Photos by Laura Carbone
Everyone in the Northeast blues scene is asking “Are you going to the Boogie?”
They are talking about The White Mountain Boogie N’ Blues Festival, in Thornton NH, the third weekend of August. Close to ten thousand people will congregate over three days and “Boogie” at one of the biggest outdoor blues festivals in the Northeast. Run by brothers Brad and Mike Benton on their maple farm, the land supplies the family’s rustic Sugar Shack Restaurant not only with famous pancake breakfasts, but also cradles a 72-acre natural amphitheater.
Twenty two years ago the Benton Brothers were fronting a local band and invited other local musicians to join in. When the brothers saw Albert Castiglia play, they added “Blues” to their “Boogie.” Starting off with pamphlets passed out on street corners, it has grown organically, it’s won the Blues Foundation’s prestigious “Keeping the Blues Alive Award” for Festival of the Year, and now newcomers join the three generations who faithfully return each year.
The goal of a great festival is threefold: to feature a major headliner, to pack the stage with touring favorites and to introduce up-and-coming bands that become the next “Favorite Group.” This year, Blues and Boogie hits the trifecta with headliner Robert Randolph and his Family Band, Eric Gales and Victor Wainwright and the Train (with his professional Train Horn section). The lineup also includes Toronzo Cannon, Davey Knowles, Zac Harmon, Thornetta Davis, The Cash Box Kings, Tas Cru, Racky Thomas Travelin’ Medicine Show Band, Theresa James and the Rhythm Tramps and upcoming artists Vanessa Collier and Heather Gillis.
The location, nestled in the White Mountains with great views, mountain air, the option to camp at this festival is a big bonus. After midnight, the Campground Critters—regional musicians and campers— jam around bonfires until the sun rises. Over 30 craft vendors as well as food trucks supply delicacies from Thai cuisine to BBQ. A seated VIP area occupies the center front, but there’s room on both sides to get close up as well as plenty of space to stand up and boogie!
Why are we making a big deal? Because it is, and there’s even more than boogie and blues to Boogie ‘N Blues. Elmore photographer Laura Carbone will be showing her revolving “Faces of The Blues” photography exhibit, featuring current festival performers as well as a few classic faces, and be on hand to sign prints all weekend—so don’t just think “souvenir,” think “Christmas present,” too. Atomic Fireworks puts on a firework display that resounds through the mountains and probably can be seen from Space. The Benton’s Sugar Shack Restaurant pours on syrup direct from the trees that shade the campground and serves up music from 2018’s BMA Piano Player of the Year nominee, Anthony Geraci on the piano.
Click HERE for more information and tickets.
Don’t walk, don’t run… Boogie to the White Mountain Boogie N’ Blues, August 17th through the 19th
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