Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-01-19
The desert has always had a way of amplifying the blues — stretching it wide, letting it breathe, and giving it room to tell the truth. This September, that tradition continues as Big Blues Bender returns to Las Vegas with another stacked, soul-deep lineup that blends legends, torchbearers, and fearless new voices from across the blues spectrum.
Set for September 10–13, 2026, at the Westgate Las Vegas, Big Blues Bender once again transforms a legendary resort into a fully immersive blues universe — where hotel ballrooms double as late-night clubs, hallway encounters turn into jam sessions, and fans and artists share the same space for four unforgettable days.
The newly announced artist additions place Big Blues Bender 2026 firmly in elite territory. Bonnie Raitt brings her singular blend of slide guitar mastery, emotional honesty, and decades-long devotion to the blues. Taj Mahal, a living bridge between traditional roots and global blues expression, adds depth and historical weight that few festivals anywhere can claim.
Joining them are modern giants and genre-defying icons including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Booker T. Jones, Tab Benoit, Ruthie Foster, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds, each bringing their own distinct voice and lineage to the weekend.
Big Blues Bender’s strength has always been its depth, and 2026 is no exception. The expanded roster features a thrilling mix of veterans, rising stars, and special collaborations, including:
Bobby Rush, Mike Zito, Danielle Nicole Band, Victor Wainwright & Friends, Sue Foley, Sugaray Rayford, Albert Castiglia, Ronnie Baker Brooks, One for the King (Bender One Series), Johnny Sansone, Mike Farris, Dylan Triplett, Texas Headhunters, Mark Hummel’s All Star Blues featuring Anson Funderburgh & Jr. Watson, Judith Hill, Halo Rider featuring Anne Harris & Markus James, Red Young & His Hot Horns, Steve Marriner Band, Too Slim & The Taildraggers, Ghalia Volt, McKinley James, Tony Holiday, Mathias Lattin, BoomChank, The Zac Schulze Gang, Jeni Grouwls, Bender Brass Band featuring Jimmy Carpenter, Gospel Blues with Reverend Rayford & Friends, Grateful Blues, and ProAm Jams hosted by Monk.
From gritty Chicago blues to Southern soul, gospel-infused jams, modern electric fire, and late-night brass explosions, Big Blues Bender remains one of the rare festivals where the blues isn’t segmented — it’s shared.
Unlike traditional festivals, Big Blues Bender packages include four nights of on-site lodging and access to all music, creating a communal, all-in experience that feels more like a blues family reunion than a standard event. Sets unfold across multiple stages throughout the Westgate, often running deep into the early morning hours.
It’s intimate, it’s intense, and it’s why Big Blues Bender has earned its reputation as one of the most respected blues gatherings in the world.
Big Blues Bender 2026
📍 Westgate Las Vegas
📅 September 10–13, 2026
🎟️ Packages including lodging and all music are on sale now
👉 bigbluesbender.com
