10th ANNIVERSARY -
Look who's playing!:
THE BLUES FEST PERFORMERS PAGE :
5 DAYS OF BLISTERING BLUES
90 EVENTS - 42 PERFORMERS!
ROBBEN FORD
USA
Robben Ford and his band are the perfect 10th Anniversary birthday present to give to all our blues fest. Blues fans!
Making this, his only appearance in Ireland, Concord Records Guitarist Robben Ford, who has lived in Ojai for 15 years, has received five Grammy nominations, his first in 1988 for "Talk to Your Daughter" and his latest, this year for "Truth."
(Festival Favourite album – ‘The Robben Ford Collection; 10 out of 10!)
Robben Ford is one of the premiere electric guitarists today, particularly known for his blues playing as well as his ability to be comfortable in a variety of musical contexts. As well as having a distinguishing and intricate guitar style of his own, he has been invited to play with artists as diverse as Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Witherspoon, Miles Davis, George Harrison, Phil Lesh, Bonnie Raitt, Claus Ogerman, and Michael McDonald.
This is a one and only chance to see The Robben Ford Band in the intimate concert setting at Warrenpoint Town Hall.
Don’t miss this once in a life-time opportunity to see a world class blues master making this ‘the blues event of the year’!
THE YARDBIRDS
UK
The Yardbirds who quickly made a name for themselves in London's rapidly exploding 60’s R&B circuit, took over the Rolling Stones' residency at the famed Crawdaddy club. It took years for the rock community to truly comprehend the Yardbirds' significance; younger listeners were led to the recordings in search of the roots of former members Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, each of whom had become a superstar by the end of the 1960s. This year’s Blues Showcase concert will see founding members Chris Dreja (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and Jim McCarty (drums, backing vocals) maintain the momentum by injecting a new generation of blues, rock and R’n B. Jimi McCarty who composed five of the seven new songs: "Mystery of Being," "Dream within a Dream," "News," "Mr. Saboteur" and the minor-key, blues-based "Crying Out for Love." Gives the message very loud and clear that these boys aint leavin town! The new Yardbirds line-up includes Detroit front-man/bassist John Idan, Guitar prodigy Ben King and ex.’Nine Below Zero’ blues harpist Bill Miskimmon.
With yet again another one-off Irish tour exclusive, this Yardbirds concert promises to be a high energy blues rock blitz!
DINO BAPTISTE
UK
Dino Baptiste is a young and highly energetic musician based in Birmingham, England. He has established himself as an extremely talented Keyboard player & entertainer with over 15 years professional experience in live and recording performances. His style of Blues, Boogie Woogie and Rock'n Roll piano playing and a dynamic vocal technique either as a soloist or in his own band, have ultimately grabbed audiences night after night in a varied showcase of entertainment that doesn’t rely on any rules and regulations, but a serious element of "jamming - sealed with some downright tongue and cheek boldness".
His 3rd return to our festival is a true testament to his showmanship!
His show this year features hi-energy duelling pianos on stage; yes that’s right 2 pianos!! On 2nd piano/vocals is Joe Staford, Alan Walsh on Sax and finally in the engine room Jayme Tovey on drums. Don’t miss this final showcase concert and oooh, bring a bath towel!
GRÁINNE DUFFY
Ireland
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Bringing a whole new brand of blues to the 2008 festival, Irelands leading Blues/Rock vocalist and guitarist Grainne Duffy has seen her recognition in the blues world literally explode since the beginning of the year. Grainne is a sought after performer now receiving the well-earned recognition which has led her right to the top floor. Performing at Glastonbury 2008 and recording exclusive sessions at the BBC (‘Get here’; current BBC1 promotional broadcast), Grainne has truly announced her arrival to the leading festival circuits.
With excellent reviews in the leading music journals of her current debut album ‘Out of the dark’, seeing Grainne perform live takes you to a whole different place. You will only get the chance to see Grainne perform in our festival at our showcase stage events, we think from here on in, that will be her permanent natural place!
