POULSBO — Soulful blues tunes and charitable giving will return to the streets of downtown Poulsbo with Chebonaroo 2017.

The event — hosted by local blues musician Chebon Tiger and his girlfriend, Slel Lee — was given the go-ahead at an Oct. 4 meeting of the Poulsbo City Council, which approved a special event permit for the fundraiser. Proceeds from the event, including food donations, will benefit North Kitsap food banks like Fishline. Last year alone, the event was responsible for gathering nearly 3,000 pounds of food for donation.

Dave Lambert, owner of the Slippery Pig Brewery, said the event grew from what initially began as a birthday celebration for Tiger.

“Several years ago, our friend Chebon Tiger — one of the Northwest’s probably greatest blues guitar players — wanted to have his birthday show here. At some point during the conversation of, ‘Who’s going to be playing? What do we need to do?’ it turned into, ‘Well, maybe this should be a benefit for Fishline,’ ” Lambert said.

From there, he explained, Chebonaroo grew.

When asked why he felt it was important to offer the space at his brewery and restaurant, Lambert was succinct.

“Because we have room,” he said, adding, “Fishline is always kinda first and foremost in everybody’s minds for how to give, where to give, who to help. This event kind of gave us the opportunity to push really, really hard — especially with a lot of people coming in from the Seattle area.”

Lambert is hopeful the event will supplement an already robust support base for Fishline.

“In my opinion, I think Poulsbo has done a really good job of supporting Fishline over the years, but it’s kind of nice to bring some outside focus on our food drive programs in Poulsbo.”

Lambert said the event also promises to be “an evening of absolutely amazing talent, which to be honest I can’t wait to watch.”

The event beging at 6 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Slippery Pig Brewery in Poulsbo. Here’s the lineup: McTuff, Chebon Tiger and The Poulsboys, Skinny Blue, and Jersey Blues. An all-star blues jam will close out the night.

Chebonaroo 2017 will also include a raffle; among the prizes:

• A Slippery Pig swag bag.
• Costa Rican coffee basket from Greg Enright.
• $50 gift certificate to Amy’s on The Bay.
• Dinner for two at Scratch Kitchen.
• $50 gift certificates to Bennies Jets Fireworks.
• Dinner for two at Chebons Frybread Tacos (open only during fireworks season).
• Two-hour winery tour on Bainbridge Island by Taxis and Tours.

— Nick Twietmeyer is a reporter for Kitsap News Group. Contact him at ntwietmeyer@soundpublishing.com.