NEWSLETTER
Award-winning acoustic blues artist to perform free concert Friday afternoon as festival marks its 33rd year
Norwich, N.Y. (Aug. 18, 2026) – The Chenango Blues Festival coming to Norwich, N.Y., this weekend will feature a special addition this year when Commerce Chenango presents a free Friday afternoon concert by renowned acoustic blues man Doug MacLeod.
The multi-award-winning musician’s performance will add an extra dose of world-class talent to an already-stellar lineup of acts from around the country and Canada. The festival, now in its 33rd year, draws thousands of blues fans and music lovers from throughout the Northeast and beyond.
MacLeod will perform at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, in East Park at the corner of East Main and South Broad streets in Norwich’s charming and historic downtown.
Presented by the Chenango Blues Association, the blues festival kicks off with an unofficial opening Thursday evening, Aug. 20, featuring two concerts in East Park. It continues Friday evening, Aug. 21, and all day Saturday, Aug 22 in the Chenango County Fairgrounds, 168 East Main Street. With MacLeod’s show, the lineup offers virtually non-stop music from start to finish.
"We're thrilled to bring an artist of Doug MacLeod's caliber to Chenango County and to partner with the Chenango Blues Association in adding to their wildly popular event," said Tyler Oliver, Economic Development Director for Commerce Chenango. “Such an acclaimed musician in the lineup gives festivalgoers another reason to arrive early and get the most out of a weekend that is an annual highlight in our region.”
MacLeod has won nine Blues Music Awards, most recently 2026 Acoustic Album of the Year for his album “Between Somewhere and Goodbye.”
Over a career spanning more than four decades, MacLeod has recorded 29 albums and has worked alongside blues legends including George "Harmonica" Smith, Big Joe Turner, Big Mama Thornton, Lowell Fulson, and Pee Wee Crayton.
For more information on the Chenango Blues Festival, visit chenangobluesfest.org.
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