(WSYR-TV) — Each June, the three day annual New York State Blues Festival brings blues artist from all over the world to Central New York. Perhaps the best part is, it’s all free.
Executive director of the New York State Blues Festival Eric McElveen joined the show to break down the event and preview the festival taking place in June.
The fundraiser concert will feature blues music award-winning artist Tommy Castro and the Painkillers. Special guest Nate Gross will open the show.
Blending blues with soul and rock, Castro and his band have become one of the most thrilling live acts in contemporary blues. Nate Gross is a national touring blues guitarist and singer. He is a two-time Syracuse Area Music Award winner for Best Blues Recording.
The concert also serves as a preview of the 2026 New York State Blues Festival, which returns June 11–13 at Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds.
Proceeds from the fundraiser help support the New York State Blues Festival’s General Operating Fund. This helps sustain the free-admission festival along with the program’s music education and community programs.
The fundraiser will be held at Middle Ages Beer Hall in Syracuse. Doors open at 6 p.m. with music beginning at 6:30 p.m.
For more information on the fundraiser and the upcoming festival, check out NYSBluesFest.com.
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