The New Blues Festival IX makes its triumphant return to downtown Long Beach’s scenic Shoreline Aquatic Park (200 Aquarium Way) on Saturday and Sunday, August 23–24, 2025. This year’s premier attraction is internationally renowned blues-funk guitarist Ana Popovic, headlining Saturday, August 23, just ahead of the September release of her new album Dance to the Rhythm.
Festival Highlights
Dates & Times
Saturday, August 23: Gates open 2:00 PM
Sunday, August 24: Gates open 9:00 AM
Location: Shoreline Aquatic Park, 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA
Tickets
$50 General Admission
$100 Gold
$150 VIP
Purchase & Info: newbluesfestival.com | (707) 57-BLUES
2025 Lineup (to date)
Ana Popovic – blues-funk guitar virtuoso (Saturday headliner)
Dennis Jones Band – award-winning blues-rock trio
Laurie Morvan Band – celebrated SoCal blues guitarist and songwriter
The Delgado Brothers – longtime staples of the Southern California blues scene
More acts to be announced shortly
On-Site Amenities: A curated selection of food trucks, beverage stations, artisan vendors, craft booths, and community information kiosks.
About the New Blues Festival
The New Blues Festival is the largest blues event in Los Angeles County. Now in its ninth edition, the festival presents two stages: a Main Stage showcasing international and nationally touring artists and a Second Stage spotlighting regional and local talent. Previous festivals have featured artists as diverse as Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Bobby Rush, reflecting a commitment to honoring both rising stars and seasoned legends.
“Long Beach has fostered a rich blues tradition for more than four decades,” says festival creator and longtime musician Bill Grisolia. “We launched the New Blues Festival to keep that legacy alive, and the response has been overwhelming. Welcoming Ana Popovic back to headline is the perfect way to celebrate blues culture in our city.”
A Festival with Heart
The New Blues Festival is produced in partnership with the Long Beach Blues Society, a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For over a decade, the Society has delivered programs such as Blues in the Schools, Blues for Seniors, and Blues for Veterans Community Concerts, bringing live music and education to underserved communities. Festival attendees are encouraged to visit the Blues Society’s booth on-site to learn more and get involved.
