The Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Festival
Due to the pandemic the 2020 festival was canceled. We hope to resume in 2021, after things return to "normal" - and we are contacting musicians, sponsors, venues, and health officials to determine if we can safely present artists in August. Please check back for more information.
The Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano Festival features acclaimed piano players, dancers, and refreshments. With free and ticketed performances at multiple venues 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 ticketed and free performances in Bloomington, Indiana, and to introduce young people to the artists and to various musical styles through free educational programs.
See the 2020 schedule and list of 2020 performers to see who was scheduled and who might be at our next festival.
We are greatly saddened about the passing of our friend, the great percussionist, 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 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 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 - aka Mr. B, Josh Paxton, Cynthia Girtley, Scott Patterson, Ricky Nye, Bruce "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 Alfred "Uganda" Roberts/congas, Gordon Bonham/guitar, Joe Donnelly/sax, Ron Kadish/bass, Dan Hosteler/drums, and Lori Brenner/percussion.
Explore our website and click below for photos and videos from past festivals.
