2008: The Billtown Blues Festival’s troubles with rain may have been replaced by brutal heat. Record numbers braved record temperatures for the 19th Annual Billtown Blues Festival. Stellar performances were delivered by each act, making for a great day of music. Adding Bob Margolin, Ann Rabson, Joe Maher, Jimmy Thackery, Homemade Jamz Blues Band, Alexis P. Suter Band, Jason Ricci and New Blood, Gina Sicilia, and 2008 Festival Audition Concert winners Ann Kerstetter Band and V.E. Paul to our already illustrious line-ups from the past makes for quite a list. Bob Margolin’s impromptu jams in the Acoustic Tent with many of the artists in attendance, and Andy Barnhart and Mitch Ivanoff’s acoustic performance and Harmonic Workshop for the kids, made sure everyone had a great day of Blues! The festivities were forced to end early at the beginning of the last act, when severe lightening made continuation dangerous. The crowd, while disappointed, was more than satisfied with the day’s entertainment.

2007: Blessed again this year with near perfect weather, Blues fans from all over the country gathered to hear some of the world’s greatest performers. From local audition winners, Black-N-Blues, to Smokin’ Joe Kubek and B’nois King, who closed the show, there was never a dull moment. Many thanks to Black-N-Blues, Nick Moss and the Flip Tops, Guy Davis and the High Flying Rockets, Deanna Bogart, Michael Powers, Sleepy LaBeef and Smokin’ Joe Kubek & B’nois King for jobs well done…and that was just on our main stage. Between sets, in the acoustic tent, the crowd was entertained by Andy Barnhart and Mitch Ivanoff, who hosted a children’s harmonica workshop as well as performing. Also featured were Brennon John, Gregory Burgess and Guy Davis, who did a solo acoustic act after performing with his band on the main stage.

2006: In the festival's history, there has never been a finer day from a weather standpoint. Folks turned out from far and wide in record numbers. The festival was off to a rousing start with Audition Winner Jonah Gregory. His set included a lot of classic tunes as well as a fair number of his own heart-wrenching originals. Carlos del Junco followed, with a fast paced set of harmonica-based tunes that raised the bar for every harmonica player in the world. Diunna Greenleaf and Blue Mercy delivered an emotionally charged set that brought the crowd to its feet and kept them there. Slick Ballinger followed with one of the most powerful sets I've heard in ages. To quote B.B. King, "Slick isn't just a player, that young man is an entertainer keeping the blues moving forward while respecting the past." Up next was E.G. Kight, the "Georgia Songbird". More than just a great performer, Kight has a stage presence that allows her to hold her audience from start to finish. Magic Slim and the Teardrops were next to the stage, considered by many to be "the last real Chicago blues band." Chicago Blues has never been in more capable hands or sounded better. Closing out the show was Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, pulling out all the stops and closing the show in great fashion, taking off through the audience with a melodica (a hand-held reed instrument similar to the accordion and harmonica)…a regular "Pied Piper". While all this was happening on the main stage, at the Bill Brown Acoustic Blues tent, a kid's harmonica workshop was held and there were performances by Big Mitch Ivanoff, Andy Barnhart, Slick Ballinger, and Doug McMinn.

2005: Sweet 16…To Say The Least. Stellar regional talent, Nate Myers and the Aces, was just the beginning. Microwave Dave and the Nukes kept the dancers moving with a delightful, powerful and, at times, “unique” set. Bruce Katz, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Nora Jean Bruso and Michael Burks reached deep into our souls, moving not only our hearts and minds, but also our feet. It was a dance party, to be sure. Closing out the night was regional legend Billy Price with the Keystone Rhythm Band delivering a powerfully moving set of classic R&B. This year saw the addition of the Bill Brown Memorial Acoustic tent. Andy “Badmouth” Barnhart and John Trallo held harmonica workshops in the tent, which ended with a performance by the newly trained next generation of Blues stars and a performance by Barnhart and Trallo. Performances were also delivered by Doug McMinn, Nate Myers, and Ben Andrews.

2004: 15 and counting! This 15th year opened with audition winners The Blind Chitlin Kahunas. Teeny Tucker followed, a real powerhouse…dynamic, sassy, energetic and lots of fun. Playing in slot number three, Otis Taylor was nothing short of phenomenal. This was honest Blues…not at all like the traditional forms we’ve become accustomed to, but powerful and extremely effective. Ann Rabson and the Annimators are a real treat. These are all first-rate musicians who love to play…and it shows. Following Ann, was Tab Benoit, one of the world’s greatest guitarists. He delivered a straight-ahead set of Blues and R&B that brought the crowd to its feet. Following Tab Benoit is not an easy task for any band, but Howlin’ for Hubert was up for it. They delivered an all-star tribute to Howlin’ Wolf, featuring Hubert Sumlin, Levon Helm, Jimmy Vivino, David Johansen, Michael Merritt and Ann Rabson. Closing out the show, the Billtown Blues All-Stars offered some of Billtown’s finest players the opportunity to strut their stuff.

