This weekend’s Bluestock Festival was already an embarrassment of riches with the cream of contemporary and classic blues on the bill. The addition of the Robert Cray Band to fill in for the still-recovering Gregg Allman was a clear sign that the first-time Festival had the wherewithal to make big things happen. Bringing Shemekia Copeland on board with an already-terrific lineup is almost showing off.

Copeland is only 32, but has already experienced a lifetime in music, opening for the Rolling Stones, headlining the Chicago Blues Festival and performing alongside such heavyweights as B. B. King, Taj Mahal, John Mayer and Bluestock headliner Buddy Guy. Copeland will perform this Saturday, August 27 on Stage Number One, ultimately keeping the fire stoked for the night’s headliner, Robert Cray. Other performers at the inaugural Bluestock at Hunter Mountain include Elvin Bishop, Tommy Castro & the LRBR, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Tab Benoit and the Alexis P. Suter Band.

As of presstime, tickets for a three-day pass are $119; passes at the gate will be $139. There are also other ticket options available, including a three-day pass with camping ($124 as of presstime); and VIP, which includes camping, a pre-Festival party, exclusive seating and other amenities ($370 as of presstime).

Single-day tickets are available for Saturday ($55/$180 VIP) and Sunday ($40/$165). For more information on Bluestock, visit www.bluestock.com or read Almanac’s Bluestock preview from last edition at http://almanacweekly.ulsterpublishing.com.