This summer, ArtsQuest is bringing back its beloved Blast Furnace Blues Festival for its 15th year—but with a major twist. In honor of America's 250th anniversary, the two-day event has been temporarily reimagined as Blast Furnace Blues: Stars, Stripes & Steel, presented by Highmark Blue Shield, inviting our community to come together and celebrate.
Running Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, 2026, the festival promises to blend the deep, rhythmic roots of the blues with the high-energy patriotism of the nation's Semiquincentennial. Ample parking is available nearby, and accessible transportation options will be provided for all attendees.
A 250th Anniversary Twist
For one year only, the festival is leaning heavily into the "America250" spirit, celebrating an art form born in the United States that has influenced almost every modern genre since.
"What a way to celebrate both the blues and America's 250th! Stars, Stripes & Steel is a special one-year twist on Blast Furnace Blues, and we've packed it with artists who truly represent the depth and energy of the genre – from rising stars to seasoned legends. It's all about honoring an American art form and bringing our community together in a place that tells its own powerful story." — Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest Chief Programming Officer
The 2026 Headliners
The lineup features an eclectic mix of seasoned legends, Grammy nominees, and fiery rising stars spanning Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and Gospel blues.
- Jontavious Willis (Friday Headliner): This Grammy-nominated artist was famously dubbed a "Wonderboy" by blues legend Taj Mahal. Known for his technical skill and rural Georgia roots, Willis brings a highly danceable, traditional sound into the modern era.
- Larry McCray (Saturday Headliner): A powerhouse vocalist and fiery guitarist riding the wave of his acclaimed new album, "Heartbreak City." Having shared stages with B.B. King and Buddy Guy, the newly minted Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Famer promises a soulful, high-energy set.
- Standout Acts: Keep an eye out for fiery blues-rock vocalist Dana Fuchs, Ireland's rising star Gráinne Duffy, and Lehigh Valley's own hometown favorites, The BC Combo.
Weekend Schedule Snapshot
Friday, July 17
- 5:00 PM – The BC Combo (Levitt Pavilion)
- 6:00 PM – Danielia Cotton (Community Stage)
- 7:30 PM – Jontavious Willis (Levitt Pavilion)
- 9:00 PM – Scott Tournet (Community Stage)
Saturday, July 18
- 3:00 PM – Shane Guerrette (Levitt Pavilion)
- 4:15 PM – The Moga Family Band (Community Stage)
- 5:15 PM – Gráinne Duffy (Levitt Pavilion)
- 6:15 PM – Dana Fuchs (Community Stage)
- 7:30 PM – Larry McCray (Levitt Pavilion)
- 9:00 PM – Amani Burnham (Community Stage)
Good Eats & Summer Vibes
No summer festival is complete without the right food. Between sets, attendees can grab mouth-watering plates from Nick's BBQ or cool down with a sweet treat from Mon & Mel's Sweet Scoops Ice Cream Truck, both of which will be serving all weekend long, with more vendors to be announced closer to the event. Safety measures, including sanitizing stations and crowd management, will be in place to ensure a safe experience for all.
Whether you are a lifelong blues aficionado or just looking for a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate a historic American summer under the SteelStacks, Stars, Stripes & Steel offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
