The 2022 Rhode Island Blues Festival returns to Events Center at Mulligan’s Island this Saturday. This year, gates open at noon followed by a 1 p.m. performance by Neal & The Vipers. At 3 p.m. Vintage R&B All-Stars with Special Guest Sugar Ray take the stage followed by Robin Kapsalis & Vintage #18 at 5 p.m. and Victor Wainwright & The Train at 7 p.m.

Wainwright ‘The Piana from Savannah’ – who is playing the main slot – is a 2019 Blues Grammy nominee and was just nominated in the Piano category for the 2022 Blues Blast Awards. He was also recently nominated by the respected 2022 Living Blues Awards in two categories: Most Outstanding Musician (keyboard) and Best Live Performer.

“I believe that for roots music to grow, and reach out to new audiences, we have to invite it forward,” said Wainwright. The result is original music that walks a tightrope between scholarly respect and anarchic irreverence.

On Saturday, music fans will hear Wainwright twist boogie-woogie tradition on barrel-house thrillers driven by his visceral piano style. He also explores the gamut of genre, from Latin flavors and New Orleans piano to near-psychedelia jam; it’s a musical cocktail served up by Wainwright’s inimitable gravel-flecked vocals.

The Rhode Island Blues Festival will be held July 16 at 1000 New London Ave. Tickets range from $10 to $40. For more information, visit ribluesfest.com.