• The state of Massachusetts, one of the oldest states in the Union, has a long and rich musical history. The blues led to genres like R&B and rock, giving birth to musically diverse groups like New Edition and The Pixies, both of which hail from Massachusetts. The state appreciates the blues and holds several blues music festivals annually, featuring some of the biggest names in blues, as well as food, fun and games.
  
  

New England Blues Festival

• The New England Blues Festival is a day-long event held in September in Middleborough, Massachusetts to raise money for charitable efforts. According to the festival's website, "it's exciting, a bit tiring, and not for the faint of heart." Established in 2007, the festival features music from Southern New England, including Chicago blues, roots, alt-rock and singer/songwriters. Notable past performers include Joe Moss, Jeff Pitchell, James Montgomery and Shor'ty Billups.
  
  For music lovers who want to be close to the action, the festival offers VIP seating complete with cold beverages. The festival offers a number of food, arts and craft vendors as well as commemorative T-shirts and a raffle. A classic car show and color guard add to the day's festivities.
  
  New England Blues Festival
  Battis Field on Jackson Street
  Middleborough, MA 02346
  508-269-7700
  nebluesfest.com/
  
  

BluesNBrews Festival

• The BluesNBrews Festival is held rain or shine one day in August annually at the Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford, Massachusetts. The festival is organized by the Westford Rotary Charitable Endowment, Inc., which forwards its proceeds to local charitable organizations. Notable past performers include Savoy Brown, The Installers with Jay Geils, and Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson.
  
  Admission includes 10 beer tastings and a non-alcoholic equivalent for those under the age to drink. The festival hosts dozens of breweries and a home-brewing competition. Food vendors are also on hand to serve up BBQ, hotdogs and hamburgers. The festival also offers VIP passes to those 21 and over, which include a buffet reception with the bands, reserved seating and commemorative gifts. Festivalgoers can even win gifts in various raffles and games.
  
  Nashoba Valley Ski Area
  79 Power Road
  Westford, MA 01886
  978-772-3612
  bluesnbrews.com/
  
  

Plymouth Rock Blues Festival

• The Plymouth Rock Blues Festival is a day of blues held at Memorial Hall in Plymouth, Mass. Notable performers at the 2010 festival include Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters and The James Montgomery Band. While listening to "the powerful and robust sound from some of the most soulful blues performers, festivalgoers can sample chili from area restaurants and vote to see which wins the Chili Cookoff to have the chance to win a guitar signed by festival musicians. The festival encourages people to bring non-perishable food items for local charity.
  
  Plymouth Rock Blues Festival
  Memorial Hall
  83 Court Street
  Plymouth, MA 02360-3985
  508-747-1340
  plymouthrockbluesfestival.com/