Tommy Castro & The Painkillers to Headline New York State Blues Festival Spring Fundraiser SYRACUSE, NY — The New York State Blues Festival will host its Annual Spring Fundraiser Concert on Sunday, April 27 at Middle Ages Beer Hall in Syracuse, featuring acclaimed blues artist Tommy Castro & The Painkillers with special guest Nate Gross. Doors open at 6:00 PM with music beginning at 6:30 PM. The event offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the blues world’s most celebrated performers in an intimate venue setting. Capacity is limited to 200 tickets, making this a unique up-close concert experience for regional blues fans. Castro, a multiple Blues Music Awards winner, has earned international acclaim for his fiery guitar work, soulful vocals, and energetic live performances. Blending blues, soul, and rock influences, Castro and his band The Painkillers have built a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in contemporary blues. Opening the evening will be Nate Gross, a nationally touring blues and roots rock guitarist and singer-songwriter. Gross, a two-time Syracuse Area Music Award winner for Best Blues Recording, has shared the stage with artists including Walter Trout, Mike Zito, Dickey Betts, Blackberry Smoke, Levon Helm, and Tommy Castro. Proceeds from the fundraiser support the New York State Blues Festival’s General Operating Fund, helping sustain the admission-free festival and its music education and community programs. The concert also serves as a preview of the 2026 New York State Blues Festival, returning June 11–13 at Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds. Tickets are $35 and available online. With only 200 tickets available, the event is expected to sell out. Tickets and information: www.nysbluesfest.com