SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Thousands of music fans are expected to gather at the New York State Fairgrounds this weekend as the New York State Blues Festival returns for its 34th year.
Festival organizers estimate between 15,000 and 20,000 people will attend the three-day event, which features Grammy Award-winning guitarist Gary Clark Jr. as this year’s headliner.
“It’s one of the largest free blues festivals in the world,” said Eric McElveen, executive director of the New York State Blues Festival. “It’s something that’s there for the people to come experience the music and enjoy this great culture.”
McElveen said attendance has steadily increased in recent years, particularly since the festival moved to the New York State Fairgrounds.
This year’s lineup includes performers from across North America, but organizers say Gary Clark Jr. is expected to be one of the festival’s biggest draws.
“He’s probably the biggest act we’ve had in many years, if not ever,” McElveen said.
The festival’s reach extends far beyond Central New York.
Bruce and Carmen Olger traveled more than 500 miles from Michigan to attend the event.
“We’re kind of on a bucket list thing where we’re trying to go to blues festivals in all 50 states,” Bruce Olger said. “This will be number 19.”
For the couple, Syracuse is just the latest stop in a journey fueled by a love of blues music.
“There’s just something about the feeling in the music,” Olger said.
Other attendees have made the festival part of their annual summer tradition.
Gene Lorango traveled from western New York to attend the event.
“We travel all over for live music,” Lorango said. “This is our fourth year and we’ll continue to come as long as our health allows us.”
Lorango said the atmosphere and sense of community continue to bring him back.
“Everybody’s here for the same reason,” he said. “It’s just an awesome vibe and great positive energetic atmosphere.”
The New York State Blues Festival runs through Saturday at the New York State Fairgrounds and remains free to attend.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: New York State Blues Festival draws fans from across the country
Reece Allen: Let’s get right into the news with our top story.
Tommy Armstrong: The New York State Blues Festival is back for its 34th year at the State Fairgrounds, bringing together music fans from across the region and beyond. NCC News reporter Danny Erb is live at the festival today. Danny?
Danny Erb: The New York State Blues Festival is back for its 34th year, bringing thousands of music fans to the State Fairgrounds. Organizers say attendance continues to grow, with up to 20,000 people expected over the three-day event. I spoke with attendees from across the country about what keeps them coming back. For Bruce and Carmen Olger, attending the New York State Blues Festival meant a trip of more than 500 miles.
Bruce Olger: “We’re kind of like on a bucket list thing where we’re trying to go to blues festivals in all 50 states. This will be number 19.”
Erb: The Michigan couple brought their camper to Syracuse, making the New York State Blues Festival the latest stop on their cross-country blues journey.
Olger: “I don’t know, there’s just something about the feeling in the music.”
Erb: They’re part of the thousands expected at this year’s festival. Executive Director Eric McElveen says attendance continues to grow.
Eric McElveen: “We’re looking to probably be in the neighborhood of 15 to 20,000 people.”
Erb: Organizers say attendance has steadily increased since the festival moved to the State Fairgrounds. This year’s festival is headlined by Grammy Award-winning guitarist Gary Clark Jr. McElveen says landing Clark was years in the making.
McElveen: “Probably, you know, at least the biggest act we’ve had in many years, if not ever.”
Erb: But for many attendees, the draw goes beyond the headliners. Gene Lorango has made the trip to Syracuse four years in a row.
Gene Lorango: “We love live music, and we travel all over for it. This is our fourth year, and we’ll continue to come as long as our health allows us.”
Erb: Lorango says it’s the atmosphere that keeps bringing him back.
Lorango: “Everybody is just here for the same reason, and it is just an awesome vibe and great, positive, energetic atmosphere.”
Erb: And after more than three decades, organizers say it’s the people that continue to make the festival special.
McElveen: “My favorite part of the weekend is really, I think, seeing all the happy people here, the dancing and smiling.”
Erb: The festival remains free to attend thanks to support from Onondaga County, New York State and local sponsors, helping organizers keep one of Central New York’s longest-running music traditions accessible to the public. The festival remains free to attend and continues through Saturday here at the New York State Fairgrounds. Reporting live in Syracuse, I’m Danny Erb.
Armstrong:
Thank you, Danny. The New York State Blues Festival continues through Saturday at the State Fairgrounds.