Blues Festival | Wiregrass Blues Festival

March 21st 2026

308 N St. Andrews St.

Downtown Dothan, AL.

Crystal Shawanda

Juno Award-winning powerhouse Crystal Shawanda is back with her latest studio album, Midnight Blues, on True North Records. Her latest fiery blues collection showcases her full-throttle raspy voice, unmatched in today’s musical landscape, and an authentic appreciation for the genre dating back to her youth.

“Growing up, all of my favorite music had these breadcrumbs that led me to the blues,” Crystal says. “I often quote Willie Dixon: ‘Blues is the roots and everything else is the fruits.’ Even in today’s pop music, there’s all this influence that derives from the blues. I was just always really attracted to the rawness and the realness of the blues.”

Born in Wiikwemkoong First Nation, on Manitoulin Island, in Northern Ontario, Crystal was introduced to the blues by her eldest brother and to old-time country by her parents. “I was also into other styles of music that led me to the blues,” she says, citing everything from Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog,” written by Big Mama Thornton, to R&B-pop star Monica’s “Misty Blue,” by Dorothy Moore.

“I love all styles of music, but there was just always something drawing me to the blues,” she explains. “I had a country hit on the radio, and I would show up at country music festivals and I’d do a BB King cover or Buddy Guy or Etta James. Within country music, as much as I loved it, I had to restrain my voice a lot. It’s very hard to hold back, and sometimes it was exhausting, whereas with the blues, I could just let it fly.”

Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers

SOUTHERN FRIED BLUES ROCK

This soul-stirring album, fueled by Dove's personal struggles and triumphs, resonates deeply with audiences worldwide, skyrocketing to #2 on the Blues Charts upon its October 2023 release.

Boasting four #1 blues singles across nine countries and nearly two million streams, "Rough Time" is a testament to the band's resilience and unwavering dedication to their craft.

“My predictions are confirmed! Haynes/Seger together. I don't know if Haynes is entering the Silver Bullet, or Seger replacing Warren in Dose ” - Jose Navas

“Southern Rock and then the kind that lies roughly somewhere between the Allman Brothers & the Tedeschi Trucks Band with a high Bob Seger content” - Peter Marinus — Blues Magazine

“Derrick Dove believes in the Blues, in Soul, in Rock...” - Bernardo De Andres — RockTheBest.com

www.DerrickDove.com

Jimmy Wooten

Hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, Jimmy Wooten is a seasoned musician who has toured the past fifteen years with bands internationally, but, with the recent release of his fourteen-track debut album, Collision Course, he is solidifying himself as a true songsmith. With a sound rooted in rock, country, blues, and soul, his music takes you on an auditory journey that you won’t soon forget.

Born into a musical family and hitting the road with multiple bands straight out of high school, Wooten has toured internationally along with sharing stages with The Steel Woods, Uncle Lucious, Joshua Ray Walker, Dennis Quiad, Marty Stewart, Vince Gill, Tab Benoit, Josh Weathers, Casey Donahew and more. Not to mention touring with country music legend Neal McCoy for five years (bass guitar, background vocals). However, since starting a family, Wooten says that his children have given him the confidence and drive to step out on his own.

"I’ve been playing music professionally since around 2001, playing different instruments with different people, from locals to Neal McCoy on major nationwide tours. All the studio work, and everything I’ve ever done, has been building up to this moment where I’m putting out a full body of work and I could not be more excited, or ready."

www.JimmyWooten.net

BRIDGET KELLY BAND

The Bridget Kelly Band, based in North-Central Florida, is a hard-hitting blues-rock ensemble and three-time International Blues Challenge Semifinalist (2015, 2016, 2023). Formed in 2012 by powerhouse vocalist Bridget Kelly and guitarist/producer Tim Fik, the band has released seven all-original albums, earning multiple Top-10 RMR and APD chart positions worldwide. Their latest release, Winter’s Coming (2022), soared to #1 on the RMR Blues Rock Chart for nine consecutive weeks and delivered fan favorites like “Heartbreakin’ Blues” and “I’m Lucky.”

With dynamic rhythm support from Curtis Lyons Jr. (drums) and Greg Mullins (bass), BKB’s incendiary live performances have ignited audiences at major festivals, Buddy Guy’s Legends, and the House of Blues, earning them the title of Florida’s “Hardest Working Blues Band.”

Inducted into the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame in 2023, the group continues to celebrate the roots of blues while pushing artistic boundaries. Bridget’s commanding stage presence, soulful vocals, and advocacy for women in blues fuel their mission to keep the genre alive—one unforgettable performance at a time.

THE STEVE WIGGINS BAND

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Blues Foundation’s Keeping the Blues Alive Award Winner
Wiregrass Blue Society Charter member
Wiregrass Blues Festival Founder
2023 WBS Honoree, and Collector of all things blues.
The Legendary Blues DJ of Blues Power Radio
Master of Ceremony at BB Kings in Memphis for the International Blues Challenge
and Our Host with the most...

