Our History

Celebrating 25 Years!

John Hill and Brian Peters, 24th Carolina Downhome Blues Festival, 2021

Since 1997, the Carolina Downhome Blues Festival has been bringing “the Blues” to Kershaw County. Over the years, this event has developed an international reputation for the quality of its artist roster, noted performances, and professional organization, making it a destination for thousands of music lovers.

This four-day music festival, produced and presented by the Arts Center in partnership with local restaurants, nightclubs, and businesses, draws visitors from across the state and throughout the southeast. The “Blues in the Schools” component also provides a unique opportunity for hundreds of Kershaw County students to engage in a live southern music experience.

Downtown Camden is about to get a whole lot livelier with the upcoming Blues 2022 event, featuring various activities and performances. The event will kick off with a “Blues” art installation in the Bassett Gallery, followed by restaurant crawls on Friday and Saturday. Saturday will also see a full day of performances at the Arts Center before the action moves to Baron’s for the late night concert. Finally, the event will close with a Sunday Blues Brunch at Grace Episcopal Church. With so much on offer, this is sure to be a blues festival like no other! 

The Carolina Downhome Blues Festival has become an essential annual tradition that draws many people to our vibrant community. We hope you will partner with us this year and help us provide this musical celebration for everyone to enjoy!