67° and Clear
Image
LEBANON, OH -- Lebanon Optimist Club is excited to announce the band line-up for its 27th Lebanon Optimist Blues Festival, July 31 - August 1, 2026 in downtown Lebanon's Mulberry Plaza. Again this year, the festival will feature a great mix of 11 local, regional and national acts. As always, admission is free, and 100% of the profits will be donated to local organizations who serve the needs of children in Lebanon and Warren County.
For more information, check out the website or contact the organizers by email at www.lebanonbluesfestival.com.
Friday July 31, 2026
Chris Yacopcic
5:30 - 6:45pm
Chris Yakopcic is a fingerstyle acoustic blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter inspired by pre-war delta and Piedmont players. His guitar playing builds on the rhythmic and often high energy thumb-bass picking patterns innovated by Robert Johnson, Bill Broonzy, and Blind Blake to name a few.
THE CHILL
7:00 - 8:15pm
THE CHILL is rapidly ascending the regional music scene delivering a full spectrum of classic, progressive, and everything in between Blues. Their sound is a unique blend of classic mainstays to a contemporary mix of funky, exciting blues music. Brian Stoner and John Griffin anchor the rhythm section while Jim Spangler and Danial Swafford provide guitar and vocals to complete the sound. THE CHILL is dedicated to keeping the blues fresh as a true American art form.
Tom Holland and the Shuffle Kings
8:30 - 10:00pm
Real Chicago Blues - Tom Holland & the Shuffle Kings have been playing the blues worldwide for over 28 years, regularly appearing at clubs and festivals worldwide. Years on the road with blues legends such as John Primer, Eddy Clearwater, and most recently James Cotton have made Tom Holland one of the most in demand blues artists on the scene today!
https://tomhollandshufflekings.com/
Saturday August 1, 2026
Jimmy D. Rogers and Victoria Buller
11:00 - 12:15pm
Bio to come
Bob Dellaposta
12:30 - 1:45pm
Bob has been performing Blues, Rock-n-Roll and Americana music in Southwest Ohio and Northern KY for more than 40 years. A native of Bellevue, KY, he performed his first gig for money when he was just 15 years old.
Luther Trammell
2:00 - 3:15pm
The award-winning acoustic blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Luther Trammell brings his dynamic voice and guitar style to the forefront of his brand of Blues. Whether rocking out with a full band, a duo or as a solo act, he is a true authentic bluesman.
Gary Guitar Williams
3:30 - 4:45pm
Gary "Guitar" Williams is a veteran Ohio-based blues musician and inductee into the Southwestern Ohio Blues Hall of Fame with over four decades of experience. Known for his work in bands like Satch & Co. and the Cincinnati Blues Allstars, he plays a mix of blues, rock, soul, and has performed with artists such as Phil Guy and Luther Allison.
Ralph and The Rhythm Hounds
5:00 - 6:15pm
Ralph and The Rhythm Hounds is an explosive Cincinnati Blues Rock band that has performed since 2003. Noah Cave is a gifted (phenom) guitarist, who started his live performances with the band at age 11.
https://ralphandtherhythmhounds.com
Tootsie Sugars
6:30 - 7:45pm
Tootsie Sugars is a Cincinnati-based, trio rock band featuring Ricky Veeneman, Nick Baverman, and Matt Gandenberger. Known for performing a mix of blues, funk, country, and hip-hop, they have been making music for over 25 years.
https://www.facebook.com/p/Tootsie-Sugars-61577951704531/
Authorized Personnel
8:00 - 9:15pm
Authorized Personnel is a high-energy, eclectic soul big band based in the Dayton, Ohio area, known for blending R&B, blues, funk, pop, rock, and jazz. Renowned for strong musicianship and vocals, they perform frequently all over the Miami Valley.
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorizedPERSONNELOneUnit/
Stacy Mitchhart Band
9:30 - 11:00pm
Stacy Mitchhart’s musical journey began in his native Cincinnati, Ohio, in a home where jazz guitar masters like Wes Montgomery and Johnny Smith were played on the stereo. Therefore it was natural that he gravitated to the six-string. As a child, he saw the outrageous Little Richard on a TV show and was captivated by his showmanship. Little Richard looked and acted differently than anybody he had ever been exposed to.
https://www.stacymitchhart.com
More News from Franklin
- Armco Season Passes Now Available On Line Enjoy golfing, fishing and boating all summer long at Warren County's Armco Park.
- Wright at Home Opens Doors to Orville Wright’s Hawthorn Hill Fundraiser offers rare access to the Wright mansion and guided walking tour of Oakwood’s historic neighborhood.
