, at the McCain Amphitheater, which is located near the Griff Slides, has been added that will feature local music performances, along with blues-based karaoke hosted by Matt "Broke" Boland.

This event is free for the entire community and needs the proper support to be done right. Regarding last year's hiatus for the festival, artistic director of the Blues And Jazz festival Matt Walker says, "A big part of that decision was financial. We quite simply cannot put on a world-class free festival without strong support from sponsors." Walker went on to say that "Thankfully, this year we have been able to overcome much of that challenge because of generous support from Fulton Athletic Club, Country Fair, Plastek, and others." They were also fortunate enough to secure some important grants, along with the support from the community through donations — the importance of support can't be undersold." Walker continues, "The grassroots support of the attendees, via the Bucket Brigade, is also very important. Everyone needs to do their part because this is a community effort."

This family-friendly event kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 3 and goes through Sunday, Aug. 4, starting at 10 a.m. both days. Saturday's highlights include two-time Grammy award-winning accordionist and composer Terrance Simien and his Zydeco band, followed by Dumpstaphunk, who is fronted by Ivan Neville, son of New Orleans legend Aaron Neville. Dumpstaphunk is a well-known name on the jazz and jam circuit, regarded for their grooves that blend funk, rock, jazz, and soul.

On Sunday, the festival will showcase an entire day of music honoring women in blues and jazz. Headliners will be Jennifer Stills (daughter of Stephen Stills) and Calvin "Fuzzy" Samuels (who performed on the album 4-Way Street) performing a tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Wrapping up the festival will be vocalist Barbara Blue, a Pittsburgh mainstay, performing for decades in the Steel City, alongside legendary jazz drummer Bernard Purdie (whose résumé includes collaborations with James Brown, Al Green, Jimmy Smith, Miles Davis, and B.B. King, amongst others). Purdie also has a signature drumming technique known as the "Purdie Shuffle," recognized by the use of triplets against a half-time backbeat.

This is one of the biggest Erie events of the year and it is totally free and open to the public; however, donations are accepted and greatly appreciated. Along with buttons, there will also be t-shirts and other merchandise available. Vendors will also be on hand throughout the weekend offering food and beverages, along with arts and crafts.

Saturday, Aug. 2 and Sunday, Aug. 3, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. // Frontier Park, 1501 W. 6th St. // Free // For full schedule and info: eriebluesandjazz.com