THE BLUEZ KATZ
N.Ireland
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Evolving over the last few years. ‘The Katz’ have taken classics by the blues Grand Daddies such as Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson and Slim Harpo and turned them around to face the ‘Nu Blues’/Rockabilly energetic style of playing. The bands influences are very eclectic ranging from Muddy Waters and Little Walter to Brian Setzer and Rod Piazza! Each member of the band fuels energy on stage, which makes for compulsive listening. Having supported Van Morrison, Peter Green, Paul Jones, Big Jack Johnson and Otis Grand, ‘The Katz’ remain steadfast in the blues fest circuit with performances at the Budapest harmonica festival, Buskfest and the Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival. So get down and shake your booty when the Ian and the boys support Robben Ford, The Yardbirds, Dino Baptiste at this years fantastic blues fest 10th anniversary!
The band includes Ian Sands (Voc./blues harp), Neil Cunningham (L.guitar/voc.) and James Sands (Guitar) with special guests on bass and percussion.
Also, don’t miss the guys (The Brass Katz!) as they bolt on a brass section on the Sunday showcase slot (Fea.The Jarly Mulholland Horns)
THE PAT McMANUS BAND
Ireland
Hittin the ground running with his fiery brand of rock blues, ex. Mama’s Boys guitar and vocalist (a.k.a. 'The Professor’) Pat McManus is no stranger to the blues music fraternity. Fan’s of Pat’s are already familiar with the host of classic albums both with Mama’s boys and also with his many other projects including his ‘Hi-Voltage’ Band. Get along to his gigs this festival weekend to hear Pat rock out hits from his latest album ‘In my own time’ at our Showcase slot on festival Friday. Pat will be filling the big room with gutsy attitude and breath taking guitar licks, the stuff that even ‘Rory’ would be proud of. (Pat makes 3 appearances for his blues fest debut). Excellent!
ROBIN BIBI BAND
England
Robin Bibi is one of the UK’s top blues/rock guitarists and having paid his dues working with such names as Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Ben.E.King, The Pretty Things and Helen Shapiro, launched the Robin Bibi Band in 1996. The Band’s debut album ‘Blue Thrash Therapy’ was released a year later and quickly sold out leading to a recent re-release. Five albums on, Robin’s acoustic album ‘Fast Life Songs’ has also received critical acclaim. Blues, funk, soul, rock, reggae and jazz are all rolled together in The Robin Bibi Band's own feel-good concoction.
http://www.robinbibiband.co.uk/
PAUL SHERRY BAND
Ireland
Guitarist and vocalist Paul Sherry has just recorded his debut album ‘To The Bitter End’. The album is an in your face blues rock album which from start to finish consists of fine guitar solos with rust and dust sounding vocals backed by a driving rhythm section of drum and bass. It is an album of blasting blues rock energy with great guitar playing and songs from the heart that drive from track one to ten. Making a first time appearance this year, Paul’s stage show will be nothing short of breathtaking. As part of his Irish tour we at Blues Fest HQ are extremely privileged to have Paul take the stage on festival Monday. Definitely a festival favourite :) Rock it Paul!
HONEYBOY HICKLING
England
Harp driven
R&B from the very charismatic livewire performer ‘Honeyboy Hickling’ is
unbeatable.
Three decades of touring and recording have honed his individual, blistering
harp technique and vocal style to earn him an international reputation as a
virtuoso player.
Simon Honeyboy Hickling has been delighting the country’s blues fans for a number of years now and his effervescent performances show no sign of diminishing. He was as vibrant and energetic as ever and his harmonica playing was straight out of the top drawer.
http://www.honeyboyhickling.com/
CARA ROBINSON
N.Ireland
Even during the early stages of her career, Cara Robinson was writing and recording with notable artists from a huge range of musical genres, including David Holmes, LTJ Bukem and upcoming EMI artist, Corinne Bailey Rae. In fact Corrine’s latest album features one of Cara’s song’s ‘’No Love Child’’. As a backing singer for Sony's Rhianna, Cara has toured Japan and the UK, supporting Jamiroquai and Beverly Knight. With her brilliant new debut album ‘Keep Er Lit’, Cara Robinson will perform two intimate, soul gripping performances during the festival. This is Blues in the 1st class compartment!
