The inaugural North Central Florida Blues Festival will make its debut on Saturday, September 19, 2026, bringing an all-day celebration of Blues music to Heartwood Soundstage in Gainesville.
Presented jointly by the North Central Florida Blues Society (NCFBS) and Heartwood Soundstage, the festival marks a significant milestone for North Central Florida's live music community. Organizers intend for the event to become an annual tradition that celebrates the region's long connection to Blues music while attracting visitors from throughout Florida and beyond.
Unlike many festivals that feature a single performance area, the North Central Florida Blues Festival will utilize two separate stages. Four performances will take place inside Heartwood Soundstage's acclaimed listening room while four additional acts perform on the outdoor stage, allowing audiences to enjoy nearly eight hours of live music.
Doors open at 2:00 p.m., music begins at 3:00 p.m., and performances continue through approximately 10:45 p.m.
National Artists and Florida Favorites
The festival presents an impressive blend of nationally recognized performers alongside outstanding Florida Blues artists.
Eight-time Blues Music Award winner Doug MacLeod headlines the festival. A two-time 2026 Blues Music Award nominee for Acoustic Artist of the Year and Acoustic Album of the Year, MacLeod is internationally respected for his storytelling, soulful vocals, and masterful guitar work. His songs have been recorded by artists including Albert King, Albert Collins, Joe Louis Walker, and Eva Cassidy.
Georgia-based singer, songwriter and guitarist E.G. Kight brings more than two decades of acclaimed roots music performances to Gainesville. Known for her distinctive Southern Blues style, Kight has earned 21 industry award nominations and has had songs recorded by Koko Taylor, Dorothy Moore, Saffire – The Uppity Blues Women, and Ann Rabson & Bob Margolin.
Florida guitarist Doug Deming, now based in Bradenton after beginning his career in Detroit, is widely recognized for his tasteful traditional Blues guitar playing and original songwriting. Leading The Jewel Tones, Deming combines influences from T-Bone Walker, Charlie Christian, Luther Tucker, and Robert Jr. Lockwood while maintaining his own distinctive style.
Born Martha Booker in Sunflower, Mississippi, Sheba the Mississippi Queen spent part of her youth working agricultural fields in South Florida after moving with her family from Mississippi. Following years performing in New York and later Miami, she returned to her Blues roots, eventually forming Sheba the Mississippi Queen & the Bluesmen. The band reached the semifinals of the International Blues Challenge in 2019.
The Josh Miller Blues Revue is dedicated to authentic Chicago Blues traditions. Their performances pay tribute to the legendary artists who defined the genre while presenting the music with the spirit, energy, and respect that made Chicago Blues famous.
North Florida favorites JC & the Backscratchers perform classic Chicago-style Blues spanning the 1940s through today. Led by harmonica player JC "Chris" Balding, the band combines original music with selections associated with Junior Wells, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, James Harman, Gary Primich, and others.
Five-time Florida Harmonica Champion JW Gilmore has spent more than two decades entertaining audiences with traditional Blues, swing, and outstanding harmonica playing. Throughout his career he has shared stages with Tabby Thomas, Chris Thomas King, Louisiana Red, Todd Hart, and Joey Gilmore.
Drawing upon nearly three decades in academia, including twenty years at the University of Florida, Dr. Jules' Cool Blues combines historical appreciation of Blues music with traditional Blues performance. Their repertoire includes both classic Blues standards and original compositions performed with unmistakable Blues authenticity.
Indoor and Outdoor Performances All Day
Heartwood Listening Room
- Doug MacLeod
- E.G. Kight
- JW Gilmore
- Dr. Jules' Cool Blues
Outdoor Stage
- Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones
- Sheba the Mississippi Queen & the Bluesmen
- Josh Miller Blues Revue
- JC & the Backscratchers
VIP and General Admission
Both General Admission and VIP tickets are available.
VIP admission includes:
- Reserved premium seating inside the listening room
- Commemorative festival poster signed by participating performers
- Official North Central Florida Blues Society T-shirt
- One complimentary house wine or draft beer
Because listening room seating is limited, VIP tickets are expected to sell first.
Building a New Tradition
"For over 22 years, the North Central Florida Blues Society has presented more than a hundred concerts, showcases and special events," said NCFBS President Rob Richardson. "This is the first time we will present an all-day Blues festival. We expect this will be the beginning of an annual event for the community to enjoy while drawing music lovers to Gainesville and Alachua County."