Mr. Gil Anthony

www.gilanthonyblues.com

Watch The Gil Anthony Documentary Film Here

Festival - VIP - Vendor - Meet & Greet - Information

The 13th Annual Wiregrass Blues Festival

will be held at The Plant in Downtown Dothan, AL.

and will feature:

5 Fantastic Blues Bands
Gumbo Cookoff Competition
Arts & Crafts Vendors
Car Show
Kids Activities
and more...

VIP Tickets $125
Includes: meet & greet invitation,

Artist meet & greet day of, private seating, private bar,

2 drink tickets and food.

General Admission $25 Advance $30 Gate

WBS Member Ticket $15

*Children 12 & Under are FREE with a paying adult.
*Bring Your Lawn Chair

The 13th Annual Wiregrass Blues Society “Meet & Greet"

March 21, 2026

12 pm- 2 pm

All Corporate Sponsors, VIPs, and Special Guests are invited to attend

the Festival Meet & Greet.

The location is at The Plant

Located at South Saint Andrews ST Dothan, AL

Attendees will be treated to the opportunity of a meet and mingle with our festival performers.

Lunch service and a cash bar will be available to all.

We hope to see you at our Pre-Fest Party!

*This Event and all performances are made possible by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Alabama Humanities Alliance, and our faithful Sponsors.

* VENDORS *

Vendor Application

Be a Vendor at the 13th Annual Wiregrass Blues Festival!

If you’re looking for a way to expand your customer base and get your products or services in front of a larger audience, becoming a vendor at the WBF is for you! You will have the creative freedom to display your product how you want, and effectively catch the eye of festival goers. It's a great way to increase your brand awareness, credibility, and sales.

Vendor fees are $50.00

Food Truck fees are $150.00

Note: Our resources are limited and we may be unable to accommodate special needs. There is no electricity on the field where you will be located, a generator will be needed. After acceptance, NO refunds will be made. Please complete the registration form below.

For more information contact Donnia Rambin at 334-648-6542.

Pay Vendor Fee Pay Food Truck Vendor Fee Register

Calling All Local Artists: Showcase Your Talent at the Wiregrass Blues Festival!

The Wiregrass Blues Festival invites local artists to join us as art vendors for this year’s exciting event. With over 1,000 attendees expected, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase your beautiful creations to a vibrant audience passionate about art, music, and culture.

While the vendor fee is $50, we understand the challenges artists face, and we want to support you. Instead of a monetary fee, you have the option to donate a piece of your artwork to the Wiregrass Blues Society’s silent auction.

This exchange not only highlights your talent but also helps us further our mission to Keep the Blues Alive in the Wiregrass Area. Don’t miss this chance to connect with art enthusiasts, share your unique vision, and contribute to an unforgettable cultural experience!

* gUMBO cOOKOFF Competition *

GUMBO COMPETITION

Compete in our Gumbo Competition at the 13th Annual Wiregrass Blues Festival!

The competition will be judged by a panel of local celebrity food enthusiasts.

Cash prizes, Trophy, and Bragging Rights as best Gumbo in the Wiregrass Area.

There will also be a “People’s Choice Award”. Trophy and Bragging Rights as The People’s Choice Gumbo in the Wiregrass Area. (This competition will be based on crowd response.)

Not only will you compete to win cash prizes,

but you will also sell your food to the festival goers.

Whether a Professional, Semi-professional or just a Gumbo Chef Wannabe,

all are welcome.

Vendor fees are $50.

Note: Our resources are limited and we may be unable to accommodate special needs. There is no electricity on the field where you will be located, a generator will be needed. After acceptance, NO refunds will be made. Please complete the registration form below.

Wiregrass Blues Festival 13th Annual Celebrity Judges!

Get ready for a sizzling showdown!

The Wiregrass Blues Festival is thrilled to announce the Celebrity Judges for this year’s 13th Annual Gumbo Competition. We've carefully selected some of the Wiregrass’s finest local food connoisseurs to bring their expertise, passion, and taste buds to the table.

TBA SOON!

* car show *

Car Show

Rev Up Your Engines for the Ultimate Car Show at the 13th Annual Wiregrass Blues Festival!

We are looking for classic cars, rat rods, and high-performance vehicles!

Best in Show Award: Stand out from the crowd and claim the prestigious title of "Best in Show" for your exceptional vehicle.
People's Choice Award: Let the crowd be the judge and vote for their favorite car to win the coveted "People's Choice" award.

Every entry receives 2 tickets to the Wiregrass Blues Festival, granting you access to the festival's electrifying performances, delicious food vendors, and vibrant atmosphere!

Don't miss your chance to be a part of this thrilling automotive extravaganza at the Wiregrass Blues Festival. Mark your calendars, shine up those classic rides, and prepare for an unforgettable day of cars, music, and fun!

No Entry Fee

Meet & Greet 12 PM - 2 PM

🕑 Gates Open at 2 PM - Event Ends Around 9 PM 🕘

* charity Bike Ride*

Your $25 entry fee gets you in the ride and in The Plant for the Wiregrass Blues Festival. All bike ride money‘s collected go to the charity recipient.