EAMONN McCORMACK
N.Ireland
Irish International blues-rock guitarist Eamonn McCormack has toured, recorded, and played with Rory Gallagher, Jan Akkerman, Johnny Winter, Nils Lofgren, and Walter Trout to name but a few. With the New album "Kindred Spirits" released earlier this year Eamonn hosts special guests (including Rory’s last studio performance) and a welcome return back to the world blues-rock festival circuit. Better get down to ‘Ocean’ festival Sunday to see Eamonn’s profound
bluesmanship rock!
http://www.myspace.com/eamonnmccormackmusic
SIMON McBRIDE BAND
N.Ireland
Winning U.K young guitarist of the year when he was just 15, Simon has played with artists like T.m Stevens, Charlie Morgan, Zorro, Hugh Burns, Slash, Steve Lukather and many more.
Simons also writes music for television/films worldwide, some of his music has been used in the likes of documentaries on American illegal speed racing on the discovery channel, motocross DVDs and even Hollywood movies. Simon’s influences would be the likes of Gary Moore, Robben Ford, and Steve Lukather. So just book this gig and let Simon rock your world! (‘The River’: a fest fav!)
www.myspace.com/simonmcbrideguitar
MIKE WHELLANS
Scotland
‘The One Man Blues Band’, Mike Whellans is an astounding guitar picker, equally at home on 6, 12 string or electric guitars, and is an amazing mouth-harp player too. And the other things he can do with his mouth? Well, you've just got to see and hear his vocal percussion to be convinced. Added to this; he sings, is a drummer of no slight talent, writes songs, seems to have boundless energy, and you've got a great entertainment in prospect with the most dynamic one-man blues band any side of the Forth delta.
HAT FITZ and ITCHY
Australia
Scoring a festival Hat trick, the hard hittin blues stompers are back up from down under!
The essence of every Hat Fitz and Itchy performance is control of mayhem, and although sometimes difficult to reproduce in the studio, their new album comes closer than any previous offering. A single metal bodied resonator guitar hammers out modern tributes to masters long gone, all the while driven along relentlessly by the thunderous drumming of Itchy ridin shotgun. This is a loud, feral stomp down a Queensland dirt road, with a guitar and drums duo at the wheel of the F-100. Fitzy's manic blues, bare feet, big beard and passion for the blues has won him a legion of fans. This is today’s music. It’s raw, raucous and relevant!
SHAWN JONES BAND
USA
Californian Blues Artist, Shawn Jones has seen the spotlights of festival main stages both in the USA and in mainland Europe, including a performance to an audience of 30,000 when he performed with Waylon Jennings on the 1996 Lollapalooza, sharing the main stage with the Ramones and Metallica. Accompanying Shawn Jones is Philadelphia performer Shawn Scott Jones!!! Don’t worry folks you will get into this new project in a very big way. Shawn has been with us before and has worked with Pete Townsend, Ginger Baker and Jaco Pastorious. Blues on the Bay has become famous over the years for helping to generate new projects and musical journeys, this show will bring you in to a whole new world!
THE SABRE JETS
Northern Ireland
Hard boiled, no holds barred, no punches pulled, low-down white-knuckled, revved up hot rodded rockabilly from Belfast's greaser kings. Screaming guitars and lots of attitude featuring former Rudi frontman Brian Young on vocals & guitar along with Bill Johnston on drums, Liam Killen on guitar and Marty Cottrell on doghouse bass. The Sabre Jets have been bringing their unique brand of two fisted rockabilly raunch to festivals over Ireland and Europe for too many years to count and show no sign of stopping.
WILL KILEEN
Ireland
Will Killeen was born in Mayo, Ireland. He taught himself guitar from the age of 10 then, influenced by Howlin' Wolf~ Doc Watson, The Pretty Things, Robert Johnson, Bob Dylan and the Roiling Stones to name a few. Soon he was performing around London and once replaced Rory Gallagher when Taste was formed. Will's unique-Blues guitar style shows influences from a mixture of Country, Celtic, Eastern and Rock music. Apart from at countless venues and festivals around London and the rest of England, he also tours regularly in Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy, Germany and the United States.
