Erik McKelvin Previews the New York State Blues Fest and Youth Programs On Good News York, host Noah Chrysler interviews Erik McKelvin, executive director of the New York State Blues Fest, about the admission-free festival June 11–13 at Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds. McKelvin highlights the lineup, including headliner Gary Clark Jr. on Saturday, plus artists such as Eddie Nine Volt, Vanessa Collier, Grace Bowers, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, and JW-Jones, with the student band Blues Ignition opening Saturday. He explains the fest’s funding through grants, sponsors, and a $10-per-day parking fee, and notes RV park options. McKelvin also details the nonprofit’s mission and youth initiatives: Blues in the Schools, Blues Ignition, and the Beginnings Credit Union K.J. James Memorial Scholarship. Noah closes with information about Click Stream Studios and free marketing plans for Central New York businesses. 00:00 Accessible Community Events 00:26 Meet the Blues Fest Director 00:42 Festival Dates and Venue 01:13 Lineup Highlights 02:04 Free Admission and Funding 03:54 Mission Beyond Aficionados 04:55 Youth Programs Overview 07:20 Blues in the Schools 10:17 Blues Ignition Student Band 12:09 Scholarship and Legacy 15:40 Why Live Music Matters 23:30 Final Details and How to Attend 24:40 Show Wrap and Studio Promo