FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. October 1, 2026— No sprawling festival grounds. No distant stage. No VIP section.

On Saturday, November 7, the Connecticut Rhythm & Blues Festival will bring four live performances to New Britain for an intimate music experience designed to put audiences close to the artists and the music.

Held from 3 to 9 p.m. at Trinity-on-Main, the festival features nationally recognized blues artists Annika Chambers & Paul Deslauriers and Toronzo Cannon, Connecticut's The Name Droppers, and a special performance by young artists from the Queen Ann Nzinga Center.

The lineup reflects what Connecticut Rhythm & Blues has built the festival around: music rooted in the blues but extending into R&B, soul, gospel and American roots, with performances meant to be lively, accessible and, at times, danceable.

“You don’t have to know the artists or be a longtime blues fan to have a great time here,” said Ellen Sebastian of Connecticut Rhythm & Blues. “You’re going to hear blues, gospel, jazz and R&B, with music that’s upbeat and danceable. It’s an intimate room where you can get close to the stage, meet the artists and really experience the music.”

The festival is also part of a larger mission.

Since 2023, Connecticut Rhythm & Blues has contributed more than $20,000 to organizations and programs supporting music education, young people and musicians in Connecticut.

That support has included the Queen Ann Nzinga Center in New Britain, music programming through the New Britain Public Library, young artists at The Artists Collective in Hartford and assistance for musicians in need.

The Queen Ann Nzinga Center's appearance at this year's festival brings that mission directly onto the stage, allowing young performers to perform alongside established local and nationally recognized musicians.

Connecticut Rhythm & Blues Festival
Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 3 to 9 pm
Trinity-on-Main located at 69 Main Street, New Britain, Connecticut

Tickets: $35
Food: $17 cash for an all-you-can-eat Italian buffet
Cash bar available

Tickets and additional information: ctbluesfest.com

Connecticut Rhythm & Blues is dedicated to celebrating live blues, R&B and American roots music while using music to strengthen communities. Through its annual festival and community partnerships, the organization supports music education, young performers and musicians in need throughout Connecticut.