The Jack Dappa Blues Foundation is proud to announce the inaugural Porter Parish Grainger Blues Festival in Bowling Green, Kentucky!

FREE TO ATTEND! Join us, November 20-22, for a celebration honoring Bowling Green’s own Porter Parish Grainger—a legendary Blues composer, Vaudeville performer, and cultural icon. Experience the full spectrum of Black Blues music, from early Country Blues to modern Electric Blues, through live performances, narrative stages, and history presentations. This festival shines a light on the rich traditions of Black Traditional Music, Art, Folklore, and Oral Histories, connecting the community to the cultural roots of the Blues. Featuring regional and local artists, cultural practitioners, and scholars, the event culminates in a Jack Dappa Blues workshop and main-stage concert.

Thursday, November 20th - The Kentucky Museum - 1:00 - 4:45pm

Narrative stages, interviews, & demonstrations in partnership with the Kentucky Folklife Program, featuring artists from across the South.

Friday, November 21st - WKU Downing Student Union, 2085 - 2:00 - 5:00pm

Student and Community-engaged presentation, workshops, and conversations.

Saturday, November 22nd - Closing Concert at The Capitol - 2:00pm

Live performances culminating in a free community concert at the Capitol Theater with the Michael Gough Trio, Jontavious Willis, and Marjorie Ms M Marshal and Trevor Davis.

We are also in the final stretch of fundraising, and every gift helps bring this inaugural cultural event to life. Support the festival and help uplift the legacy of Porter Parish Grainger, the artists, and the community.