06/03/2026
8 Days and counting..make plans to spend sometime Broad Street Blues and BBQ Festival next weekend. Bring the family out for good music, food, and fun. We will be there.
We’re just 8 days away from the 2026 Broad Street Blues & BBQ Festival!
As we continue our countdown to this year’s festival, we’re highlighting the incredible artists who will be taking the stage in Central Park.
Today’s featured artist is Billy Branch, an Emmy Award winner, three-time Grammy Award nominee, Blues Hall of Fame inductee, and one of the most respected harmonica players in the world.
Billy Branch’s career began in the late 1970s as the harmonica player for the Willie Dixon All Stars, launching nearly 50 years of sharing authentic Chicago blues with audiences across the globe. He has performed throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, Central America, Mexico, and even introduced Chicago blues to millions of fans in China.
A true keeper of the blues tradition, Billy was mentored by legends including Willie Dixon, Junior Wells, James Cotton, and Bo Diddley. He has appeared on more than 300 recordings and has worked with iconic artists such as Koko Taylor, Johnny Winter, Lou Rawls, Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, Kingfish, Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, and many more.
Billy’s impact goes far beyond the stage. His long-running Blues in Schools program has helped introduce generations of young people to America’s rich blues heritage, earning him multiple Keeping the Blues Alive Awards. Most recently, he received the 2025 Best Harmonica Instrumentalist Award and the 2025 Living Blues Critics’ Award.
Don’t miss your chance to see Billy Branch bring world-class Chicago blues to the Central Park stage at the 2026 Broad Street Blues & BBQ Festival!
Bring your lawn chairs, come hungry for BBQ, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend of live blues in Griffith!
