Local and National Blues and Jazz Musicians Heading to El Paso

A new festival, focusing on blues and jazz, is coming our way.

As far as rock festivals go, El Paso has several including the KLAQ Balloonfest and the Downtown Street Festival.  Now, there's something planned for blues and jazz lovers. The first annual El Paso Blues and Jazz Festival takes place May 16th - 17th at the Chamizal National Memorial.

The festival was launched by El Pasoan Jim Murphy, a local blues guitarist, singer and the development director for the El Paso Museum of History. National acts include Smokin' Joe Kubek and Mark Hummel. Hummel, a Grammy Award -  nominated harmonica player, played many gigs here in the 90's and worked with El Pasoan "Guitar Slim" for years. Slim will also perform as well as other local acts including Billy Townes. The event is free, learn more at epbluesandjazz.org.