Background
For more than 30 years, the Erie Blues & Jazz Festival has brought together community, creativity, and tradition within the beautiful environs of Frontier Park. From the beginning, the festival has been free and free-spirited, ushering in August with phenomenal music and unforgettable memories.
Longtime Erie Art Museum Director John Vanco organized the inaugural event in 1992 and led the charge up until his retirement in 2017. During that time, Blues & Jazz became a beloved summer rite of passage. It continued to be equally vital in the years that followed, despite facing various challenges.
Today, the Erie Blues & Jazz Festival is its own nonprofit organization committed to keep the music going — and the people moving!
Our Mission
Present America's greatest musical contributions to the world: Blues and Jazz.
Educate our neighbors about Frontier Park and our natural environment.
Attract friends from around the region to visit Erie, PA.
Celebrate our differences and embrace our unity.
Enjoy a peaceful weekend with friends and family.
Leadership
John Vanco
Festival Founder
Tim Bruno
Board Chair
2025 Board Members:
- Tim Bruno, Chair
- Amy Schallenberger, Vice Chair
- Matt Lebowitz, Treasurer
- Julie Diangi, Secretary
- Brian Atterbury
- Stephen Engro
- Christine Gerlock
- Danny Jones
- Ryan Patsy
- Tanya Teglo
