January 26, 2026
MADISON, CT (January 15, 2026) — In what has become one of the Connecticut Shoreline’s favorite annual events, Blues Festival Weekend returns to Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, from Friday, February 20 to Sunday, February 22, 2026 with blues luminaries including Jake Kulak and the Modern Vandals featuring Tommy Castro, with very special guest, James Montgomery.
The schedule:
Feb 20: Crescendo & Cayenne: A Mardi Gras Epicurean Dinner & Blues Revival
The weekend begins with the Mardi Gras Blues Epicurean Dinner, an exclusive multi-course journey directed by Executive Chef Christophe Santos that celebrates the heat and heart of Louisiana culinary culture. Sommelier Tanya Raisz has hand-selected wine pairings for every “note” of the meal, offering expert insight into why these pairings sing. Guests will kick off the evening with a bourbon-focused cocktail reception, and to set the stage, legendary bluesman and storyteller Paul Gabriel will weave soulful chords and storied history from his catalogue, providing the perfect soundtrack to kick off Blues Festival Weekend.
Tickets $150 per person, inclusive
Feb 21: The Main Event: Blues Concert featuring Jake Kulak and the Modern Vandals featuring Tommy Castro and special guest James Montgomery
Get the party started with a bourbon and beer sampling in the Tasting Lounge, then experience an unforgettable evening of soulful blues music featuring the award-winning Jake Kulak and the Modern Vandals with special guest performances by guest bluesmen, Tommy Castro and James Montgomery.
Tickets starting at $45.
Feb 22: Blues Brunch
Experience the perfect Sunday send-off with live jazz and blues featuring Ramblin’ Dan Stevens at The Wharf Restaurant performing a mix of traditional fingerstyle blues, Americana and originals. Stevens’ unique style of “bottleneck” slide playing, popularized by early Mississippi Delta bluesmen, includes use of a homemade, three stringed “Cigar Box Guitar” and one stringed “Diddly Bow.” Guests will enjoy an à la carte brunch menu while experiencing multiple intimate blues sets throughout the afternoon. Reservations strongly recommended.
Guests can purchase tickets for individual events or fully be immersed in Blues Week with a weekend stay at Madison Beach Hotel. Room Availability Here.
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