29th Annual Blind Willie McTell Music Festival set Sept. 22-23

THOMSON, GA—You’re invited to celebrate blues, jazz, R&B and gospel — and a Georgia-born musician who gained popularity playing them — at the 29th Annual Blind Willie McTell Music Festival on Sept. 22–23, 2023, in Thomson.

Named for Georgia native Blind Willie McTell, a 12-string guitar pioneer and influential musician best known for writing “Statesboro Blues,” the Blind Willie McTell Music Festival in Thomson, GA, is a can’t-miss event for fans of blues, gospel, jazz, or just great music!

The festival kicks off Friday evening with a free concert in historic downtown Thomson, featuring Sugar Ray and the Bluetones. Saturday, the celebration continues at the ticketed event, featuring performances from award-winning artists like Jon Cleary; B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Shemekia Copeland; John Fullbright and more. Check out the full lineup.

Enjoy local food vendors; beer, wine and other drinks; as well as shopping for locally made blues and music-related art. (Pro tip: Some vendors are cash-only, so make sure to bring yours.)