2019 October
BACK PORCH
Fri 2pm The Legion, Fri 8pm Swanage Bay View, Sat 3pm White Swan
With their foot-stomping, danceable rhythms and a lot of fun, Back Porch will make you laugh, cry and tap your feet! It’s a stripped down line-up of harp, washboard and guitars – just some mates sitting on a back porch, playing the blues.
www.backporchuk.com
BACKWATER ROLL BLUES BAND
Sat 9.30pm Ship
Raw, dirty guitars and dirtier harp, performing old fashioned. Led by Harpmeister Miff Smith, this 6-piece band deliver powerful blues music with passion and swagger.
facebook.com/Backwater-Roll-Blues-Band-1395560240708254
BEN TYZACK & GUY TORTORA
Sun 2.15 The Centre, Sun 5.30 The Centre
Take two leading musicians from two of the UK’s favourite bands - Ben Tyzack (Spikedrivers) and Guy Tortora (Guy Tortora Band) – add an array of guitars, some harmonies and a few musical surprises, and you’re guaranteed a soulful, rootsy performance that will light up the stage.
‘shivers up your spine … spellbinding! Ben & Guy delivered on every level’ - Blues In Britain
www.spikedrivers.co.uk www.guytortora.com
BLUE TOUCH
Fri 9pm Herston C&C, Sat 2.30 Grand Hotel
Blue Touch delivers heavy duty blues rock with a blend of original and re-worked classic blues songs in an entertaining stage show. There is the captivating Andrea Maria on vocals, World class guitar and vocals from pro musician Neil Sadler backed by Hugh Lawrenson on Drums and Merv Griffin on bass. One not to miss!
www.bluetouch.info
BLUES DHARMA
Sat 4pm The Centre
Is it Blues? - Yes. Is it Raga? - Yes. Divyanand Caird (Saraswati Veena), Dheeraj Mishra (Tabla) & Robert Hokum (vocals, guitar) explore the common ground between Asian music and the Blues. Prepare to have your ears opened!
www.facebook.com/bluesdharma
BUSKERS
Various place and times and Harry Ramsden’s
It is the nature of Buskers to perform where and when they will, but on this occasion there will be sessions here at various times yet to be confirmed. See Latest News on the website www.swanage-blues.org and on Facebook @swanagebluesfest
CHICAGO 9
Sat 3pm Anchor
Roots American meets Canvey Island chaos somewhere down the Itchen Delta. Killer guitar licks, screaming harmonica, a thumping back beat and savage vocals. This is good time Blues, Rhythm & Blues & Rock’n’Roll blended in the musical cooking pot to season and excite.
chicago9.webs.com
DAWG 'n' BONEZ BAND
Fri 9.30 Ship, Sat 9pm White Swan
Blues with a twist, their special take on songs from the likes of Bull Moose Jackson, Peter Green and Muddy Waters, whipped up with the Latin tones of Santana and wrapped in a bag full of their own compositions.
www.facebook.com/dawgQbones
DOGHOUSE BLUES
Sun 6.30 White Swan
Information unavailable at time of going to press.
FABULOUS FEZHEADS
Sat 2pm Herston C&C, Sat 9pm Red Lion
Under the watchful eye of Father Ken, the Fabulous Fezheads blend a mixture of Dance, Danger and Music that will Astound, Astonish and Amuse.
www.fezheads.com
FREE’S COMPANY
Sun 6pm White Horse
Bringing together the best hits of the iconic UK blues rock bands Free and Bad Company, Free’s Company provide a definitive tribute. This four piece band are delighted to return for the second time to the Swanage Blues Festival to showcase the songs sung by 'The Voice of Rock' - Paul Rodgers, including Alright Now, Wishing Well, Mr Big, Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Movin' On, Feel Like Making Love and many more!
www.freescoband.co.uk
GARY FLETCHER
Sat 5.45 The Centre
Gary is a founder and ever-present member of The Blues Band and has appeared or recorded with Peter Green, Maggie Bell, Van Morrison, John Mayall and more. Singing his own songs plus the odd cover, Gary accompanies himself on guitar, slide, banjo, mandolin and possibly ukulele!
