The Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Festival
August 10 - 12, 2019 Bloomington, Indiana
The Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Festival - known as Bloomington Boogies - features acclaimed piano players, dancers, and refreshments. With free and ticketed performances at multiple venues and free educational components, the 2016 festival was voted one of the top 10 festivals in Indiana!
Our 2019 lineup will be announced soon!
Our mission is to present piano players in ticketed and free performances and to present free educational programs, so that young people and young pianists are exposed to world-class artists in Bloomington, Indiana.
In 2018 the festival expanded to three days of events:
- On Aug. 11, in partnership with Media Sponsor WFHB, we presented a preview on "Saturday's Child" at the Monroe County History Center, with Cynthia Girtley, Alfred "Uganda" Roberts, Craig Brenner, Joe Donnelly and Lori Brenner
- On Aug. 12, activities took place at the Ivy Tech Waldron Arts Center, with free performances outside and ticketed concerts in the Whikehart Auditorium
- More free performances took place at Bloomington Boogies After Hours at Malibu Grill
- On Aug. 13, we presented concerts and piano workshops at Fairview, Templeton, and Tri-North Schools
In 2017, we presented public concerts on August 13 and school concerts and workshops on Aug. 14; and we partnered with The Ryder Film Series in screening I AM THE BLUES, a film of interest to blues and boogie woogie lovers, with free admission for festival ticket-holders.
Bloomington Boogies has presented the best blues, boogie woogie, and stride pianists in the world, outstanding Zydeco accordionists, Gospel pianists, world-class percussionists, and professional dancers. Artists include Bob Seeley, Henry Butler, Marcia Ball, Carl Sonny Leyland, C. J. Chenier, Rob Rio, Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, Judy Carmichael, Daryl Davis, Eden Brent, Bill Sims, Jr., Mark Braun - aka Mr. B, Josh Paxton, Cynthia Girtley, Ricky Nye, Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes, Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues, Henri Herbert, Katharina Alber, Cassidy Gephart, David Barry, Mike Lucas, Craig Brenner, Ross Martinie Eiler, and Michelle Brentano. Our rhythm section has included Alfred "Uganda" Roberts/congas, Gordon Bonham/guitar, Joe Donnelly/sax, Ron Kadish/bass, and Dan Hosteler/drums.
Explore our website and click below for photos and videos from past festivals.