2003: This year opened with audition winner The Lipsmackin Blues Band. Greg Burgess with Steve Mitchell and Andy Seal filled the second slot with top-notch piano based Blues. Chef Chris and His Nairobi Trio tore it up right out of the chute. Winners of the 2002 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, they brought the crowd to their feet early in the day with their rousing hi-energy performance. Up next, Johnny Rawls and his big band featuring the Nutmeg Horns delivered Blues and R&B the way they were meant to be played…with lots of heart and soul. Roy Rogers & Norton Buffalo were a near religious experience. This was almost too much to absorb. Maria Muldaur dazzled the crowd with her passionate delivery and her incredible stage presence. Delivering a rousing set of straight-ahead Chicago Blues, was Phil Guy and his band, bringing everyone to their feet and close to the stage for the final performance of the day.

2002: This was our "Lucky 13th", our first festival without rain (thank you E.G.). This year opened with audition winner Mike Guldin and Rollin' and Tumblin'. Following them was acoustic guitar virtuoso Ernie Hawkins. Then E.G. Kight, the "Georgia Songbird" gave us a sizzling set of hot blues. We got a good dose of Lousiana zydeco from Geno Delafose. Back by request for a repeat performance of infectious acoustic blues were Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women. Levon Helm and the Barnburners and the Chicago Rhythm and Blues Kings rounded out a great day of blues.

2001: What A Day! As is usually the case, this year’s event featured music from a wide variety of styles, offering something for everyone’s musical taste. The Susquehanna Sheiks, Blues & Gasoline, Chris Beard, Greg Piccolo & Heavy Juice, Deborah Coleman & the Thrillseekers, Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers and Big Jack Johnson & the Oilers delivered stellar performances to a crowd that was as diverse as the musical styles represented.

2000: This year opened with audition winner Dan Stevens. Dave Keyes, the winner of the 2000 International Blues Talent Competition followed. Drummer and vocalist Ola Dixon delivered a stunning set of Blues and R&B, Sonny Rhodes dazzled the crowd, and Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets, featuring Sam Myers, maintained the pace and won some hearts. This year's rain was a torrential downpour. That was followed by The Downchild Blues Band, who did a wonderful job of raising dampened spirits, and Shirley King, daughter of blues legend B.B. King.

1999: The tenth annual Billtown Blues Festival saw the return of some old friends to its stage, as well as performances by a number of acts new to the area. Once again, the festivities opened with the audition winners Big Daddy Dex & the Groove, a rockin' little unit out of the Wilkes Barre area. Mon Gumbo, a Pittsburgh, PA, based zydeco and roots music band joined us for the first time this year. Ben Andrews returned to help close out the decade. Tone-Cool recording artist Toni Lynn Washington made an appearance, and showed the world the true definition of class. Next up was harmonica virtuoso Paul deLay, who was performing with the Rockin' Johnny Band from Chicago. "Rockin' Johnny" Burgin is a former resident of Williamsport. Alligator recording artists Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials added to the excitement. The Billtown Blues All-Stars, made up of those musicians who have helped to keep the blues alive on the home front, closed the show with a real down-home party.

1998: This festival began with audition winners B.C. & the Blues Crew, followed by Bennett Harris, Billy Lee Riley, Sista Monica, Bob Margolin, Pinetop Perkins, and Queen Bee & the Blue Hornet Band.

1997: The festival kicked off with audition winners Frank Grace and the Detonators followed by Big Dave and the Ultrasonics, Corey Harris, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, Little Charlie and the Nightcats, and Johnny Clyde Copeland, joined by his daughter Shemekia Copeland. This was perhaps Johnny's final show.

1996: Audition winners Tom Rosencrans and Nate Myers kicked off the festival, followed by Paul Rishell & Annie Raines, Deborah Coleman & the Thrillseekers, Big Joe & the Dynaflows, Studebaker John & the Hawks, and Luther Allison, hot off his sweep of the Handys.

1995: Mo' Blues won the auditions and opened the festlival. Clarence Spady, Debbie Davies, Michael Hill's Blues Mob, Greg Piccolo and Heavy Juice, and Butterfield Blues Band veteran Sam Lay made us have no doubts that we did the right thing in 1990.

1994: The festival moved to the Lycoming County Fairgrounds. The auditions were won by Krypton City Blues Revue, and they opened the Festival. Ben Andrews and Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band returned, and with The Nighthawks, Michele "Evil Gal" Willson, and Eddie Burks filled the air with the sweet sound of blues music.

1993: As more area bands began to form and play the blues we initiated the auditions. The Artie Renkel Trio (Artie Renkel, Nate Myers, and Greg Burgess), won the auditions and opened the Festival, followed by Smokin' Joe Kubek and B'nois King, Zora Young, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Tony O, AC Reed, and the legendary Jimmy Rogers.

1992: The show opened with the Sirens, Queen Bee & the Blue Hornets, Cephas and Wiggins, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band (to many the first taste of genuine zydeco), Krypton City Blues Revue, and from California, Rod Piazza and the Mighty Fliers.

1991: Year number two, brought the return of Ben Andrews, Blue Willie and the Billtown Jukes and Queen Bee & the Blue Hornet Band as well as two national acts, Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women and William Clarke.

1990: In May 1990 a small and diverse group, with less than $300 in the kitty, planned a blues festival. Potties, tents, and garbage bags began surrounding a makeshift stage on a beautiful riverside private property at the end of Canfield Lane. People came and the blues filled the air. Ben Andrews, Queen Bee & the Blue Hornet Band, The Impromptu Blues Band, and Blue Willie and the Billtown Jukes gave us stellar performances and bargain prices. Hey, we had some change left over! Let's do it again!
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