Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival Lineup Announced

PITTSBURGH, PA (PittsburghNewsWire.com) — This is the third year for the Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival, which has already presented some of the Blues brightest stars, like Walter Trout, Bernard Allison and Tinsley Ellis. Ron “Moondog” Esser and his team have been finalizing plans for this year’s Festival, which will return to the Syria Shrine Center in Cheswick for the weekend of July 27th and 28th.

Ron calls this year’s line-up “the most diverse and talented roster of talent we have ever had.” Here’s a sampling of some of the national headliners who were announced at the Festival’s Launch Party on April 11.

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers
The “BB King Entertainer of the Year” award winner has been traveling the world with a tour that features their latest album, “Killin’ It Live.” Living Blues Magazine may have said it best: “They showcase the power of the blues, soul and down-and-dirty rock ‘n roll…rousing and infectious. This is energizing, scorching, soul-shaking music…pure pleasure.”

Dana Fuchs
A singer/songwriter known for her mix of Southern rock, soul, roots and blues. Dana’s worldwide tour stops in Pittsburgh featuring Dana’s fourth album, “Love Lives On.” You may remember Dana from the film Across the Universe.

CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
Chenier’s recording “Can’t Sit Down” is an apt description of what zydeco music is all about. As one reviewer put it, “If this one doesn’t get some part of you moving, I have no question that your heart has stopped.”

Vanessa Collier
After performing alongside Vanessa Collier, Buddy Guy remarked: “There’s a young lady came onstage with me, and she’s playing an alto saxophone, and man, she was amazing.” If you haven’t been fortunate enough to witness her head-turning and fiery performances, make sure you do.

The Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival will also feature some of the best local and regional bands, including Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, Bill Toms & Hard Rain, and Jill West & Blues Attack. Last year, Tribute to the Legendary Women of the Blues electrified the Shrine Center crowd. Not surprisingly, they’re back for an encore. (Nicole Belli, Tina Daniels, Miss Freddye, Jeanie Shook, Lyndsey Smith and Stevee Wellons.)

Proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Band Together Pittsburgh, a community-based nonprofit that uses the power of music to enrich the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Festival highlights always include performances by musicians on the autism spectrum. This year, that includes Soul Raydio, featuring Shailen Abram on keyboards.

Anticipation is growing for the 2019 Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival. According to Ron “Moondog” Esser, “I think folks will be blown away by the music and the message. Can’t wait.”

For updated information, check out the Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival website at www.pghbluesrootsfest.com.

PITTSBURGH BLUES AND ROOTS FESTIVAL

When: Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28
Where: Syria Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way, Cheswick
Tickets: Advance at www.pghbluesrootsfest.com  $25 Day Pass; $40 Weekend Pass
At Gate: $30 Day Pass; 16 and Under Free

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers
Dana Fuchs
CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
Vanessa Collier
Gary Hoey
Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers
Tribute To The Legendary Women Of The Blues
(Nicole Belli, Tina Daniels, Miss Freddye, Jeanie Shook, Lyndsey Smith, Stevee Wellons)
Miller & The Other Sinners
Bill Toms & Hard Rain with special guest Jimmy Adler
Jill West & Blues Attack
Pierce Dipner & The Shades of Blue
Soul Raydio
IBC (International Blues Challenge) Winner
The Band Together DJ’s
Special performances by musicians on the autism spectrum