BANGOR – Organizers of the American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront announced the first 10 of more than 20 performing groups for the August event:

. Diunne Greenleaf and Blue Mercy.

. Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys.

. Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys.

. Chino Nunez and Friends.

. Hassan Hakmoun.

. Chuck and Albert, formerly of the Acadian group Barachois.

. Genticorum, from the heart of Quebec’s vibrant musical heritage.

. The Cape Breton fiddle of the JP Cormier Trio with guest Joe Cormier.

. The Beaudoin Legacy, Franco music, song and step-dance.

. A Franco-American House Party with Don Roy, Lucie LeBlanc Ouellette and Marce Lecouture.

Diunne Greenleaf, following in the footsteps of many great Texas blues singers, blends elements of gospel, jazz, R&B and soul to create her own unique style of blues.

Jesse McReynolds started performing 60 years ago with his brother as Jim and Jesse, part of the first generation of bluegrass greats. McReynolds captivates audiences with his mandolin prowess, signature brother-style duet singing and the Virginia Boys.

Jeffery Broussard, heir to a family musical legacy in zydeco, leads one of Southwest Louisiana’s hottest new dance bands, the Creole Cowboys.

Percussionist extraordinaire, bandleader, pianist, arranger, composer Chino Nunez brings his salsa orchestra to the festival. The dance tent will sizzle with the energy and excitement of this hot New York group.

For the first time, the American Folk Festival will present the Gnawa tradition of Morocco, as Hassan Hakmoun performs a mesmerizing blend of Islamic mysticism and hypnotic African rhythms.

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City. In recognition of the large portion of Maine that shares the French heritage, the American Folk Festival will present performers from various French traditions.

The festival celebrates the roots, the richness and the variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling and food. The weekend’s entertainment is free thanks to the generous donations of sponsors and individuals. The American Folk Festival is produced by the Bangor Folk Festival in partnership with the city of Bangor, Eastern Maine Development Corp., the National Council for the Traditional Arts, the Maine Discovery Museum and the Maine Folklife Center at the University of Maine.

For information, visit www.americanfolkfestival.com or call the American Folk Festival at 992-2630.