 Currently on a national tour, Lexington, Kentucky’s powerhouse Joslyn and The Sweet Compression headlines a lineup of national touring artists and hometown favorites. This year, the festival will be held in a new location comprised of Penrose Square and the adjacent grounds at 2601 Columbia Pike. In addition to all the great music, festival goers can enjoy shopping, local food, and activities for the entire family. With the new location the Blues Festival carries on the great community spirit that has been the cornerstone of this unofficial start to the Arlington Summer for the last twenty-nine years.
 Joslyn & The Sweet Compression
6:30 PM
Joslyn & The Sweet Compression is a Lexington, Kentucky-based funk and soul band led by powerhouse vocalist Joslyn Hampton. Formed with her stepfather, veteran guitarist Marty Charters, they released their self-titled debut in 2019 to critical acclaim. Known for a high-energy mix of soul, funk, and rock, the band is a headlining favorite at regional clubs and music festivals.
"Magical...gives everybody the joy." — Billboard Magazine
Amani Burnham
5:00 PM
Amani Burnham is a 20-year-old Ethiopian-born, US-based guitarist, singer, and songwriter bringing a fresh voice to the blues-rock world. His debut album Roots & Wings (Blind Pig Records) features 11 originals and a Hendrix cover, showcasing his groovy riffs, cosmic solos, stinging vibrato, and soulful vocals.
With a rapidly growing online following - 250K TikTok followers, 3.9 million likes, and nearly 30 million cumulative views - Amani is quickly making his mark. Live, he performs as a trio, bringing the same raw energy from the record to the stage.
"Burnham is blowing minds with his fretwork." - Guitar World
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Stacy Brooks
3:00 PM
Stacy Brooks, internationally acclaimed and dubbed the “DC Queen of the Blues,” brings a fresh, funky energy to the traditional sounds of Chicago and Delta Blues. From her early start in Germany to opening for legends like Buddy Guy and Bobby Rush, Stacy’s soulful voice and “toe-tapping” arrangements have captivated audiences from the Chicago Blues Festival to Sri Lanka.
Whether she’s portraying idols Etta James and Koko Taylor on the Broadway stage or performing her residency at Madam’s Organ in DC, Stacy bridges the gap between genres and generations.
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Guy Bouchie & Bobby Carrillo-Thompson
1:30 PM
Guy Bouchie and Bobby Carrillo-Thompson are a powerhouse blues-rock duo and frequent collaborators central to the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) music scene. While both lead successful solo careers, they are best known as a tandem for their high-octane, guitar-driven performances that anchor the region's premier blues festivals. Together, they bridge the gap between traditional blues foundations and modern rock energy.
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The Curbfeelers
12:00 PM
The Curbfeelers are Arlington’s own premier blues and soul powerhouse, bringing the authentic sounds of Chicago and classic soul to the D.C. area since the early 1990s. Known for their high-energy performances and tight musicality, they have become a beloved fixture at local institutions like The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant. The band expertly bridges the gap between gritty Delta-inspired riffs and smooth, horn-driven soul, creating a “feel-good” atmosphere that resonates with every audience. Whether headlining a regional stage or kicking off a local festival, they embody the homegrown musical culture of Northern Virginia.
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Activities and Shopping
The 2026 Columbia Pike Blues Festival brings an exciting mix of local flavor and family fun! Foodies can savor bites from Los Chamacos, City Kabob, Sabores, Mpanadas, and much, much more. Cool off with Ello Gelato and Rossana, and enjoy beer and wine available for purchase. Kids can enjoy face painting and the ever-popular moonbounce in the Kids Zone.
With over 50 vendors there’s something for everyone to discover on the Pike!
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