Blues d'la Baie Festival

🎶 July 23rd to July 26th 2026 - Blues d’la Baie Festival – 11th Edition: The Blues Keep Rolling in Petit-Rocher!

In 2026, the Blues d’la Baie Festival proudly celebrates its 11th edition, continuing a remarkable musical and human adventure that began over a decade ago.
Since its very first year, the festival has brought together some of the finest blues talent and created unforgettable moments by the sea in Petit-Rocher (Belle-Baie), New Brunswick.

Eleven years already… and the passion still burns bright!

Blues d’la Baie has become much more than a music festival – it’s a celebration of community, friendship, and local pride. It’s where music and people meet in a truly authentic and welcoming atmosphere.

Each note played, every shared smile, and every moment lived together have shaped the soul of this festival.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who keeps the Blues d’la Baie spirit alive – artists, volunteers, partners, sponsors, community members, and our devoted audience.

This 11th edition promises to be more vibrant than ever, featuring exceptional performances, powerful blues energy, and exciting new experiences.

Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are joining for the first time, come celebrate with us from July 23 to 26, 2026, and be part of a festival where music, connection, and passion come together.

🎉 Blues d’la Baie 2026 – Same Spirit, More Energy!

The blues are alive in Petit-Rocher… and they’ve never sounded better.

THE FESTIVAL

Join thousands of blues fans in July in Petit-Rocher NB during the Festival Blues d'la Baie! Whether you are campers, tourists or residents, the festival brings the community together with blues music programming accessible to everyone throughout the Village. Taste the richness of seasoned and emerging artists from the region, Canada and around the world!

TICKETS

See our village transform parking lots into free performance venues, where we welcome blues lovers, families, musical discoveries and residents who will welcome you with warm Acadian hospitality. And it does not stop there! Go under the Big Top for the Festival's major shows with renowned artists, both local and international. You'll find the Big Top just by the Baie des Chaleurs at 63 rue Laplante Est.

2025 ARTISTS

The moment you've all been waiting for has finally arrived! The Blues d'la Baie Festival is back, and this year promises to be more electrifying than ever. Get ready to dive into the enchanting soul of the blues, to feel every note vibrating in the air,

and to lose yourself in the magic of music.

** All 3 nights are concerts under the big tent at 63 Laplante Est Petit-Rocher. Behind École Tournesol

SRV TRIBUTE: HOMMAGE STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN

Thursday July 24

SOIRÉE AUTOUR DU MONDE
AROUND THE WORLD EVENING
Au chapiteau - 63 Laplante Est Petit-Rocher
Door 7h00 pm Starts 8h00pm
14 yrs +

PERSUASION: THE SANTANA EXPERIENCE
The Soirée Autour du Monde is growing for its tenth edition… Get ready for a breathtaking musical journey on the Festival Blues d'la Baie stage! We are honored to present Persuasion, THE SANTANA EXPERIENCE, a vibrant tribute band to one of music’s most influential legends. Persuasion is Canada’s ultimate Carlos Santana tribute band. Formed in 2010, Persuasion quickly established itself as a tribute to one of the world’s greatest guitarists. With sing-along guitar riffs, infectious rhythms and explosive percussion, Persuasion faithfully reproduces Santana’s greatest hits such as Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va and Samba Pa Ti, as well as more recent hits such as Smooth and Maria, Maria. Fans of all eras will be delighted!
The seven musicians who make up the group Persuasion are seasoned professionals who have combined their talents to render the blues-tinged guitar melodies on a solid base of Latin and African rhythms of the music of the master Carlos Santana.
www.persuasionband.com

CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
Get ready for a fiery Around the World Night worthy of a tenth anniversary at the Bay Blues Festival. We are honored to bring you straight from Louisiana a band that embodies the energy, swing and soul of the blues: CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band!
Led by accordion master CJ Chenier, son of legendary zydeco pioneer Clifton Chenier, this band takes you straight to the streets and feverish rhythms of Louisiana. CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band expertly fuses zydeco , blues, soul and rhythm and blues to create a unique, warm and festive sound that will have you dancing from the first notes.
Their music is a true homage to Louisiana tradition, while bringing a modern and dynamic touch that sets the stage alight wherever they perform.
So, get ready to dive into the caliente atmosphere of the bayou with CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, a group that will not fail to heat up the stage of the Festival Blues d'la Baie!
www.officialcjchenier.com

Friday July 25

At the marquee
Door 7 pm - Shows 8 pm
19 years +

Join us this Friday night for an unforgettable musical experience. Our stage will be lit up with the exceptional talents of bluesmen who will transport you to the very soul of this captivating music. Prepare yourself for mesmerizing performances from Canada's best blues artists, spine-tingling guitar solos and an electric atmosphere that is perfect for dancing and partying.

