If you woke up this morning, you either have the blues or you got yourself a beer. Possibly both. Either way, the Blues on Bank festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday in the Hygienic Art Park, is a hard-to-resist opportunity.

Saturday features Dr. G and the Believers (3:30 p.m.), Lisa Marie & John Luxo (5 p.m.), Paul Gabriel Blues Band (6:30 p.m.), Bobby T. and the Allstars (8 p.m.), and Bob Margolin backed by the Chris Leigh Band with special guests Jerry Portnoy, Toni Lynn Washington and Mr. Nick (9:30 p.m.).

On Sunday, the performers include Ilana Katz Katz (2:30 p.m.), The Willie J. Laws B and (4 p.m.), and Neal & the Vipers (5:30 p.m.).

But that's just part of your blues-esque weekend. There are several free connective events throughout downtown NL. On Friday, the fest kicks off with performances by Blues Hall of Fame guitarist Joe Louis Walker at RD86 Space (7-9 p.m.); Phred and Friends at Daddy Jack's (7-11 p.m.); and Sidewinders at Noble (9:30-11 p.m.).

On Saturday, get your day started with Tom MacGregor playing Muddy Waters (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.); or grab some dinner-break blues at Daddy Jack's with The Sons (8 p.m.-midnight).

And Sunday's extra-Hygienic entertainment comes from Chris D'Amato at Hot Rods Cafe (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.); and Jim Koeppel at Right Path Organic Cafe (noon-3 p.m.).

Blues on Bank, 3:30-11 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, Hygienic Art Park, 79 Bank St., New London; $20 each day or $30 both; hygienic.org, (860) 443-8001.