7th Annual Congressional Blues Festival, National Building Museum, May 26, 2010

The Congressional Blues Festival was created seven years ago in an effort to preserve The Blues history and help keep this great American tradition alive by honoring and assisting those pioneers who helped create it.

In keeping with tradition, all Congressional Blues Festival tickets include all you can eat and drink all night, and rocking performances by Grammy nominated headliners Robert Randolph & the Family Band (multi-cultural funk and soul band fronted by lap-steel guitarist Robert Randolph), joined by blues legend Bobby Parker (who inspired Carlos Santana among others!), Sol & Funk Root (a fierce guitarist and soulful singer), and the spirited Howard Gospel Choir (from D.C.'s Howard University). This year's menu features flavorful southern-influenced fare with vegetarian options accompanied by unlimited beer and wine.

The 'Blues' is America's own creation and tradition, and is at the heart of our cultural identity and the root of American music. Born from the streets and hearts of Americans, The Blues is recognized and respected globally--reaching every corner of the earth while serving as the core of inspiration for every successful top-performing artist. The Blues epitomizes our cultural identity, and yet the opportunity to learn from its creators is slipping away. Many original Blues pioneers are struggling to make a living through their art as they try to pass on this tradition to future generations, and the Congressional Blues Festival was created to raise funds and to spread the word for this cause.

The CBF is a 7 year-old effort to preserve The Blues history and to help keep this great American tradition alive by honoring and assisting those pioneers who helped to create it. The Congressional Blues Festival's mission is dedicated to giving back to American Roots Music by raising money and awareness for organizations that directly support artists in need. To date, the Congressional Blues Festival has raised over $1 million to support this mission. Thanks to all our sponsors, fans, volunteers, and supporters who have joined us on this journey. This year's charitable partner is The Blues Foundation in Memphis, TN.