Correction: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Jonathon “Boogie” Long’s first name. 225 regrets the error.
Fans of the blues and novice listeners alike can show their support and listen to live music all weekend at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, one of the oldest blues festivals in the country. Head over to downtown Baton Rouge this Friday, April 4, to Sunday, April 6, to get the full experience of all this free festival has to offer.
The event will host a plethora of musical artists throughout the weekend, as well as a Kids Corner, Kenny Neal’s Car Show, loads of food vendors, artist interviews, makers, merch and more. Check out the guide below to plan out your weekend visit to the festival.
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Listen to live music
Music will fill downtown from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening across four stages:
• Visit Baton Rouge Swamp Blues Stage at Galvez Plaza
• Chris Whittington Family LA 1 Stage outside the Shaw Center for the Arts
• Watermark Slim Harpo Stage at the intersection of Convention and Third streets, near the Watermark Hotel
• Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge Front Porch Stage at North Boulevard Town Square, which will operate as an unplugged space for headliners and up-and-coming artists
Performances will kick off with a special Live After Five edition featuring Hanna PK, Jovin Webb and Jonathon “Boogie” Long. Other artists that attendees can expect to see throughout the weekend include Chris Thomas King, Kenny Neal, Cedric Burnside, THEBROSFRESH, Adia Victoria and many others.
“Honestly, everyone who’s on a Blues Fest stage is incredible,” says Lauren Lambert-Tompkins, executive director of the Baton Rouge Blues Fest and Foundation.
“Absolutely do not miss the Sunday jam at the end of the festival,” she adds.
The Blues Fest Jam will start at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, at the Swamp Blues Stage. Many of the musicians will come onstage to play together. During the jam session, drinks at the bar will be half-price.
Get some sustenance
Satisfy your cravings with bites from over a dozen food vendors at the festival.
“We’ve got everything from Asian cuisine to Cajun, tacos, Mediterranean and boiled crawfish,” Lambert-Tompkins says. Food vendors include A & G Snack Shop on the Geaux, The Frying Station, Jake’s Tacos, Jambalaya by Shake, Chef Key’s Country Kitchen, Leroy’s Lip Smack’n Lemonade, Vel’s Mobile Cafe, AOK Caterer and more.
Food trucks will be set up on North Boulevard near the LA 1 Stage and the Front Porch Stage. Food tents will be set up near the River Center Branch Library and City Hall, facing the Swamp Blues stage.
Bar locations face the Swamp Blues Stage in Rhorer Plaza from Friday to Sunday. Another bar, known as Town Lawn, will be set up on North Boulevard under the large digital sign on Saturday and Sunday.
See classic cars
New to the fest this year, Kenny Neal’s Car Show will take place on North Boulevard in front of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol on Saturday, April 5. Neal, a blues legend and car enthusiast, will bring slick rides to downtown Baton Rouge.
“There’s a really big crossover between blues fans and antique car fans,” says Lambert-Tompkins. “Kenny’s got a few surprises up his sleeve.”
Learn about your favorite musicians
WRKF’s Behind the Blues: Musician Interviews, a hidden gem of the festival, according to Lambert-Tompkins, returns to the Baton Rouge Blues Fest this year.
Many local artists will be interviewed by the local NPR station on the second floor of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, and attendees are invited to listen in.
Musicians on the lineup include Chris LeBlanc, Lil’ Jimmy Reed, Kenny Neal, Jonathon “Boogie” Long, Chris Thomas King and Hanna PK.
“Our mission as a foundation is to preserve these stories coming from swamp blues artists,” Lambert-Tompkins says. “Blues music is about the stories.”
Bring the kiddos here
The Humana Kids Corner, located near Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, will have many different family-friendly activities to keep attendees of all ages entertained. Kiddos can release some energy and embrace their competitive spirit on the GymFit Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course or try their hand at being a cowboy on an animatronic bull. For more laid-back activities, kids can ride a small train or make their own music at the instrument petting zoo on Saturday, April 5.
Check out local artists
Dozens of makers and vendors will showcase their art for attendees to peruse between sets. The Circa 1857 Arts Market will be held in Galvez Plaza, behind the Swamp Blues Stage, to showcase local goods and vendors.
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Merchandise from the Baton Rouge Blues Fest will also be available for purchase to help keep the festival free for all to attend. Blues Fest merch will be located off North Boulevard in the Town Lawn bar, under the digital signs.
Find more info
Check out the Baton Rouge Blues Fest online here. Volunteers will be handing out festival guides throughout the weekend, so be sure to grab one to stay in the know about everything that’s going on.