The Community Partnership for Recovery, a coalition that includes Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Ada County Health and Welfare, State Region IV Health and Welfare, and others, organized the event. A 2002 study by Boise State University's Center for Health Policy that showed an unmet need for treatment in Boise and Ada County spurred the effort to build a recovery center, according to representatives from Saint Alphonsus. According to the study, 300 people in the area need detoxification or treatment each month.

Performers include Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, Jimmy Vivino, and Goldy McJohn. Piazza is an award-winning blues harmonica player. Guitarist Vivino is a member of The Max Weinberg Seven, the house band featured on NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." McJohn is a member of classic rock group Steppenwolf.

"We tried to choose some well-known people," festival volunteer Dara Longobardi said. "The people we have this year are world-renowned."

Longobardi said she hopes the event attracts blues fans in addition to people who want to support a new treatment center.

"If they come only for the music, they'll still help build a recovery center, and that's wonderful," she said.