ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A soulful singer who made it to the Top 10 on ABC-TV's "American Idol" and has released his debut album will headline the 18th Annual Blues, Brews & Barbecue Festival.
Jovin Webb, who in 2020 memorably sang such songs as the Allman Brothers' "Whipping Post" and Joe Cocker's version of "With a Little Help from My Friends," will close the festival.
Blues, Brews & Barbecue, set for noon-8 p.m. June 13, will be a free, family-friendly festival along Allentown's Hamilton Street, from 8th to 12th Street.Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Blues, Brews & Barbecue, set for noon-8 p.m. June 13, will be reimagined this year as Red, White & Blues — for the city's celebration in honor of PA250 — the 250th anniversary of Pennsylvania, and our country.
The free, family-friendly festival again will take over four blocks downtown along Hamilton Street — but will move from its location last year of 5th to 9th street to now being offered from 8th to 12th Street.
It will be "a star-studded celebration of music, food and community," a release said.
Sponsored by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber and Allentown Chamber in partnership with the City of Allentown, Blues, Brews & Barbecue will feature three stages of live music.
It also will offer barbecue, craft beverages, local artisans and more.
“This festival is a celebration of Allentown’s energy, culture and community spirit,” said Brittney Ciardi, senior vice president of Allentown Initiatives for the Allentown Chamber.
“For 18 years, the beloved Blues, Brews and Barbecue has brought people together, and this year’s Red, White & Blues theme makes it even more special as we honor Pennsylvania’s 250th anniversary.”
Award-nominated headliner, more
After his run on "American Idol," Webb, a Baton Rouge native, in 2024 released his debut album, "Drifter," that finished in the Top 25 Blues Albums on the Year.
In 2025, he was nominated for the Blues Music Awards' Best Emerging Artist Album.
Blues, Brews and Barbecue again will offer three performance stages.Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Blues, Brews and Barbecue again will offer three stages.
Opening the festival will be The Nth Power, a genre-defying trio that features drummer Nikki Glaspie, formerly of Beyoncé’s world tour band and Snarky Puppy. The group blends soul, funk, rock and rhythm and blues.
Also, Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen, the blues-rock trio that features the former guitarist for Northeast Pennsylvania roots rockers The Badlees, who in the 1990s had the hits "Fear of Falling" an "Angeline is Coming Home."
Also, Lehigh Valley blues guitarist Craig Thatcher Band, The Blues Reincarnation Project, Pentley Holmes Band, Tavern Tan and more.
In addition to music, festival-goers can indulge in a curated selection of smoky barbecue from vendors, alongside a variety of local food trucks.
Attendees can drink from regional offerings including Bru Daddy’s Brewing Company, Social Still Distillery, Franklin Hill Vineyards, and more.
There also will be artisan vendors, interactive activities, local shopping and open restaurants.
