The “Blast Furnace Blues Festival presented by Highmark Blue Shield” returns to the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks July 17 and July 18 for its 15th year with a patriotic twist.

In honor of “America 250th,” the festival is now “Blast Furnace Blues: Stars, Stripes & Steel presented by Highmark Blue Shield,” a one-year name change.

Performers include the Delta, Piedmont, Texas, blues styles of the Larry McCray Band, Gospel Blues by Jontavious Willis, fiery blues-rock vocalist Dana Fuchs, Ireland’s rising blues star Grainne Duffy and Lehigh Valley’s own The BC Combo.

“What a way to celebrate both the blues and America’s 250th,” said Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest Chief Programming Officer.

“Stars, Stripes & Steel is a special one-year twist on Blast Furnace Blues and we’ve packed it with artists who truly represent the depth and energy of the genre, from rising stars to seasoned legends.

“It’s all about honoring an American art form and bringing our community together in a place that tells its own powerful story,” Brogan said.

Jontavious Willis is a Grammy-nominated blues artist. Drawing from his rural Georgia upbringing and singing gospel in church, he blends Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and Gospel blues.

Willis gained national attention opening for Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ and winning the 2018 International Blues Challenge for his debut album, “Blue Metamorphosis.”

His follow-up album is “Spectacular Class.”

Larry McCray’s latest album, “Heartbreak City,” was produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith.

Following the success of his 2022 comeback album, “Blues Without You,” and his 2024 induction into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame, “Heartbreak City” cements McCray’s status.

Schedule

July 17

The BC Combo, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m., Levitt Pavilion

Danielia Cotton, 6 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage

Jontavious Willis, 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks

Scott Tournet, 9 p.m. - 11 p.m., Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage

July 18

Shane Guerrette, 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m., Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks

The Moga Family Band, 4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m., Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage

Gráinne Duffy, 5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks

Dana Fuchs, 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage

Larry McCray, 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks

Amani Burnham, 9 p.m. - 11 p.m., Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage

Food at the blues fest includes Mon & Mel’s Sweet Scoops Ice Cream Truck and Nick’s BBQ.

Fest information: https://www.artsquest.org/festivals/more-festivals-and-experiences/blast-furnace-blues/