The Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Festival
Due to the pandemic the 2021 festival is canceled. We plan to resume in 2022.
The Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Festival features acclaimed musicians, dancers, and refreshments. With free and ticketed performances and free educational components, the festival has been voted one of the top 10 festivals in Indiana! Our mission is to present world-class pianists and other musical artists in Bloomington, Indiana, and to introduce young people to the artists and to various musical styles through free educational activities.
The festival needs your help to continue. Click to learn how you can become a sponsor.
See the 2020 schedule and list of performers to see who was scheduled at our last festival.
We are greatly saddened by the passing of our friend, Conguero and festival performer Alfred Uganda Roberts, on May 5, 2020, and by the passing of pianist Gene Taylor of The Blasters and Fabulous Thunderbirds on Feb. 20, 2021.
Bloomington Boogies presents the best blues, boogie woogie, Gospel, and stride pianists in the world, outstanding Zydeco accordionists, world-class percussionists, and professional dancers. Artists have included Bob Seeley, Henry Butler, Marcia Ball, Carl Sonny Leyland, C. J. Chenier, Rob Rio, Judy Carmichael, Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, Daryl Davis, Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi, Jean-Pierre Bertrand, Eden Brent, Bill Sims, Jr., Mark Braun (Mr. B), Josh Paxton, Cynthia Girtley, Scott Patterson, Ricky Nye, "Sunpie" Barnes, Ben Toury, Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues, Henri Herbert, Keith McCutchen, Katharina Alber, Michael Drexler, Cassidy Gephart, Josh Christina, David Barry, Mike Lucas, Craig Brenner, Ross Martinie Eiler, Jeremy Stevenson, Michelle Brentano, and Noah Selo. Our rhythm section has included Uganda Roberts/congas, Gordon Bonham/guitar, Joe Donnelly/sax, Ron Kadish/bass, Dan Hostetler/drums, and Lori Brenner/percussion.
Explore our website and click below for photos and videos from past festivals.
- the first Bloomington Boogies, Aug. 9 - 10, 2015
- from the second Bloomington Boogies, Aug. 14 - 15, 2016
- from the third Bloomington Boogies, Aug. 13 - 14, 2017
- from the fourth and fifth festivals in August of 2018 and 2019
We will announce 2022 Covid-19 safety protocols in consultation with health officials.