His album releases include the acclaimed ‘In Solitary’ solo offering which, along with the electric ‘Giant From the Blue’ album, rated 4 stars from Maverick and R2 magazines. Gary has featured on Bob Harris’ BBC R2 show and on his YouTube channel ‘Under the Apple Tree’.
www.garyfletchermusic.net
GEOFF GARBOW BAND
Sat 5pm Swanage Bay View
A regular fixture on the West London circuit, the GGB are much loved for their unpretentious, good time attitude. Band members have played with Billy Bragg and members of Deep Purple, Bad Company, Gary Moore Band and the Strawbs amongst many others. The band have been regulars at the Ealing Blues Festival, The Ealing Club and the Crawdaddy and many hostelries across London. “…energetic and eclectic, mixing straight blues with dirty southern rock, funk and a splash of AOR“ - Blues in Britain Magazine
www.facebook.com/ggbandlive
GEOFF’S JAM
Sun 5.30 Salt Pig Too (TBA)
Open Mic Blues Jam with guitarist/singer Geoff Hills. Great fun and all standards very welcome.
HUGH BUDDEN
Sun 2.30 Grand Hotel with his Blue Chords and also The Grand Hotel’s Master of Ceremonies, Sound, Lighting & Stage Manager and Guest Artist all weekend. Also at The Legion on Thursday and Friday evenings too.
The hardest working harmonica and vocals man I know, no doubt due to his style, showmanship and sheer professionalism! Blues, Rock 'n' Roll, Jazz, Country, Indie… Hugh can play ‘em all – and he does! Make sure you catch him at least once!
www.hughbudden.com
JAM SESSIONS WITH ROBIN BIBI
Sat 12.30 Swanage Bay View, Sun 12.30 The Legion
Some of the finest impromptu music of the weekend with one of the best ‘Jam Masters’ I’ve ever seen. Check in with Robin at the Jam Sessions, drummers bring own sticks.
www.robinbibiband.co.uk
JOHN McCLEAN & THE CLAN
Fri 9pm White Swan, Sat 1pm YHA, Sun 3pm Anchor
John McClean & the Clan play blistering Gospel Blues Rock, featuring John's gritty and unforgettable vocals, original songs and well chosen covers. Bring your dancing shoes!
www.johnmccleanandtheclan.com
KAREÑA K BAND
Sat 7pm Swanage Bay View
An award nominated, soulful singer/saxophonist and recording artist, Kareña K can belt out those blues, or sizzle like torch-singers past. Expect an eclectic set of blue-eyed soul, blues, blues-rock and funk. Bring your dancing shoes!
http://karenak.com
LEWIS COHEN
Fri 6pm & 8.15 Sea Breeze, Sat 2pm Greyhound, Sat 6pm & 8.15 Tawny’s
With powerful vocals and mastery of many acoustic guitar styles, Lewis delights audiences with material ranging from the Mississippi Delta to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
www.lewiscohen.co.uk
LUKE DOHERTY BAND
Sun 5.30pm The Legion
The Luke Doherty Band had a highly successful showcase slot at Stan's Blues Jamboree during the October 2017 Swanage Blues Festival and Luke was the 2018 UK Blues Award winner for Wales. Since then they've been playing many major festivals and deservedly too. No spoilers, check 'em out, just do it.
www.lukedoherty.com
OPEN MIC SESSIONS
Fri 2pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm all at the Red Lion
Dave Griffiths runs the Open Mic stage at The Red Lion and welcomes live performances from all genres. It’s a great place for the less confident to try out their songs alongside professional artists, with a supportive host and audience. Respecting that this is a live festival, we don’t accommodate backing tracks and, as we are predominantly an outdoor event (weather permitting!) the management of the Red Lion, in consideration of their neighbours, don’t allow drums/percussion and require bass to be kept to a reasonable level. Other than that, anything goes. Come and enjoy some irreverent humour, original songs and of course, some homespun blues of the finest calibre!
