2026 Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival is coming up fast in July
One of the benchmark music events of Eastern Washington is the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival. Always on the third weekend of July. The event takes place at what they call the "Blues Ranch" on the Methow River. It's a big event that features camping, arts and crafts, great food, Beer and of course Rhythm and Blues.
It's not unusual during the heat day to be listening to the acts on stage and seeing people sitting in their lawn chairs in the middle of the Methow river keeping cool and enjoying the music.
Let's run down the lineup.
FRIDAY JULY 17 Main Stage
Garret T. Willie
Still in his 20s he has made a name for himself playing in Canada and opening for acts like Kenny Wayne Shepherd, John Fogerty, Kingfish, and Joe Bonamassa. Based on the tracks that I've heard so far, he has a hard rock and blues sound that comes across as raw and authentic. It's going to be a great way to open the show on a Friday night on the big stage.
THE RUMBLE feat. Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr
Get ready for a big dose of the music that's happening in New Orleans right now. High energy, funky Blues that will set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
When the rumble finishes up their set, all the activity moves into the beer tent until the wee hours of the morning.
Big Top Beer Garden,
The Dusty 45s
Methow Juke Joint Allstars
SATURDAY JULY 18 Main Stage
Harrell ‘Young Rell’ Davenport
Saturday at the Blues Ranch starts off mellow with. Harrell ‘Young Rell’ Davenport Bringing a serious taste of the Mississippi Delta. All you have to do is watch the video and know what you're in for. An incredible young talent.
Jo Miller & Her Burley Roughnecks
You may or may not remember Joe Miller from “Ranch Romance”. I do and I've always loved that mix of Texas swing with a little bit of twang. Think of them as a palette cleanser.
Ariel Posen
According to WinthropRhythmandbluesfestival.com.”
‘His music is a testament to the boundless possibilities of artistic exploration, seamlessly melding elements of heartland rock & roll, electrified Americana, blue-eyed soul, R&B, and Beatles-inspired pop into a singular, captivating sound. With each soul-stirring lyric and every emotive chord progression, Posen invites listeners on a transformative journey,’
I've not heard him live but I have checked him out. Line and seeing some of his videos on YouTube and I've got to say I really like this guy.
Sue Foley
according to winthroprhythmandbluesfestival.com,
‘Sue Foley is a multi-award-winning blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose latest album, One Guitar Woman: A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar, was nominated for the 2025 GRAMMY® Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.’
Southern Avenue
A Grammy nominated family band from Memphis, TN. They are the real deal.
THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS
It's hard to describe this band. It's a Blues band, kind of retro, but completely modern in attitude.
Once the California honey drops, wrap up their set for the evening, then all the action moves back to the beer tent again with music until the wee hours of the morning.
Big Top Beer Garden
Kim Field & the Perfect Gentlemen
Methow Juke Joint Allstars w/ Polly O’Keary & Lady A
SUNDAY JULY 19 Main Stage
Gospel Summit
Over the last several years, having a Gospel act opened the show on Sunday Has become a tradition. A chance for the audience to sit down, kick back, and just take in the spirit of the event.
Sean ‘Mack’ McDonald
according to winthroprhythmandbluesfestival.com,
‘Sean Mack gained attention when he was recorded playing guitar in an Augusta, Georgia music store, where he performed a rendition of Robert Johnson’s “Dust My Broom”. He’s become known for his traditional blues style and performances.’
Too Slim & the Taildraggers
Too Slim and the Taildraggers has become a tradition at Winthrop over the last several decades. Too Slim always plays on Sunday. And always brings his slide guitar and a bad attitude. (Only while he's playing.)
Bywater Call
according to winthroprhythmandbluesfestival.com,
‘A powerhouse seven-piece Southern soul, roots rock outfit from Toronto, Canada; the band is comprised of Meghan Parnell (vocals), Dave Barnes (guitar), Bruce McCarthy (drums), Mike Meusel (bass), newest member, John Kervin (keys), Stephen Dyte (trumpet) and Julian Nalli (tenor sax).’
Jeremie Albino
according to winthroprhythmandbluesfestival.com,
‘he has refined a vital and idiosyncratic mix of styles and sounds that are rooted in tradition but grasping toward the future: His songs are grounded in the gritty storytelling of classic country music, propelled by the rhythms of old-school R&B, played with the wild abandon of early rock ’n’ roll, and sung with the deep feeling of southern soul.”
SHINYRIBS
according to winthroprhythmandbluesfestival.com,
We will maybe never know what Shinyribs is. Sometimes, it’s a sprawling multi-piece ensemble slapping the air until it grooves; sometimes he’s a somber subtle songwriter pouring poetry on the ground from a cup half full. Either way it’s always the house-party-meets-library that is, Kevin Russell. Raised in Beaumont, TX, and Shreveport, LA—the cradle of swamp pop, Leadbelly, and bayou R&B—Russell distills those regional sounds into something both timeless and immediate, dripping from his fingers like honey, salt & fat.
At this point you might think that the show is over, but that is not the case because then everybody's celebrates by moving to the beer garden to catch their second wind.
Big Top Beer Garden
Crunk Monk
Methow Juke Joint Allstar Jam
Campsites are always available. As always, the sooner you get your campsite, the better your campsite is going to be. Parking is also available on site.
3-DAY CAMPING PRICING
All camping is first come first served. Gates open 9 am on Friday for 3-day camping.
GENERAL CAMPING – $90
Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights. This is for both marked and unmarked sites. Gates open at 9 am on Friday.
- Sites can not be “saved” nor combined to accommodate larger RVs.
- Marked 25′ x 25′ field sites available.
- Unmarked sites in the semi-treed area are camping sites for tents and small RVs only. Not suitable for rigs over 20’. Attendants will assist in getting you located.
- If you are in the treed camping area, you may be asked to get cozy with your neighbors.
- An RV or vehicle towing an RV must be able to fit in the 25′ x 25′ campsite.
- Rigs over 25′ must purchase Big Rig Camping.
BIG RIG CAMPING – $190
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights
- In marked FIELD SITES only
- 25′ x 50′ marked field sites available.
- Big Rigs that arrive after 3:00 pm on Friday will be parked where space is available and not necessarily on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- Big Rig camping guarantees you a designated 25′ x 50′ spot.
Rates for four days are also available, please see the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues website. For all the camping and parking details.
It's going to be an amazing weekend of music. I hope you have time to attend. I'm actually thinking about going myself.
The Summer of $30 Washington Concerts
Gallery Credit: Avery Cooper
More From 92.9 The Bull
