If you're looking for some ways to launch your summer fun, you can always do it with music. Pictured is Bonne Musique Zydeco, a hot band that performs at blues festivals in California & around the U.S.

The blues season officially begins on Memorial Weekend but just a week earlier, Doheny Blues Festival really sets the pace for celebrating one of the original sounds made in America. Blues festivals in California are some of the best in the U.S., thanks to the musicians, great California weather, and Californians, many who are from the South, Midwest, and places where the blues got their roots. Here are a few blues festivals to launch the Summer of Blues:

Cajun and Blues Festival Simi Valley May 28 - 29, 2011 This is the largest festival of its kind west of the Mississippi River. The Festival presents live Cajun, Creole, Zydeco and Blues entertainment on multiple stages, offers more than 150 food, beverage, craft and sponsor booths, and attracts approximately 15,000 attendees. Held on Memorial Day Weekend each year, the two day event is an affordable $18/day. simicajun.org

Santa Cruz Blues Festival May 28 - 29, 2011 Now in its 19th year, this event features a mix of blues and Hendrix this year. santacruzbluesfestival.com

Doheny Blues Festival May 21 & 22, 2011 The annual 14th Annual Blues Festival at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point provides an incredible line up of entertainment. In 2011 John Fogerty and Walter Trout are several headliners. Cost: $50 one day, $80 2 day pass. Location: Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, CA. omegaevents.com

Avila Beach Blues Festival May 29, 2011 18th Annual Avila Beach Blues Festival features Experience Hendrix! omegaevents.com

Monterey Bay Blues Festival June 24 -26, 2011 montereyblues.com

Later on...

Long Beach Original Lobster Festival Sept. 9 - 11, 2011 includes full line up of blues, zydeco and Cajun music, with tent-shaded dance floor. originallobsterfestival.com

Delta Blues Festival September 17, 2011 is held in the Delta region of California, the type of place where blues are great. It will be held in Antioch, CA. deltabluesfestival.net

Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival September 24 & 25, 2011 Held at Johnson's Beach. omegaevents.com

Long gone... Long Beach Blues Festival ended its decades-long reign in 2010 due to financial constraints, and San Francisco Blues Festival, called it quits a year or two before Long Beach sang the blues.