Blues Ignition

In addition to the K.J. James Memorial Scholarship and Blues in the Schools, the New York State Blues Festival’s youth development program is proud to present Blues Ignition.

The New York State Blues Festival is currently recruiting for our student band, Blues Ignition. Participants will play a 40 minute early afternoon set at the festival on Saturday June 14. This opportunity is open to all students 19 and under. For more information on upcoming audition date contact us using the form on this page.

Blues Ignition hopefuls are also encouraged to apply for the KJ James Scholarship.

This is a great experience for all involved and a truly enjoyable performance for the young musicians, their proud parents, and the rest of the audience. We look forward to seeing what this year’s Blues Ignition project has in store for us!

New York State Blues Festival takes place at Chevy Court at the NYS Fairgrounds June 13-14-15, 2024 and is an admission-free event.

Read more about Blues Ignition at the 2023 NYS Blues Festival!

Please fill out the form below if you would like more information about the New York State Blues Festival’s Blues Ignition.

Name(Required)

More Youth Development

Blues Ignition

In addition to the K.J. James Memorial Scholarship and Blues in the Schools, the New York State Blues Festival’s youth development program is proud to present Blues Ignition.

More Info

Blues In The Schools

Education is a huge part of the mission of the New York State Blues Festival and we are happy to share the importance of the blues in American culture with children in CNY schools. In 2023 our Blues in the Schools (BITS) program made its return to area school districts…

More Info

CFCU KJ James Memorial Scholarship

The New York State Blues Festival is pleased to present the KJ James Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded every year to promising young performers. Kelly James is considered to be the father of the blues scene in Syracuse. He was responsible for creating and cultivating the thriving blues scene we…

More Info