WHEN: JUNE 27-28, 2026, 11am – 8pm both days
WHERE: PLAZA PARK, 1 PASEO DE SAN ANTONIO, SAN JOSE

43rd Fountain Blues & Brews Festival Ignites Main Stage with Sinners Inspired Lineup, Grammy Winners, and New Fan Experiences.

San Jose, CA — If you loved the sound and soul of Sinners, the 2026 Fountain Blues & Brews Festival is your must-attend event of the summer. This year’s Main Stage lineup brings that same electrifying energy to life. It features powerhouse performers connected to the film’s buzzworthy soundtrack— including Eric Gales, Ruthie Foster, and Tierinii Jackson of Grammy nominated Southern Avenue.

HEADLINER

Headlining the festival is guitar virtuoso Eric Gales, fresh off his Sinners Academy Awards performance, and widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation. As Joe Bonamassa puts it, “One of the best if not the best guitarist in the world today.” And Dave Navarro adds, “How Eric Gales isn’t the hugest name in rock guitar is a total mystery.” Gales brings his genre-bending blues-rock firepower to a line-up packed with award-winning talent.

Grammy Award-winning vocalist Ruthie Foster and Southern Avenue’s dynamic Tierinii Jackson will bring the gospel-infused blues that helped shape the Sinners soundtrack’s unmistakable sound.

International flair comes from British blues-rock powerhouse Joanne Shaw Taylor, a British Blues Music Award winner known for her gritty vocals and what Louder calls “raw gut-punch blues.” Fans will also be swept away by the epic, soul-drenched vocals of Marc Broussard, bringing his signature blend of R&B and blues to the Main Stage.

Closing out the weekend on Sunday night, Chicago blues powerhouse Ronnie Baker Brooks delivers a can’t-miss headlining performance. Fresh off a triumphant year, Brooks is a three-time 2025 Blues Music Award winner, earning top honors for Contemporary Blues Male Artist, Contemporary Blues Album, and Song of the Year. A torchbearer of the Chicago blues tradition with a modern edge, his high-energy set promises to be a festival finale to remember.

The festival kicks off Saturday with Bay Area blues royalty Miss Faye Carol, Lady Bianca, Alvon Johnson, and Fillmore Slim—a legendary lineup celebrating the region’s deep blues roots. On Sunday, the high energy six-piece Ben Rice & The PDX Hustle set the tone with a horn-driven, dancefloor-ready opening set.

SINNERS

“As we were inspired by the spirit of Sinners, we wanted to bring that juke-joint energy to San Jose,” said Suzanne St. John-Crane, Board President of the Fountain Blues Foundation. “At the same time, we’re committed to keeping ticket prices affordable so everyone can experience the epic musicianship of this incredible lineup.” 
 

Nonstop Blues on the Poor House Bistro Stage

Regional artists will perform between main stage acts. Standout bands include The Turnarounds, Northern California middle school musicians lead by Hope Gerston, a singer whose viral videos have garnered more than 200 million views on Instagram and YouTube. New to the blues festival this year will be Legally Blue, featuring former Synopsis CEO Aart DeGeus on guitar. Blues veterans Chrome Deluxe and Terry Hiatt headline the Poor House Stage.
 

Festival Experience: Eat, Drink & Be Musical

Festival goers will enjoy a craft beer garden with 30 varieties from regional breweries, food vendors, artist booths, family games and a Musical Instrument Petting Zoo courtesy of Keith Holland Guitars.

New in 2026, fans can take their experience even further with:
•       Exclusive Meet & Greets. Limited opportunities to meet headliners like Eric Gales and Ronnie Baker Brooks
•       Expanded Beverage Offerings. In addition to beloved craft brews and wine, guests will enjoy a curated selection of premium craft cocktails and ready-to-drink favorites
Back at Plaza Park in the heart of downtown San Jose, the Fountain Blues & Brews Festival combines world-class live music with cold drinks, great food, artisan vendors, and a vibrant community atmosphere—all at an incredible value. For more information, visit fountainblues.com 

Schedule

Saturday June 27th
6:00 – 7:30        Eric Gales (Main Stage)
5:30 – 6:00        Terry Hiatt (Poor House Bistro Stage)                 
4:00 – 5:15        Joanne Shaw Taylor (Main Stage)
3:30 – 4:00        The Carmen Ratti Band featuring Jill Dineen (Poor House Bistro Stage)
2:00 – 3:15        Ruthie Foster – (Main Stage)
1:30 – 2:00        Legally Blue (Poor House Bistro Stage)
12:00 -1:15        Blues Explosion: Miss Faye Carol, Alvon Johnson, Fillmore Slim, Lady Bianca (Main Stage)
11:15 – 11:55     Hope Gerston (Poor House Bistro Stage)
 
Sunday June 28th
6:00 – 7:30         Ronnie Baker Brooks (Main Stage)
5:30 – 6:00  Chrome Deluxe (Poor House Bistro Stage)
4:00 – 5:30  Southern Avenue (Main Stage)
3:30 – 4:00  Anthony Cullins Band (Poor House Bistro Stage)
2:00 – 3:15  Marc Broussard (Main Stage)
1:30 – 2:00  Grace and the Grit (Poor House Bistro Stage)
12:00 – 1:15. Ben Rice & The PDX Hustle (Main Stage)
11:15 – 11:55  Actual Proof (Poor House Bistro Stage)
 

About the Festival

The San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival, organized by the Fountain Blues Foundation—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—is California’s longest-running blues festival. The Foundation promotes blues and related music genres through blues jams and an annual festival. 
More information: www.fountainblues.com/festival
 

Major Supporters

Major supporters include Applied Materials, Carl and Marianne Salas, Casino M8trix, City of San Jose, Heritage Bank, Signia Hotel, and Dave Crane and Suzanne St. John-Crane. 
 

CONTACT: Dan Orloff: 408-202-3188; Dan@orloffmarketing.com or Suzanne St. John-Crane: 831-246-1927; info@fountainblues.com
 
SOCIAL MEDIA:
https://www.facebook.com/fountainblues/
https://www.instagram.com/sjfountainbluesbrewsfestival/