What began as a small community music festival has grown into one of Erie’s signature summer traditions. Now in its fourth decade, the Erie Blues & Jazz Festival returns to Frontier Park this weekend, bringing together nationally recognized performers, regional acts and local musicians for two days of free live music and community celebration.
The festival was founded in 1992 by former Erie Art Museum Director John Vanco. Since then, it has become a staple of the city’s summer calendar, drawing thousands of music fans each year. Today, the event is organized by a volunteer nonprofit board, with support from volunteers, sponsors and donors who help ensure the festival continues for future generations.
Among this year’s performers is blues and soul vocalist Dylan Triplett, who will be making his Erie Blues & Jazz Festival debut. Triplett said music has a unique ability to bring people together, regardless of their differences.
“I feel like music is a place where demographic doesn’t matter. It’s a place where languages don’t matter. It’s a place where barriers don’t matter when you do it the right way. And that’s the true power of bringing people together and making people happy,” Triplett said.
The free festival features performances across multiple stages, along with food vendors, artisan booths and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. Organizers say the event continues to celebrate not only blues and jazz music, but also the sense of community that has defined the festival for more than 30 years.
A complete schedule of performances is available on the Erie Blues & Jazz Festival website.