My Ithaca College jazz improvisation (yes, that was my major) and guitar instructor Steve Brown once told me that – and I quote – there’s good music and there’s bad music, and a good musician can tell the difference. I’m not sure if he actually coined the phrase (he did hang out with jazzster Miles Davis way back when), but it’s one I’ve often used myself over the years. Thankfully, I’m not quite as opinionated these days – at least when it comes to music – yet in this case, it’s undeniably applicable. And with soul-rocker Eric Lindell’s kick-off of the Chenango Blues Association’s Summer Concert Series on Thursday, I think you’ll find it hard to argue with me on this one.

To put it mildly, this year’s line-up of performers – not to mention Blues Fest itself – is one for the ages. The best part? I get to write about it ... all of it.

I’ve known the various members of the Chenango Blues Association for most of my life, the majority of which has been spent right here in Norwich. And while I can’t say I’ve agreed with every band and performer they’ve brought in over the past 19 years, I will say they’ve hit the mark far more often than they’ve missed. From Anson Funderburgh and Sam Meyers’ unforgettable performance at the first-ever Chenango Blues Fest to Guitar Shorty, the Honey Island Swamp Band and Marcia Ball’s at last year’s (the 18th annual), these dedicated individuals, year after year, put some serious work into what’s become one of Chenango County’s most well known events.

This year, however, is simply mind blowing.

Eric Lindell, the Glenn Miller Orchestra (how awesome is that), Nathan Williams & the Zydeco Cha Chas, J.J. Grey and Mofro (more on them later) and – returning once again – New Riders of the Purple Sage, will all take to the stage over the next month or so. And that’s just the Summer Concert Series (which is free, I might add). Blues Fest itself will feature some serious talent as well, with Gina Sicilia (whose stock is definitely on the rise in blues circles), the Honey Island Swamp Band (some of the nicest guys I’ve ever met), guitar sensation Ana Popovic, legendary harmonica player James Cotton (played with Muddy Waters) and (wait for it) the North Mississippi All-Star Duo.

As Steve Brown (and probably Miles Davis too) would say ... I can dig it. And it all starts tomorrow. Six weeks of musical bliss (at least for yours truly), great jams and – my favorite part – a chance to interview each and every one of these artists, most of whom I’ve been listening to for years. What can I say, I’m giddy.