Aki Kumar performs on harmonica. Kumar, known as the “King of Bollywood Blues,” will perform at the 33rd annual Brownsville Blues Festival on Sept. 6. Courtesy photo/Aki Kumar

BROWNSVILLE, CA (MPG) – Blues will once again fill the foothills over Labor Day weekend as the Brownsville Blues Festival returns for its 33rd year.

The all-ages community festival is set for Sunday, Sept. 6, at the outdoor amphitheater at Ponderosa Park, 17103 Ponderosa Way in Brownsville. Music is scheduled from noon to dusk, with a full day of live performances, food and craft vendors beneath the park’s shade trees. Organizers describe the longtime festival as a “celebration of life,” inviting visitors to spread out on the park’s large grassy area with lawn chairs or blankets — and, for those inclined, bring their dancing shoes.

One of this year’s featured performers will be San Jose-based harmonica player and vocalist Aki Kumar, known for putting his own multicultural spin on traditional blues. Often called the “King of Bollywood Blues,” Kumar blends Chicago-style blues with the sounds and melodies of vintage Indian Bollywood music. The musician, who was born in Mumbai and later settled in the Bay Area, has earned international attention for a style that brings his Indian musical heritage together with the American blues tradition.

Kumar’s official biography describes him as a harmonica player, vocalist, bandleader and producer who has spent roughly two decades as part of the San Jose music scene. His performances and recordings have taken his distinctive “Bollywood Blues” sound to audiences around the world.

The 2026 Brownsville lineup will also feature Willie G, Machaira and The Edgetones, according to the festival poster. Willie G is a familiar name at the festival, having appeared during previous years, while Machaira also returns after performing at the 2025 event.

The festival offers more than music, with food and craft vendors expected throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, but organizers ask visitors to leave dogs and ice chests at home. The Brownsville Blues Festival is sponsored by Yuba Feather Community Services, along with Feather Falls Casino, Gold Eagle Market, Christopher Hayhoe Real Estate and Browns Valley One Stop.

The festival will take place Sunday, Sept. 6, from noon to dusk at the Brownsville Amphitheater at Ponderosa Park. For more information, call 530-675-0195.