POMEROY, Ohio — Two nights of live music and a local craft beer festival will highlight the 17th annual Big Bend Blues & Brews Bash, which takes place July 28-29 at the Pomeroy Riverside Amphitheater in historic downtown Pomeroy, Ohio.

Affectionately called “The Bash” by blues aficionados nationwide, this home-grown music festival along the Ohio River has blossomed into one of the premier events for both performers and fans of live blues music, sponsors said.

The festival, which is the brainchild of Jackie Welker, Pomeroy Blues and Jazz Society president and owner of the Court Street Grill, has been going strong for 16 years and this year’s event promises to continue with its tradition of incredible music and jam-packed audiences, Welker said.

“The festival seems to get better and better every year and given this year’s stellar musical line-up, we anticipate another amazing turnout,” said Welker. “And as always, we look forward to everyone having a great time here in Pomeroy.”

For the second year in a row, “The Bash” will be highlighting some the area’s best microbreweries during the “Brews” portion of the festival, Welker said. Patrons can enjoy a large selection of craft beer and hard cider from several local Ohio establishments. Scheduled to be on-site and on-tap are Little Fish Brewing Company, Devil’s Kettle Brewing and West End Cider House, Sixth Sense Brewing and Maple Lawn Brewery.

“We’re especially excited for the craft beer aspect of the festival,” added Welker. “It went over very well with the crowd last year. We’re extremely fortunate to have such outstanding microbreweries in our area and are truly honored they have agreed to participate again this year.”

Headlining this year’s festival on Saturday, July 29 is singer, songwriter and blues guitar extraordinaire, Albert Castiglia (Junior Wells and Sandra Hall). Other artists performing include British-blues/rock/roots juggernaut Davey Knowles (Back Door Slam band), blues rock/psychedelic soul singer Eliza Neals & The Narcotics, as well as a host of local and regional entertainers, such as Pop Friction, Brent Patterson & the Saturday Night Showcase, Blue Z Band, Napalm All-Stars, and Rivertown Revival.

On Friday, July 28 Cincinnati’s blues guitar virtuoso Noah Wotherspoon hits the stage followed by the “honest, hard workin’, roots rockin’ blues man from the rust belt” Patrick Sweany. Topping off the evening is Johnny Rawls, legendary American soul blues singer, guitarist, arranger, songwriter and record producer. Scheduled to kick off “The Bash” are local hard rock legends and crowd favorite Blitzkrieg.

For music fans who prefer a bit more of an intimate environment, alt country/Americana/rock performers Angela Perley & The Howlin’ Moons will be playing that Friday night at Court Street Grill (112 Court St.), just one block away from the main festival area. Noah Wotherspoon will return to the same stage at the Grill on Saturday night to awe the crowd with his fretboard wizardry, Welker said.

For outdoor enthusiasts, free camping and boat docking on the Ohio River are available.

Festival admission: Friday, $20 per person; Saturday, $25 per person; $40 for weekend pass; 12 and under are free.