About Us

Our goals are to preserve our local musical history, promote business helping business in the Clemson area, support local charities and make sure future generations understand and enjoy America’s unique brand of music–the Blues. We also want to have fun while doing it!

Many people ask “what is the blues?” Well, the best answer to the question is rooted in popular music of today and yesterday.

Do you like James Brown, Guy Clark, Otis Redding, The Supremes, Elvis, Stevie Ray Vaughn, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Muddy Waters, Duke Ellington or Etta James?  Then you like the Blues. Elements of the Blues are present in many forms of music from Hip Hop to Country and from Jazz to Rock ‘n’ Roll.

The inspiration for the Clemson Blues Festival comes from Littlejohn’s Grill, an African American nightclub that once brought LIVE music to Clemson. Located along a music corridor known as the chitlin’ circuit, the Grill hosted scores of major Blues, R&B and Jazz musicians.

A book, “THE LITTLEJOHN’S GRILL STORY: Blues, Jazz and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Clemson, SC” tells the story of Clemson’s blues heritage, chronicling the more than 100 major performers to visit Clemson between 1945 and 1968. To receive a copy contact  paintingclemson@mindspring.com. The cost is $20, which includes postage in the USA. The book has many interesting stories about Clemson with a series of photographs of performers.

We had a blast last year during the Festival and we hope you’ll join us in 2014 for a unforgettable experience!

By donating, sponsoring, or volunteering you are helping to create a bigger and better event while ensuring that the Blues continue to thrive in Clemson. Thanks for your support and please LIKE us on Facebook. We appreciate you!   CONTACT US AT clemsonbluesfest@mindspring.com

WEBMASTER & WEB DESIGN BY KEVIN GLOVER contact at hkglover@gmail.com

GRAPHICS DESIGN, SHOW POSTERS, EVENT T-SHIRTS BY KATIE JACKSON see portfolio of work at kcjportfolio@tumbr.com