THE DEANS
Ireland
The Deans are a young blues rock trio from Athenry, Co. Galway , Ireland. The band are rapidly gaining in popularity and they appeal to live audiences of all ages. Their many sell out live performances never leave anyone disappointed. It is not only the audiences who have been wooed by The Deans. At a sell out gig in London in 2006 renowned Thin Lizzy producer Kit Woolven and Pink Floyd legend David Gilmour turned up to see the band play. They were so impressed Woolven immediately offered to work with The Deans, subsequently, four of Ireland’s biggest guitar and rock legends recorded sessions and played live with the band and instantly spotted the unmistakable genius that will almost certainly catapult them to global acclaim.
DERMOT McQUAID & JIM UPRICHARD
N.Ireland
After working professionally abroad, Jim and Dermot are household names in their own right within the Northern Ireland music scene. As a project specially prepared for this year’s festival, sit back, relax and enjoy acoustic classics by Robert Johnston, Peter Green and Eric Clapton.
A classic Mississippi start to Festival Sunday!
PETER BENSON
N.Ireland
Peter’s career has taken him on musical journey spanning junctures of classic jazz to progressive blues. As well as playing with bands such as Cold Porter, Peter conducts orchestra’s, plays trumpet and piano. For his festival performance this year, Peter will perform classics such as ‘Georgia’, New York State of Mind as well as jazz classics which ‘Nat’ and ‘Louis’ would be proud of.
MIKE WILGAR BAND
N.Ireland
Making their Festival debut, Mike Wilgar and his band will be setting out an energetic blues show down at Shenanigans on Fest Sunday. With beltin blues harp, Mike is joined by blues guitarist ‘DT’ (Davy Turley), Bassist Kev Brainnigan and ‘Skip’ Crawford on drums. Check out these bluesmen and see what they’re cookin!
www.myspace.com/mikewilgarblues
GARY PRICE & GP3
N.Ireland
GP3 is a 3 piece R n B, Blues, and Rock Band, formed in 2007 with a view to bringing a big sound to smaller venues throughout Ireland.
The band comprises Gary Price on lead guitar and vocals, Kieran Sherry on bass and vocals, and Declan Price on drums and percussion. The bands include the blue magic of BB King, Clapton, Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, with modern blues added to spice the mix. The aim is to produce top quality rock and blues, and they are looking forward to entertaining you in their hometown on Festival Friday.
ROY FULTON BAND
N.Ireland
The Roy Fulton Band is one of the most intensive jam bands on the circuit today. Think Hendrix, Cream, Gallagher and you get the picture what this outfit is all about. Fronted by Roy Fulton, one of Ireland’s premier guitar players whose playing credits include the London Guitar Show and being invited to play at the London International Music Show.
SHERIDAN SCHOOL GOSPEL CHOIR
N.Ireland
Adding a hugely popular and new dimension to out festival this year, the Sheridan School Gospel Choir will perform at Warrenpoint Park on Festival Sunday. Under the energetic direction of Kathy Colgan, this ensemble push out the boundaries of Soul, Gospel and interpretations of current chart hits. This is as much a visual experience as well as musical excellence. Bring all the family down to our beautiful park bandstand and enjoy this rather excellent performance.
St.PETER’S GAA BRASS BAND
N.Ireland
St Peters GAA Band was formed in 1972, lead by Adrian Benson, the band have strong historical family links in Warrenpoint. The band has embraced our festival in a true creative spirit to make a showcase outdoor performance. They will be delivering a blues, jazz and soul set which breaks new boundaries in the world of brass band music. Bring your picnic blanket, stretch out and relax at this wonderful blues feast held in the heart of Warrenpoint.
BEN PREVO BAND
USA
Warrenpoint welcomes back Ben and his rockin blues powerhouse trio as they host the now famous festival ‘Blues Jam’ on Festival Sunday and then later the same day bring out their flight case packed full of hot blues. He brings the integrity and honesty of the blues to his unique mix of blues, rock, funk, country and more. Twisting tones on a fender telecaster at the moment, his repertoire consists of a mix of covers and original tunes and songs. He has performed with such legends as Jaco Pastorius, Brian Downey, Noel Redding, Levon Helm and Pee Wee Ellis
REV. DOC AND THE CONGREGATION
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SCOTLAND
Now considered an honorary citizen of Warrenpoint, The Reverend is a one-off blues original both in terms of musicianship and presence. The Rev and Co. who will be bringing their Glasgow ‘blues mission’ to town will no doubt be converting new members to his flock over the festival weekend. Those who heard Rev Doc and the Congregation, talk about their vitality, their uncompromising toughness and creative compositions. An original performer, the Rev. Doc!
