Pop Ferguson Inc has one and only mission; To promote, preserve and advance Blues as an art form in America.

Where is Lenoir? What's there?

Lenoir, North Carolina, is home of the Pop Ferguson Blues Heritage Festival VI. At one time, the city's international claim to fame was the furniture market. It eventually moved to Hickory and then onto High Point, North Carolina. 

The downtown is like a mini-Nashville. The region is full of performing and visual artists. You can hear them playing in restaurants and cafes in downtown - and see sculptures and paintings most everywhere you go. Just one walk through the city's square and you'll hear music - just like Nashville.

U.S. 321 between Hickory and Lenoir is lined with fabric, furniture and accessory shops. In downtown, we have a number of cute places to go shopping - and eat.

And naturally, we'll have street vendors set up for the festival with handmade crafts. Bring your cameras! Come hungry and thirsty - for great food, craft beer and fantastic music! 

Blues music roots ...

Blues music is actually called a "root" music, as it spurred R&B, rock and roll, swing and other types of music. This video gives a short synopsis of blues music in the early 20th Century.

Are you on FB? We are too!

Our festival has such wonderful talent - and some of our entertainers are well past retirement - yet still love to play and party! We need your help to let others know. Would you help us reach 3,000 Facebook friends by June 12? Ok, yes, we would like many more. But this is a start! Thank you! Here is our Facebook page address...

Wanda Johnson sings the blues ...

This is an example of the type of talent our festival draws .... Here Wanda Johnson shows what blues really is ... Turn up your speakers and enjoy!

Who is Pop Ferguson?

Pop is now 86 years old, but he's been playing a blues guitar for many years. He has been honored by the Smithsonian Institute for his talent.

Here is one of his signature songs, "I'm a Blues Man."

Saturday, June 14 schedule of events

9 a.m. - 12 noon - Highland Coffeehouse, 113 Main Street, NW, Lenoir

Grammy nominee Phil Wiggins will lead the session on how to play the blues harmonica. Instruments have been donated by Hohner Harmonica. We'll have harmonicas you can use during the session.

Bob Kogut will on how to play the blues violin. Kogut is from Lenoir. His violins are used as fiddles and violins worldwide. Bring your violin or fiddle and play along.

1 - 10 p.m. - Street festival

2-10 p.m. - Musical performances - some chairs provided, but bring one in case (Photos from prior years events)

These are photos from previous years' festivals.

What is the festival?

The Pop Ferguson Blues Heritage Festival will be held on June 13-14, 2014 in Lenoir, North Carolina. The purpose is to preserve and showcase traditional blues music. Venues are indoors and outdoors. Arts and craft and food vendors line the streets. Rain or shine, our party will go on! Come see us!

Here, a young guitarist performs with Pop Ferguson.