Live Blues in Connecticut
For live blues, start at Black-eyed Sally's in downtown Hartford. It serves blues, jazz, and roots with Southern barbecue. Add Bridge Street Live in Collinsville. Add the statewide circuit run by the Connecticut Blues Society. Blues nights also happen at rooms like Infinity Music Hall and Cafe Nine. There's a blues show most weekends.
Connecticut's blues scene is small but devoted. A handful of welcoming rooms keep it alive. So does a long-running society. Here's where to hear it.
Black-eyed Sally's, Hartford
Black-eyed Sally's is a Hartford landmark. It's in a century-old brick building. It has pressed-tin walls and worn wood floors. The walls are full of Southern folk art and blues memorabilia. It pairs live blues, jazz, rock, and roots music with award-winning barbecue. The cooking is New Orleans-style. It's the closest thing CT has to a true blues-and-BBQ joint. It's a great first stop for any blues fan.
Best for: blues and roots with great food in a one-of-a-kind room.
Never miss a blues show
Filter by genre and catch every blues night. It covers 40+ CT venues in the free CT Concert Center app.
Download on theApp StoreBridge Street Live, Collinsville
Bridge Street Live sits in the historic mill village of Collinsville. It's a stylish, art-deco venue. It books live music, blues included, plus comedy and other shows. It's a cozy room with real character. It's a favorite night out in the Farmington Valley.
Best for: an intimate blues night in a charming village setting.
The Connecticut Blues Society & the wider circuit
The Connecticut Blues Society is the backbone of the scene. It promotes blues across the state. It runs a weekly schedule of shows at clubs statewide. It also runs events like the Connecticut Blues Challenge. Blues also turns up at rooms like Infinity Music Hall. It plays at Cafe Nine in New Haven too. It also plays at theaters around the state. For cozier rooms, see our small venues guide.
Best for: finding blues nights you'd otherwise never hear about.
Blues in CT FAQ
Where's the best blues?
Black-eyed Sally's in Hartford, plus Bridge Street Live in Collinsville.
Is there a blues society?
Yes. The Connecticut Blues Society runs a statewide circuit and weekly schedule.
Any blues in listening rooms?
Yes. Infinity Music Hall, Cafe Nine, and theaters around the state.
How do I find shows?
Filter by genre in the free CT Concert Center app.