MARY STOKES BAND
IRELAND
Mary Stokes is Ireland’s premier blues singer. With Mary’s powerful and passionate vocal style, she and her band are known for their exciting live performances and have opened shows for blues legends John Lee Hooker, BB King, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, Fats Domino, Johnny Copeland, Otis Rush and Hubert Sumlin. Most recently The Mary Stokes Band have featured at several international Blues Festivals throughout Europe, in Spain at “The Black Music Festival”, Belgium’s “Duvel Blues” and in Holland at “Kwandendamme Blues Festival” The Mary Stokes Band have just released two new CD’s. “Hometown Blues” is a collection of acoustic songs with guest appearances from Mary Coughlan, Liam O’ Maonlai, Frankie Lane among others, while “Long Way From Home” is an exciting mix of original and classic electric blues.
RAB MCCULLOUGH
N.IRELAND
Known as Rab ‘Cool Hand’ McCullough, he is an outstanding and highly acclaimed international performer. With several albums in the American blues charts including recordings with Hubert Sumlin and a number one album in France. Rab’s personal brand of blues quickly projected him onto the main stage performing alongside Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore, John Mayall and Jimi Hendrix. Don’t miss ‘Cool hand’ as he drives this fiery blues message right through Chicago’s South-side!
BERNIE LOUGHRAN & THE STREET MUSIC BAND
Ireland
Keep’n the blues alive in his hometown of Newry, Bernie has been blues mentor to many young aspiring guitar players. Involved with many projects over the last two decades, Bernie cut his first disc with local band ‘Stonefree’. Still actively involved in recording, Bernie is now also a sought after session musician appearing with the best in the Business. Bernie’s new band include the ‘Shanco’ rhythm section and Bernie’s real life blues brother Davy.
Bernie has recently opened up his new music shop business in Newry and will be giving a blues master class at the famous blues festival workshop on Saturday. - Click the workshop link below.
CROWBAR BLUES BAND
N.Ireland
Crowbar blues strive to recreate the dirty blues sound of such acts like ZZ Top, Rory Gallagher, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jonny Winters. Their latest EP "Trouble set to music" it has been well received by hot press magazine with a quote from Jackie Haden "they do exactly what you would expect only far more subtlety than established Irish blues combo's" Crowbar blues will have your feet a stamping from the off.
ANDY WHITTAKER & the SOUL BAND
N.IRELAND
Now an anniversary gig in its own right, this 6-piece soul band covers a wide range of material from Soul and Acid Jazz, to Seventies Rock and Chicago Blues. This will be an outstanding performance with a dynamic blistering Horn Section. The band includes Andy Whittaker (Lead vocals) complete with the big blues brass. This late afternoon show in the Duke necessitates early attendance – if you want to get a seat! (Then again, just walk in a dance).
This is the ‘I feel good’ sound that’s sure gonna lay down that boogie. Play that funky music!
RONNIE GREER & ERROL WALSH BLUES DUO
N.IRELAND
Legendary blues guitarist Ronnie Greer has been at the forefront of the blues scene in Ireland for the past 30 odd years, having worked with some of the music's leading figures, such as Doctor John, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Carey Bell, Honeyboy Edwards, and Memphis Slim, to name but a few. Ronnie appears at this year's festival in a duo format with award winning singer/songwriter/guitarist Errol Walsh. Expect the usual searing, soulful blues guitar style from Ronnie, perfectly complimented by Errol's tastefully grizzled vocals and cleverly constructed songs, very much in the blues/roots tradition. The perfect gig to get you in the mood for the evening's later events.
JACKIE FLAVELLE & BRONAGH MULLAN
N.IRELAND
Featuring veteran Bluesman or Northern Ireland's 'Mr Blues', Jackie Flavelle, (Blues Experience & sideman to Sonny Boy Williamson and Guitar Shorty) has helped to ensure the Northern Ireland blues scene has been nurtured and evolved. Running a weekly blues radio shown on Downtown, Jackie’s popularity is unstoppable. Joining Jackie for this early evening Jazz and Blues shall be the beautiful Bronagh Mullan who is one of the new brigade of vocal chanteuses currently treading the boards of the Irish music scene. She has a unique vocal style straddling low to mid register, displaying an effortless mastery of the silken vibrato.
