Franklin Blues & Barbecue Festival

07/21/2026

On behalf of the Franklin Blues & Barbecue Festival Committee, we are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Anthony Crivelli. Our sincere condolences go out to his children Michael, Anthony, and Elicia; his wife Marlene; and all of his grandchildren. It was an honor to call Anthony a friend. He was incredibly generous to our community and we shared many great times together. Rest in peace, my brother. Thank you for all of your support and, most importantly, your friendship.

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our founder, Anthony Crivelli. Anthony came to Franklin in 1980 with a vision, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to serving our community. Over the past 46 years, that vision grew into one of the area's largest employers, creating opportunities for countless families and building relationships that have lasted generations. His leadership, generosity, and dedication has left a lasting impact on our community.

To honor Anthony's memory and celebrate his remarkable legacy, A. Crivelli Auto Group will be closed on Friday, July 24th. We appreciate your understanding as our team gathers to pay our respects and honor his memory.

Thank you for your kindness and understanding as we remember an extraordinary man. We ask that you keep Anthony's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. His impact on our community and the lives of so many will never be forgotten 🕊️

https://www.musmannofh.com/obituary/Anthony-Crivelli

07/13/2026

🎶❤️ What an incredible weekend! The Franklin Blues & Barbecue Festival would not have been possible without the generous support of our amazing sponsors.

Because of your commitment to our community, thousands of people enjoyed world-class blues, mouthwatering barbecue, and unforgettable memories—all while helping us continue our mission of supporting local high school music programs and scholarship opportunities for young musicians.

Your partnership means more than just putting on a great festival—it helps inspire the next generation of musicians and keeps the blues alive in our community.

To every sponsor, volunteer, musician, vendor, and festival-goer: THANK YOU for making this year's festival such an incredible success. We are truly grateful for your support and can't wait to do it all again next year!

Please join us in showing our sponsors some love by supporting the businesses that support our community. 💙🎸🎷

STAGE SPONSOR: Mike and Joyce Hughes

MAJOR SPONSOR: A. Crivelli Automotive Group

HEADLINE SPONSOR: Franklin Elks Lodge #110

BACKSTAGE PASS SPONSORS: Carl the dog, Trails to Ales Brewery

BAND SPONSORS: Caldwell Signage Solutions, Blues Society of Western PA, Community Ambulance Service, Marci Mustello State Representative, Birddog Strategies, Eastern Atlantic States Regioal Council of Carpenters, West Park Guitar and Music

GROUPIE SPONSORS: Amy Judson Burak, Blues Fans Penny and Keith, Bob and Becky Witherup, Chip Abramovic, Damian and Kimsoy Rudder, Dan and Kathy Paulo, Dave Ferraro MD and Veronica Santee, MD, Doug and Nikki Volmrich, Edward Jones - Chris Rakow, Franklin Insurance Agency, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #328, Jeff and Daneen Hufnagel, Jim and Gretchen Himes, Jim and Lynda Williams, John and Sandy Thomas, Margie and Dave, Max Schang, Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry, and Tourism, Paul and Ellen Flickner

ROADIE SPONSORS: Tracey Whitehill, Doreen Luisi, Booher Financial Solutions LLC, Allan and Lois Casto

06/22/2026

I hope everyone had a great time this weekend, we certainly did. And we are greatful for all who attended. We did find a small waist pack that someone dropped with a couple of personal items and a little cash. If you reach out here or to Damian Rudder with a description, we'd be happy to return it. Have a great week!

06/20/2026

Today is the day the Franklin Blues and Barbecue Festival turns it up and rocks the park!!!

See award-winning Blues artists all weekend at the Franklin Blues & Barbecue Festival — including Nick Moss Band ft. Dennis Gruenling, John Németh, Barbara Blue, Shaelyn Band, Bill Toms & Hard Rain, Erin Harpe, Max Schang Band, Craig King, John Gresh Gris Gris, and more — ALL FOR FREE!

Bring a lawn chair, bring your appetite, and dig into the best barbecue in the region while the Blues roll through Bandstand Park all weekend long — where every note hits hard, every groove shakes the ground, and the music never lets go.

Proceeds from t shirt and beverage sales benefit local high school music programs, please support our students to keep this art alive for decades to come!

06/19/2026

🎸 TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT!!! 🎸
The blues train rolls into town Friday, June 19, 2026, when the 2026 Franklin Blues & Barbecue Festival kicks off at Trails to Ales II on 12th Street at 7 p.m. Max Schang is gatherin’ up some serious firepower for an All-Star Blues Jam featuring Colin John, Andrew Sherer, Amy Shallenberger, Charlie Barath, John Burgh, and Sky Visco. Cold brews will be flowin’, guitars will be cryin’, and the walls just might rattle a little before the night is through.
Big thanks to Trails to Ales Brewery for once again opening their doors, backing the blues, and helping keep the music alive year after year.
Come thirsty. Come hungry. Come ready to shake off your troubles and soak up the blues.

06/18/2026

🎶🔥 BLUES, BBQ & LIVE MUSIC ALL WEEKEND LONG! 🔥🎶
Franklin Blues & BBQ Festival is here, and Trails to Ales is excited to be part of the action!
🍺 We’ll be pouring your favorite Trails to Ales beers all weekend long at Bandstand Park during the festival, so be sure to stop by and grab a cold one while enjoying some incredible blues music and great BBQ.

🎸 Friday Night at Trails II�Max Schang & Friends�🕔 Doors Open: 5:00 PM�🎵 Music Starts: 8:00 PM
Bring your friends, and join one of the region’s premier blues musicians for an unforgettable evening of live music and great beer.

🎸 Saturday Night at Trails II�Lawyers, Guns & Money�🕛 Trails II Opens: Noon�🎵 Band Starts: 7:00 PM
One of the area’s favorite classic rock bands takes the stage for a night of great music, dancing, and fun following a full day at the festival.

Whether you’re enjoying the Blues & BBQ Festival in the park or catching the live music at Trails II, we’ve got your weekend covered!
📍 Trails II – Franklin, PA

Please note: A $5 per person event fee will be added to all checks during these events.

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

See award-winning Blues artists all weekend at the Franklin Blues & Barbecue Festival — including Nick Moss Band ft. Dennis Gruenling, John Németh, Barbara Blue, Shaelyn Band, Bill Toms & Hard Rain, Erin Harpe, Max Schang Band, Craig King, John Gresh Gris Gris, and more — ALL FOR FREE!

We’re proud to support local high school music programs, with over $70,000 raised since 2015 through festival t-shirt and beverage sales. That support goes toward scholarships, instruments, travel, and our Artist in Residency program — helping keep the next generation of Blues alive and kickin’. A special performance will kick off the festival on Sunday at noon with the Franklin High School Jazz Band.

Bring a lawn chair, bring your appetite, and dig into the best barbecue in the region while the Blues roll through Bandstand Park all weekend long — where every note carries a little soul and every groove tells a story.

Proceeds from sales benefit local high school music programs