Blues on the Green Celebrates 35 Years of Austin’s Music Tradition

CHICAGO — For Austin musician Bob Schneider, the annual Blues on the Green concert series is more than just a performance — it’s a deeply personal tradition. Ten years ago, he played the event shortly after his daughter’s birth, looking out at a crowd of nearly 20,000 while a friend held his newborn above the audience.

This year, that same daughter joined him on stage, performing “Tarantula” in a touching moment that captured the festival’s spirit.

A Stage for Austin’s Musical Legacy

Hosted by KGSR radio and Waterloo Media, Blues on the Green is a free summer concert series at Zilker Park that has showcased Texas musicians for decades. Now in its 35th year, the event remains a cherished local tradition despite the city’s rapid cultural and economic shifts, as noted in coverage by the Austin American-Statesman.

“I’ve lived in Austin now for 30 years,” Schneider said, expressing pride in the city’s creative heartbeat. “Even though it has changed quite a bit, the spirit of Austin is still there.”

Spotlight on Local and Emerging Artists

This year’s lineup blended established names with emerging talent. Local favorite Chaparelle made their Blues on the Green debut, with guitarist Jesse Woods recalling years of attending the festival and sharing his excitement about performing.

“It’s such an honor,” Woods said. “I remember going to many Blues on the Greens… when we got this offer, I was very stoked.”

Chaparelle’s singer Zella Day credited Austin’s creative energy as inspiration for their debut record, Western Pleasure. She said the city has “largely been our muse” during the songwriting process.

Family-Friendly and Accessible for All

For many families, Blues on the Green provides an atmosphere larger festivals like ACL Fest can’t match — a safe, free environment where kids can enjoy live music. Woods said that for parents with small children, this event is a “cool opportunity” to see a show without the challenges of bigger venues.

The accessibility also draws in students and young professionals. Advertising junior Mia Holberg told the Daily Texan that transportation was the only challenge, but otherwise the experience was “absolutely easy, accessible, and free.”

Preserving the Old Austin Spirit

Holberg, who leads Texas Supports Live Music, a student group promoting local talent, said she appreciated Schneider’s range of genres during his set. “It wasn’t just the same thing over and over again — I was able to dance in different ways,” she noted.

For Schneider, Blues on the Green is a connection to the Austin he remembers. With many iconic venues now gone, he sees the series as a key piece of the city’s identity. “Any sort of big event that brings Austinites together — it’s really good for the city,” he said. “Being a part of that makes me feel really good.”

What about you? Have you attended Blues on the Green over the years? Share your favorite memories in the comments on ChicagoMusicGuide.com.