July 3rd - Buckwheat Zydeco, Jr.
Born on June 21, 1970, in Lafayette, Louisiana, Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. was immersed in zydeco and Creole music from a young age, being the son of zydeco legend Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural, Sr. He grew up just doors away from iconic zydeco figure Clifton Chenier, absorbing the region’s vibrant musical traditions.
At 17, Buckwheat Jr. began his musical journey by joining his father’s band, initially playing the rubboard. Over time, he became a skilled multi-instrumentalist, mastering the accordion, Hammond B-3 organ, and more, ultimately stepping into the role of frontman for the Ils Sont Partis Band, a group founded by his father.
Buckwheat’s career has included collaborations with musical legends like Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, and Mavis Staples, performing at prestigious events, including two inaugural balls. His dynamic presence has been showcased on shows like The David Letterman Show and Good Morning America.
Buckwheat has earned numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and multiple Grammy nominations. His 2024 album New Beginnings won Best Regional Roots Music Album at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards, while he and the Ils Sont Partis Band received induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
Following the passing of his father in 2016, Buckwheat Jr. continues to lead the Ils Sont Partis Band, ensuring the legacy of zydeco music is carried forward with his son, Kyle Anthony Dural, performing alongside him. With over 2,500 performances worldwide, Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. remains a vital ambassador for zydeco, blues, and Louisiana’s rich musical heritage.
At 17, Buckwheat Jr. began his musical journey by joining his father’s band, initially playing the rubboard. Over time, he became a skilled multi-instrumentalist, mastering the accordion, Hammond B-3 organ, and more, ultimately stepping into the role of frontman for the Ils Sont Partis Band, a group founded by his father.
Buckwheat’s career has included collaborations with musical legends like Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, and Mavis Staples, performing at prestigious events, including two inaugural balls. His dynamic presence has been showcased on shows like The David Letterman Show and Good Morning America.
Buckwheat has earned numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and multiple Grammy nominations. His 2024 album New Beginnings won Best Regional Roots Music Album at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards, while he and the Ils Sont Partis Band received induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
Following the passing of his father in 2016, Buckwheat Jr. continues to lead the Ils Sont Partis Band, ensuring the legacy of zydeco music is carried forward with his son, Kyle Anthony Dural, performing alongside him. With over 2,500 performances worldwide, Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. remains a vital ambassador for zydeco, blues, and Louisiana’s rich musical heritage.
July 10th - The Record Company
The Record Company are a swaggering three piece rock band that formed in Los Angeles in 2011. Their lean, rootsy sound is inspired by listening to the upbeat attack of early rock and roll and its underpinning foundation of the recordings of Muddy Waters and Jimmy Reed. Their recording debut was 2016’s Give It Back to You and was a strong roots rock session that gained the group a Grammy nomination. The Record Company has since released three other albums and has toured the world while developing a devoted fan base. Their music has appeared in movies like Bad Moms and on television show like Seal Team and Nashville. While the three friends who formed the group met in LA, bassist Alex Stiff is from Wayne, Pennsylvania and drummer Marc Cazorla is from Elmira, NY. Guitarist Vos grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin so all in all they should be right at home rockin out East Park in Norwich, NY.
July 17th - The Lil Smokies
Lil Smokies are often called a “newgrass” band in the ever more popular vein of modern bluegrass music fused with jam band sensibilities. Their newest recording finds the band stretching out into a new territory that encompasses where they have been and incorporating where they are headed. “Sort of a fusion of lyric driven folk music, pop harmonies and bluegrass instruments” is the way Montana native and band founder Andy Dunnigan describes the Lil Smokies music, which also evokes artists like the Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons. From their humble beginnings playing the “holy trinity” of Missoula, Whitefish and Bozeman the band has toured internationally and at prestigious venues like Red Rocks and festivals like Telluride, High Sierra and Floydfest.
July 24th - John Brown's Body
The torch has been relit! After a couple years hiatus the trailblazers of the American reggae scene are back on the road. The group includes founding members Kevin Kinsella, Tommy Benedetti and Lee Hamilton plus veterans of past lineups Nate Edgar, Jon Penlonzio and TJ Schapar. They are joined by longtime friend of the band Van Gordon Martin on guitar. JBB was formed in Ithaca, New York back in the mid 90’s, when there wasn’t a big reggae scene in the country. They became one of a small handful of US reggae bands that began touring nationally and they carved a route for all the big reggae bands that followed in their footsteps. Their early recordings charted #1 on Billboard and iTunes charts and they went on to tour the world showcasing their music steeped in traditional vibes but unapologetically incorporating elements from other genres. Celebrating thirty years from their founding the 2025 live show will feature music from the first five classic JBB records as well as some brand new material.