THE SUGAR DARLINGS

The Sugar Darlings are led by the charismatic Miche Love, a fixture on the Montreal blues scene for many years. Her powerful, sonorous voice combines the nostalgia of great soul and gospel singers like Aretha Franklin and Etta James, with the energy and charm of contemporary pop, soul, rock and funk.

Nominated in the New Artist/Band of the Year category at the 2024 Maple Blues Awards AND winners of the Québec à Memphis competition, they represented the Montreal Blues Society at the Memphis International Blues Challenge also in 2024. The Sugar Darlings are known for their energetic performances and festive atmosphere. Each concert is a celebration of blues and soul. Get ready to experience a moment of pure musical magic, candy for your ears with The Sugar Darlings at the 10th edition of the Festival Blues d'la Baie!

www.thesugardarlings.com

JOANNA CONNOR

True blues legend Joanna Connor joins the tenth anniversary line-up!

"Music chose me. I distinctly remember trying to sing along to Louis Armstrong in 'Hello Dolly' in our Brooklyn apartment. That song was on the radio a lot. I knew I was little, but when I looked up the year that version hit the charts, I was shocked to realize I was only two years old!"

Seeing Buddy Guy perform at a local college at age 10 left a major impression. But her desire to become a guitarist first and immerse herself in the blues led her to move to Chicago in 1984.

"That was my college. I went out every night of the week. Within a month, I had my first gig with the legendary Johnny Littlejohn. A few weeks later, I became a member of Dion Payton and the 43rd St Bluesband. We were the resident band at the Checkerboard Lounge on the South Side of Chicago, then owned by Buddy Guy. That's where my band really took off. I played with Buddy, Junior Wells, Otis Rush, Sammy Lawhorn, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Magic Slim, Son Seals, Lonnie Brooks, Koko Taylor, to name a few. I was blessed."

With national and international acclaim Joanna and her band have shared stages with giants of Blues, Rock and Jazz including Luther Allison, BB King, Screaming Jay Hawkins, Robben Ford, Danny Gatton, Robert Cray, Jimmy Page, ZZ Top, Joe Cocker, Etta James, and this year on the Blues d'la Baie stage! A great blues moment awaits you!

www.joannaconnorwreckingcrew.com

DESLAURIERS CHAMBERS

Whether on stage or in private, these two internationally renowned artists share incredible chemistry! Their first meeting in the packed lobby of the legendary Orpheum Theatre at the 2018 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee left a lasting impression on both of them. Since that moment, renowned Canadian blues-rocker Paul DesLauriers and acclaimed American soul-blues singer Annika Chambers have joined forces artistically, to the delight of all who have had the chance to hear and see them together!

Hailing from Houston, Texas, ANNIKA CHAMBERS, like most great American female vocalists, began singing as a child. Although gospel music is her first language, it was in the blues that she found her true voice, and what a voice! She won the 2022 Blues Music Awards for Female Soul-Blues Artist of the Year. After winning her first Blues Music Award in 2019 for Female Soul-Blues Artist of the Year, she released her third album titled Kiss My Sass on VizzTone Label Group. The album debuted at #4 on the Billboard Blues Chart and won the 2020 Living Blues Award for Best Southern Soul Album.

Deeply rooted in the blues-rock style, guitarist-vocalist Paul DesLauriers is the recipient of the Maple Blues Awards (Canada’s national blues awards program) in the categories of Entertainer of the Year (2016, 2017), Electric Act of the Year (2016), Guitarist of the Year (2013, 2019) and Acoustic Act of the Year (2013). In 2016, he won 2nd place at the 32nd International Blues Challenge hosted by the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee. Paul DesLauriers’ international touring schedule includes regular performances at major blues festivals in North America and Europe.

So, prepare yourself to be amazed by the magic of Annika Chambers and Paul DesLauriers, a duo that will take you on an unparalleled musical whirlwind!

www.annikaandpaul.com

Saturday July 26

At the marquee
Doors 7 pm - Shows 8 pm
19 years +

Saturday night will be an exceptional musical experience

to celebrate with you all the 10th anniversary of Blues d'la Baie.

JP LEBLANC FULL BAND

At the Festival Blues d'la Baie, we present to you a local artist from Bathurst, NB, who embodies the soul and energy of the blues with a touch all his own: JP Leblanc!