Who needs to go to ‘Ronnie Scotts’ when you have this par excellence?
BACK BONE
BLUES BAND
N.IRELAND
With 25th anniversary album now in the record stores, the band from Newry is certainly growing from strength to strength. The blues bands are back in town to deliver another highly entertaining rhythm and blues show. With influences from Mike Henderson, Roy Rogers, Van Morrison and Muddy Waters, there will be an exciting blend of classic and traditional Blues. The band includes Raymond McEvoy (L.voc. / Harp), Gareth Hughes (L.Guit.), Karl Hughes (Drums), and Richie McEvoy (Bass). From knock out fretwork to outstanding urban blues these guys have a true dedication to the spirit of Chicago.
COLD PORTER
N.IRELAND
With the amazing voice of Elish McCaffrey, Cold Porter have become a regular feature of the blues fest and are looking forward to their open air slot on Sunday afternoon at the First And Last’s new beer garden. Their ever-changing set is influenced by everything from Sinatra and Aretha Franklin to Stevie Wonder and Tina Turner and promises to be a lively festival mix. The bands recently released CD will also be available on the day. Featuring Elish McCaffrey (Vocals), Pete Benson (Keys, Trumpet & Voc.), Mickey Murphy (Guitar & Voc.), Kenny Graham (Bass), Jarly Mulholland (Sax) and Sean Fegan (Drums & Voc.).
www.myspace.com/coldporter
THE RED HOT ROOSTERS
N.IRELAND
Rock n’ roll is the name of the game for this raunchy high-octane trio.
Formed in 1997 and featuring Davy Bates (drums), Ray Zor Van Haller (Bass) and Robert ‘Chicken’ Little (Guitar/vocals), the energy of this band thrives and feeds from an audience who are eventually left wet and worn out! From Eddy Cochran, Gene Vincent and Carl Perkins through to Elvis and Jerry Lee, do miss out on this leather lustre performance – C’mon everybody!
BEN REEL
Ireland
Ben makes regular TV appearances and has supported Jools Holland, and The Cranberries'. Ben has had the honour of playing with 'Ian Dury's' band The 'Blockheads' .Ben also shared a bill in 2004 with the 'Alabama 3'(Sopranos fame) in London's Mau Mau club, Ben Reel is a singular artist, the latest original to emerge from the wonderful Irish tradition of great singer-songwriters. Get down to the Copper Restaurant in Warrenpoint on Festival Friday to hear one of Irelands finest song masters including an expose’ of his new single which was recently released.
www.benreel.com
MARK BRADNER (SOUTHSIDERS)
N.IRELAND
Featuring the finest in Blues with a bit of the 'Brother where art thou' feel to it, this is the rootsy blues outfit who stopped at the 'crossroads' and had no need to go any further. Another real-deal which features Doboro, guitar and harmonica. So come on down folks and join Mark Bradner and friends for some honest blues melodies appearing at ‘Fresh Fields’ on Festival Thursday and Friday night at The Victoria.
JAVA SHRINE
Northern Ireland
Making a special appearance at this years festival, Gary Day and the guys have been touring extensively throughout Europe promoting their highly acclaimed album,” Nothing to Declare. They play a wide range of musical instruments, from guitars and mandolins, to brass and piano. They put their five part vocal harmonies to great use in order to set themselves apart from other acts and to produce that "Java Shrine" sound.
DEVIL STONE BLUES BAND
N.Ireland
With
influences ranging from Joe Bonamassa, Rory Gallagher, BB King, Buddy Guy
and Gary Moore; Band members: Neil Cole (vocals), Keith Doran (guitar),
Adrian Curran (guitar), Cairan Sherry (bass) and Mark Dinsmore (drums) all
form together in a perfect mix to deliver a hot blues set which is sure to
rock ‘The Peg’ at this debut performance.
www.myspace.com/devilstoneblues
Watch this page for more updates :
Hope you will enjoy this unique Blues Experience!
Wishing you a very enjoyable festival
With complements ;
Ian Sands : Events Co Ordinator
Bay Blues Project