Article Contributed by Doug Deutsch
Published on 2026-02-19
Announcing the 14th Annual Woodystock Blues Festival: A Concert for Charity in Support of Autism Awareness, a two-day event taking place Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, at beautifully scenic Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor Beach #4, 699 London Bridge Road. Gates open 10am and music starts at 11am sharp each day. Two-Day Pass: $45.00; Sunday Single-Day Pass: $25. All current card-carrying Blues Society members receive a $5.00 discount. Veterans $5.00 off with Military ID. No ice chests allowed. Bring your own chairs. Kids 16 and under free with Paid Adult. Info: (760) 963-4994 or visit www.woodystock.info. Festival guests staying overnight can receive a 10% discount at the Hampton Inn/Lake Havasu City, 245 London Bridge Rd. in Lake Havasu.
Fiery blues-rock guitarist-vocalist Jay Hooks makes his performing debut at Woodystock Blues Festival Sunday, March 21. The Houston-based Hook’s latest critically-acclaimed LP is “Tequila & Bullets.” (Photo: Cathy Wopitka)
The 2026 Woodystock lineup is the best yet: Bex Marshall, Alastair Greene, Teskey, Jay Hooks, Gemini Dragon, Jay Gordon and Blues Venom, Mitch Perry, Midnight Cabaret, Jason Trombley, The Anonymous Band.
“This is a charitable event presented by the Woodystock Blues Festival, a Hand-Up Foundation in support of young adults living with autism,” says Woodystock promoter, John Woodard. “This year is our best lineup yet. Grammy-winning saxophonist Jimmy Carpenter returns to our stage for his third Woodystock appearance; powerful contemporary blues-rock vocalist Gemini Dragon, from Louisiana makes her Woodystock performing debut, as does Houston-based blues-rock firebrand guitarist, Jay Hooks. Also performing at Woodystock for the first time, all the way from the UK: Award-winning guitarist, Bex Marshall.”
“We will be providing grants to special needs young adults to provide Education, Arts, and Entertainment to needy families struggling with the financial burdens of individuals living on the Spectrum,” says Woodystock Co-Founder, Kathryn Woodard, “to educate the general public that Autism doesn’t just disappear when children turn eighteen, when many of the services and support systems stop.”
Straight outta Louisiana, dynamic vocalist Gemini Dragon makes her performing debut at Woodystock Blues Festival on Saturday, March 21.
Woodystock Blues Festival: A Brief History
Woodystock Blues Festival was first started back in 2013 by John and Kathryn Woodard, along with the late Kansas City-based blues man RocknRick Patterson, on the grounds of their property in Apple Valley, California known as Woodardville Ranch. From their very humble beginnings in the Mojave Desert, situated six miles off the pavement in a scenic canyon, was the beginning of what has now become a yearly tradition taking place the third weekend of every March since.
Over the years, Woodystock has continually grown larger, developing into a nationally-recognized Blues Festival — moving from Apple Valley in 2021 to Bullhead City, AZ, and then, to their present location at Lake Havasu State Park in Lake Havasu City, AZ, in 2023, where Woodystock Blues Festival has remained ever since.
“Jimmy Carpenter, Sandy Haley, Alastair Greene, Chickenbone Slim, Kelly’s Lot, Jay Gordon and Blues Venom, Crooked Eye Tommy, and Brigitte Purdy are among the many well-respected blues artists that have performed at Woodystock Blues Festival, which has been promoted every year since its inception with the great help of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, “one of the best publicists in America,” says Woodystock promoter/founder, John Woodard.
We want to thank you for your support of Woodystock Blues – A Hands Up Foundation 501 (C) 3. Raising money, awareness, and acceptance for adults living on the Spectrum of Autism WBAHUF.ORG, changing lives, one note at a time. Your generous, tax deductible donations are greatly appreciated.
More information: www.woodystock.info