JP Leblanc is a talented musician, guitarist and singer who draws inspiration from the great masters of the blues while adding his own unique flavor, he draws his inspiration from the landscapes and history of his region, creating authentic music. JP Leblanc manages to capture the essence of the blues while infusing it with his own emotions and stories, creating a special connection with his audience.

You will have the chance to discover or rediscover JP Leblanc in all his splendor. A local artist who makes the blues of the region shine beyond its borders, and who, with his talent and authenticity, will not fail to seduce you. So, prepare yourself to vibrate to the rhythm of the blues of JP Leblanc, a deeply rooted artist.

MATT ANDERSEN

We are privileged to welcome an artist whose talent, energy and passion for music are absolutely unmatched: Matt Andersen!

Hailing from Perth Andover, New Brunswick, Matt Andersen is a true titan of the blues scene. With his powerful, soulful and nuanced voice, he has captivated the hearts of millions of fans around the world. He is one of the best singers and guitarists of his generation, with a stage presence that exudes raw and sincere emotion. His performances are of a rare intensity, where each song becomes a deeply captivating musical journey.

When Matt Andersen takes the stage, he brings a lifetime of music to every note he plays. His latest album, The Big Bottle of Joy, is a hard-won celebration; a dozen songs steeped in raw blues-rock, effervescent Americana, reflective folk, and ecstatic gospel. Andersen’s stage presence is the product of decades of experience in dusty clubs, dimly lit bars, and grandiose theaters around the world, delivering soulful performances that range from intimate to wall-shaking. In the studio, he’s brought the same attention to detail and commitment to artistry that he brings to his live shows, and the result—a multifaceted and poignant body of work—has earned him over 31 million streams on Spotify and 30 million views on YouTube.

In addition to headlining major festivals, clubs and theaters across North America, Europe and Australia, he has shared the stage and toured with Marcus King, Beth Hart, Marty Stuart, Greg Allman, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Randy Bachman, Serena Ryder, Tab Benoit, and many others.

Andersen won the 2013 and 2016 European Blues Awards for Best Solo/Acoustic Act, was the first Canadian to receive solo honours at the 2010 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, won the CIMA Road Gold Award in 2015 and has received several Maple Blues Awards. Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy has been nominated for a Juno Award in 2024.

Le Blues d'la Baie will celebrate its tenth anniversary in style with this special performance by Matt Andersen, a captivating piece of music that will make this show a must-see at the festival.

www.stubbyfingers.ca

SRV Tribute: Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute

We are privileged to pay tribute to one of the greatest guitarists of all time, a true master of blues and rock: Stevie Ray Vaughan, the 7th greatest guitarist of all time (according to Rolling Stone magazine. For To do this, we present to you the SRV Tribute group: Hommage Stevie Ray Vaughan a faithful and passionate tribute to the immense talent of Stevie Ray Vaughan!

SRV Tribute: Hommage Stevie Ray Vaughan is a group of exceptional musicians who capture the essence of Vaughan's guitar playing, as well as the energy and soul of his legendary performances. Olivier Gagné, in the role of STEVIE RAY, will will bring back to life the artistic journey of the most iconic Texan in the history of the blues.

With impressive virtuosity, SRV Tribute immerses us in the world of electric blues with unforgettable pieces like Pride and Joy, Texas Flood, and Voodoo Child. The physical resemblance is fascinating, the voice is assured, full of passion, strong, just and intense. The guitar playing is masterful, energetic, the band's performance is remarkable.

So, prepare yourself to be transported by the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan, through this faithful and energetic tribute show, worthy of closing the tenth anniversary of the festival!

The critics are unanimous, a spectacle to see! www.srvtributebluesband.com

Free shows

For the whole family!

SATURDAY, JULY 26

10 a.m. Keith Hallett @ Look Essentiel

11 a.m. Geoff Arsenault & Clinton Fernandes @ Amigo

12h Overwound @ Autozone

12:30 Father N Son @ Independant

1:00 p.m. Hightide Blues Band @ Parc RH Frenette & GB Construction

2:15 p.m. John Boulay Blues Quartet @ Parc RH Frenette & GB Construction

3:30 p.m. Cat Bones @ Parc RH Frenette & GB Construction

6 p.m. Andrew Moore Trio @ Quai

SUNDAY, JULY 27

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Brunch at the Salle Blanche – Organized by the Golden Age Club

3 p.m. Solo winner at the International Blues Challenge 2025 Joce Reyome

7 p.m. Ian and Friends

8:15 p.m. Radio-Canada SALIN Revelation

9:30 p.m.

10th Anniversary Drone Thank You Show presented by Brokerlink and Radio Canada

More than 125 light drones will dance in the air to celebrate 10 years of passion and collaboration.