This year's North Atlantic Blues Festival will be held on Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13. Joe Louis Walker headlines the annual two-day blues music event, which features national blues performers. The festival is held at Rockland's Public Landing located at 275 Main Street. Each artist plays for one hour, except headliner Walker who will play 90 minutes. The blues band In Layman Terms will play between the acts on both days.

Blues giant Walker released a new album this year, “Hornet's Nest.” Blues festival fans can expect to hear tunes from it, and find copies for sale at the event. Walker's been playing the blues professionally since he was 16, playing back up for tours passing through his native San Francisco.

The 2014 festival starts at 11 a.m. with Jarekus Singleton, Teeny Tucker, Victor Wainwright, C.J. Chenier, the Golden State Lone Star Review (Mark Hummel, Little Charlie Baty and Anson Funderburgh), and The Manish Boys take it till the “midnight hour” of 5 p.m.

Sunday morning at 11, “The Mississippi Blues Child,” Mr. Sipp takes the stage followed by Joanna Connor, Melvin Taylor, Melvin Thackery and Walker (5-6:30 p.m.)

Advance ticket prices are $25 one day, $50 two days, $100 VIP seat, and are available till July 7. Call 207-596-6055 for information. Gate prices are $35 for one day, $70 for both days; $5/kids 6 to 12. Tickets at Gulf of Maine Books in Brunswick, Houston Tuttle in Rockland, Buck Dancers in Portland. Or visit the website, www.northamericanbluesfestival.com, and click on the big, bright blue ticket.

Attendees of legal age, wearing their wristband from the festival are allowed free admission to the many bars and restaurants featuring many of the top regional blues performers.

Underage blues fans will be groovin' to bands performing up and down Main Street, and at no charge!

In addition to live entertainment, watch for vendors selling food, drinks and crafts.

Main Street will be closed to traffic for the Club Crawl at participating venues on Saturday night. List of top regional bands playing during the Crawl to be announced.

Check it out: Don't want to drive? Ride Maine Eastern Railroad's special “Blues Train,” which is one block from the festival's Main Gate. Call the railroad at 207-596-6725 or visit its website for the schedule and ticket to ride information: www.maineeasternrailroad.com/schedule.