July 31st - The California Honeydrops
“The California Honeydrops...evoke the greasy rumble of Booker T and channel the spiritual ecstasy of Sly and the Family Stone.” -Rolling Stone
Formed in the subway systems of Oakland, retro-soul outfit The California Honeydrops are an electrifying group that defy convention at every turn. They’ve become a mainstay at festivals including Byron Bay Bluesfest (Australia), Outside Lands, Monterey Jazz, Lightning In A Bottle, and touring with B.B. King, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, and Allen Toussaint. Led by the enigmatic and energetic frontman, Lech Wierzynski, and percussionist Benjamin Malament, each member of the band is a virtuoso in their own rite — Yanos “Johnny Bones” Lustig on saxophone, Lorenzo Loera on keyboards/guitar, Beaumont Beaullieu on drums, Miles Blackwell on bass, and regularly accompanied by Oliver Tuttle on trombone, Leon Cotter on saxophone/clarinet, and Miles Lyons on trombone/sousaphone — navigating through a vast repertoire of original songs and timeless classics every night. But what truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to the art of improvisation - a skill so finely honed that they have completely abandoned the use of set lists and no two shows are ever the same. Off stage, their music has been streamed more than 200 million times, and placed in a variety of TV and films, including “Dead To Me,” “Alaska Daily,” “Black-ish” and more. They are currently touring North America in support of their new album, ‘Keep On Diggin’.
Formed in the subway systems of Oakland, retro-soul outfit The California Honeydrops are an electrifying group that defy convention at every turn. They’ve become a mainstay at festivals including Byron Bay Bluesfest (Australia), Outside Lands, Monterey Jazz, Lightning In A Bottle, and touring with B.B. King, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, and Allen Toussaint. Led by the enigmatic and energetic frontman, Lech Wierzynski, and percussionist Benjamin Malament, each member of the band is a virtuoso in their own rite — Yanos “Johnny Bones” Lustig on saxophone, Lorenzo Loera on keyboards/guitar, Beaumont Beaullieu on drums, Miles Blackwell on bass, and regularly accompanied by Oliver Tuttle on trombone, Leon Cotter on saxophone/clarinet, and Miles Lyons on trombone/sousaphone — navigating through a vast repertoire of original songs and timeless classics every night. But what truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to the art of improvisation - a skill so finely honed that they have completely abandoned the use of set lists and no two shows are ever the same. Off stage, their music has been streamed more than 200 million times, and placed in a variety of TV and films, including “Dead To Me,” “Alaska Daily,” “Black-ish” and more. They are currently touring North America in support of their new album, ‘Keep On Diggin’.
August 7th - The Garcia Project
The Garcia Project’s performances are recreations of full, classic Jerry Garcia Band set lists from 1976-1995. More than just a Jerry Garcia Band Tribute Band or Jerry Garcia Cover Band, using thoughtful arrangements and the proper instrumentation and feel for any and all given eras, The Garcia Project faithfully channels and projects the feelings, emotions and music that propelled the Jerry Garcia Band and their fans through many years of musical bliss. It’s about family, soul searching, rejoicing, contemplating, celebrating, seeking truth and loving one another.
For anyone that never had a chance to experience the Jerry Garcia Band or for fans that want to relive a classic show, The Garcia Project delivers.
With precise arrangements and the proper instrumentation and feel for any and all given eras, The Garcia Project faithfully channels and projects the feelings, emotions and music that propelled the Jerry Garcia Band and the fans through many years of musical bliss. It’s about family, soul searching, rejoicing, contemplating, celebrating, seeking truth and loving one another.
For anyone that never had a chance to experience the Jerry Garcia Band or for fans that want to relive a classic show, The Garcia Project delivers.
With precise arrangements and the proper instrumentation and feel for any and all given eras, The Garcia Project faithfully channels and projects the feelings, emotions and music that propelled the Jerry Garcia Band and the fans through many years of musical bliss. It’s about family, soul searching, rejoicing, contemplating, celebrating, seeking truth and loving one another.
Chenango Blues Fest Weekend
August 14th -Sue Foley
Sue Foley is a virtual triple threat as a lead guitarist, singer and songwriter. Foley spent her early childhood in Canada, mesmerized by her father’s guitar and started her professional career at sixteen. By twenty-one, she was living in Austin, TX and recording for Antone’s—the esteemed blues label and historic nightclub that helped launch the career of Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Foley is a three time consecutive winner of the Blues Music Award for Traditional Blues Female
Artist (Koko Taylor Award) in Memphis TN – 2023, 2022 and 2020. She was also recently honored
with Guitarist of the Year and Blues Act of the Year at the at the 2023 Austin Music Awards, and
the Lifetime Achievement/Blues with a Feeling Award at the 2024 Maple Blues Awards. Her album,
Pinky’s Blues took home Best Traditional Blues Album at the 2022 Blues Music Awards. Sue Foley
Live in Austin Vol. 1 (Oct. 2023) has continued to top the charts and Foley’s first solo acoustic album, One Guitar Woman - a tribute to the pioneering women of guitar, will be released March 29, 2024.
Foley has toured steadily with her band, working and sharing the stage with greats such as B.B.
King, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan and Billy F Gibbons. She’s is the only female member of
the famed Jungle Show which features Gibbons, Vaughan, B3 virtuoso Mike Flanigin and Chris
‘Whipper’ Layton. Her live shows are high energy, guitar driven and steeped in the Texas blues
sound she was schooled in.
Foley is a three time consecutive winner of the Blues Music Award for Traditional Blues Female
Artist (Koko Taylor Award) in Memphis TN – 2023, 2022 and 2020. She was also recently honored
with Guitarist of the Year and Blues Act of the Year at the at the 2023 Austin Music Awards, and
the Lifetime Achievement/Blues with a Feeling Award at the 2024 Maple Blues Awards. Her album,
Pinky’s Blues took home Best Traditional Blues Album at the 2022 Blues Music Awards. Sue Foley
Live in Austin Vol. 1 (Oct. 2023) has continued to top the charts and Foley’s first solo acoustic album, One Guitar Woman - a tribute to the pioneering women of guitar, will be released March 29, 2024.
Foley has toured steadily with her band, working and sharing the stage with greats such as B.B.
King, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan and Billy F Gibbons. She’s is the only female member of
the famed Jungle Show which features Gibbons, Vaughan, B3 virtuoso Mike Flanigin and Chris
‘Whipper’ Layton. Her live shows are high energy, guitar driven and steeped in the Texas blues
sound she was schooled in.
Opening for Sue Foley is Brandon Santini
Illinois-based Brandon Santini radiates raw emotion and infectious energy to audiences worldwide. Born in the Piedmont region of North Carolina and raised on historic Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee; Santini's profound connection to the blues & American roots music fuels his high-energy blend of traditional blues with a contemporary twist, earning him critical acclaim and awards along the way.
He has performed at festivals and venues throughout North America, South America, U.K., Europe, India, and Egypt. Santini's near twenty years of touring and combined passion for the genre shine through in every note, establishing him as a true torchbearer of the blues tradition in the 21st century. His soulful vocals and fire igniting harmonica style carry the torch of the blues into a new era, inspiring generations with his incredible talent, undeniable passion, and unwavering commitment to the music that he loves.
He has performed at festivals and venues throughout North America, South America, U.K., Europe, India, and Egypt. Santini's near twenty years of touring and combined passion for the genre shine through in every note, establishing him as a true torchbearer of the blues tradition in the 21st century. His soulful vocals and fire igniting harmonica style carry the torch of the blues into a new era, inspiring generations with his incredible talent, undeniable passion, and unwavering commitment to the music that he loves.
August 21st - Outlaws
For the Outlaws, it's always been about the music. For more than 40 years the Southern Rock legends celebrated triumps and endured tragedies to remain one of the most influential and best-loved bands of the genre. Today, The Outlaws have returned with new music, new focus and an uncompromising new mission: It's about a band of brothers bound together by history, harmony and the road. It's about a group that respects its own legacy while refusing to be defined by its past. But most of all, it's about pride.
As live performers, the band burns hotter than ever. "The Outlaws helped define Southern Rock for me and for generations of fans," wrote music journalist Bill Robinson in The Huffington Post. "Seeing them onstage with The Charlie Daniels Band, Marshall Tucker Band, Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd or countless others was, for a long time, one of the best experiences I could have. And so it was again when I saw The Outlaws play recently." The band's concerts - vividly captured in their 2016 double play recently." The band's concerts - vividly captured in their 2016 double album Legacy Live - are blazing 2+ hour tributes to the band's rich history and fiery rebirth.
As live performers, the band burns hotter than ever. "The Outlaws helped define Southern Rock for me and for generations of fans," wrote music journalist Bill Robinson in The Huffington Post. "Seeing them onstage with The Charlie Daniels Band, Marshall Tucker Band, Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd or countless others was, for a long time, one of the best experiences I could have. And so it was again when I saw The Outlaws play recently." The band's concerts - vividly captured in their 2016 double play recently." The band's concerts - vividly captured in their 2016 double album Legacy Live - are blazing 2+ hour tributes to the band's rich history and fiery rebirth.
August 28th
Working out the details for one last great show to close out our 2025 season
Stay Tuned!
Working out the details for one last great show to close out our 2025 season
Stay Tuned!
The NBT Bank Summer Concert Series takes place every Thursday in July and August!
All shows are FREE!
7:00 p.m. East Park in Norwich, NY
Artists Subject to Change
All the shows take place in downtown Norwich's East Park and are a Rain or Shine event.
Food vendors are in the park and there is an adjacent beer garden with a great view of the stage.
Several local restaurants are less than a block away.
Food vendors are in the park and there is an adjacent beer garden with a great view of the stage.
Several local restaurants are less than a block away.
Our thanks to NBT Bank for sponsoring our Summer Concert Series
Thanks also to the Greater Norwich Foundation, R.C. Smith Foundation and other generous local Foundations
Audio provided by Aikins Communication