BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — From Thursday, November 20 through Saturday, November 22, the city will host the inaugural Porter Parish Grainger Blues Festival, a three-day celebration honoring local blues pioneer Porter Parish Grainger and the rich Black roots of the blues.
The free event, organized by the Jack Dappa Blues Heritage Preservation Foundation, takes place in the historic Shake Rag District — a Bowling Green neighborhood listed on the National Register of Historic Places where Grainger once lived.
Porter Parish Grainger, born in Bowling Green in 1891, was a pianist, songwriter, playwright and music publisher whose work helped shape early blues and vaudeville-era stage art.
Though his name may not be a household one, his legacy runs deep in blues history. The Festival aims to resurrect that legacy — placing it firmly in Bowling Green’s downtown, and especially within the Shake Rag District, a historically African-American neighborhood whose story has often been overlooked.
Locals and planners should note: this festival brings cultural tourism, downtown foot traffic and a chance for local businesses to engage. With workshops, panel discussions and performances, it’s more than just music — it’s a community engagement opportunity.
What to Expect:
Live performances from regional blues artists, including both emerging and veteran names.
Workshops where attendees can write and perform their own blues songs alongside master artists.
Panel discussions on songwriting, publishing and the business of blues music — tying in Grainger’s role as a publisher.
The closing concert Saturday, November 22 hosted by the Warren County Public Library’s “Capitol” venue (416 E Main Ave.).
The festival is free and open to the public.
“The blues speaks to the human condition — the lived experiences and resilience of the Black South,” says Lamont Jack Pearley, Executive Director of Jack Dappa Blues Heritage Preservation Foundation. “Kentucky, while a different terrain of the South, is often recognized as part of the Delta states, which deeply influenced blues themes. Events like the Porter Parish Grainger Blues Festival highlight Kentucky’s role in the development and preservation of this music, connecting the state to the significance of the broader blues tradition.”
As Bowling Green welcomes this landmark first-edition festival, the city has an opportunity — not only to shine a light on its musical heritage but to build new momentum for downtown, historic communities, and cultural tourism. By celebrating Porter Parish Grainger and the roots of the blues, the city reconnects to a powerful story of creativity, resilience and community. Let’s make this weekend more than just an event — let’s make it a tradition in the making.
