Up the River Events LLCin partnership with the Hudson Valley Blues Society, River Towns Music GroupAnd 6 Degree Breweryis proud to announce the opening The Up the River Blues Festival on Saturday, September 14, 2024. This free, all-day event will take place at Louis Engel Waterfront Park (190-194 Westerly Road, Ossining) from 12pm to 8pm. Festivalgoers can look forward to a dynamic lineup of blues artists, including five nationally and internationally known bands and a solo guitarist.
Planned artists include:
- Slam Allen – A Grammy-nominated blues artist whose original music has been heard in films, television shows and Netflix series.
- The Cinelli brothers – The winners of the UK Blues Band of the Year 2024 award are London-based bands that combine soul and blues with influences from the Beatles and Stevie Wonder.
- Petey Hop and the Jack Rabbits – Led by Pete, a versatile singer and sideman who has performed internationally, including a notable appearance at the Half Note Jazz Club in Athens, Greece.
- The 3Bs – A local favorite from Ossining, the 3Bs are experienced musicians known for their regular performances in the Hudson Valley and their popular singles.
- Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers – Headliners at major venues across the US and Europe, known for their global appeal and dynamic stage presence.
- Michael Borgia – An American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from New York, celebrated for his five-octave vocal range and captivating live performances.
Concertgoers are asked to bring their own chairs and blankets for comfort. Before the event, attendees should check the FAQ section on the Blues Festival website for any restrictions on items. In addition to live music, the Blues Festival will also feature food trucks, vendors, and a beer/wine booth.
According to organizers, the Up the River Blues Festival is the first blues event in Ossining since BB King’s performance at Sing Sing Prison on Thanksgiving Day 1972. Organizers want to honor King’s legacy by holding this event on the Ossining waterfront, in the shadow of Sing Sing Prison, and plan to continue the festival annually.
Free parking is available in the riverfront area and in the auxiliary parking lot on the east side of the Ossining Metro-North station (based on availability). Visitors arriving from NYC or from northern locations along the Hudson River are asked to take Metro-North trains to the Ossining station to avoid parking delays. Additional paid parking is available two blocks north of the festival site on Water Street.
NY Waterways’ Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry will be operating over the weekend to allow visitors from across the Hudson River to join in the festivities. For the ferry schedule, visit nywaterway.com/haverstrawtoossiningroute.aspx.