Slots are not booked in advance. Book in with the host on the day. Turn up early if you can to avoid disappointment. 1.30pm on Saturday might still be OK.
www.tweedjacketmusic.com
www.facebook.com/swanagebluesopenmic
PAUL LAMB & CHAD STRENTZ
Sat 2.15 & 7.30 The Centre
Multi award-winning British recording artists Paul Lamb (one of the greatest harmonica players of our time) & Chad Strentz (one of the best Blues singers in Europe) work together at what they do best - playing what they feel and feeling what they play.
Despite a full band touring schedule, this hugely talented and entertaining duo still find time to deliver outstanding acoustic Blues and more
www.paullamb.com
PETE HARRIS AND…
Thu 9pm Red Lion, Fri 6pm & 8.15 Tawny’s, Sat 2.30 IoP Golf Club, Sun 8pm Red Lion
Pete Harris & Jon Vaughan, guitar and harmonica, play acoustic goodtime Blues and Ragtime with a hint of Gospel and Americana. Pete & Ray Drury play Blues, Soul & Rock'n'Roll. Pete Harris Blues Band plays Chicago-style Blues with Jon and Ray plus Simon Reid on bass and Brian Wright on drums.
www.peteharrisblues.com
RAY DRURY
Here, there and everywhere! He’s a top keyboards man with amazing range of styles and moods whatever he touches. Soul, blues, jazz, funk… you name it!
www.raydrury.co.uk
RIVERSIDE BLUES BAND
Fri 9.45 Anchor
"Foot-tapping tales from Chicago, Texas and Canvey Island...A healthy portion of Classic Blues – Up-tempo and upbeat so get your dancing boots on!"
www.riversidebluesband.co.uk
ROBERT HOKUM
Thu 8.30 The Legion, Fri 6.45 The Legion, Sat 4pm The Centre, Sat 9pm Swanage Bay View, Sun 1pm & 4.15 Swanage Bay View
Bluesmaster, Funkateer, Global Groover and Raconteur, Bob will be performing Blues across the spectrum with Robert Hokum Revue, Great West Groove, Mega Session, Blues Dharma and more!
www.roberthokum.co.uk
ROBIN BIBI BAND
Fri 5pm East Bar, Sat 9pm The Legion
Blues, funk, soul, rock, reggae and jazz on guitar, bass, drums and harmonica.
www.robinbibiband.co.uk
STAN’S BLUES JAMBOREE
Sat 1pm The Legion
Yet another cornucopia of blues performances, starting with Stan’s Blues Jam, followed by Showcase Slots, then a second portion of electric jamming.
www.stansbluesjam.co.uk
STEAMER
Sun 3pm Black Swan
Acoustic blues from the Delta, Chicago, Texas and British Blues with the spirit of Riverside Blues Band
www.facebook.com/Steamer-214635201893050
STEVE DARRINGTON
Thu 8.30 The Legion
Creator and organiser of Swanage Blues Festivals, Steve was the 1960s/70s house pianist and harp player at the legendary Nag’s Head Blues Loft, High Wycombe. After 35 years of touring and as a sideman, with 50 albums recorded, he retired to Swanage. Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Jo-Ann Kelly, Billy Boy Arnold, Duster Bennett, Brewer’s Droop, Mark Knopfler, Dave Edmunds, Marty Wilde, Lonnie Donegan, the Roxon Roadshow, Don Everly, Albert Lee, The Boogie Band and many more will figure in his autobiography - if he ever finds time to write it.
www.stevedarrington.com
STOMPIN’ DAVE
Thu 8.30 The Legion, Fri 4.30 The Legion
With 25 years of performing experience Bridport-based vocalist, multi instrumentalist and tap dancer Stompin' Dave has worked exclusively as a musician. He has performed across the UK and beyond including major festivals such as Glastonbury, Bestival and Camp Bestival. A former member of former UK blues band of the year The Producers, Dave was nominated for a British Blues Award in the acoustic act category 2014.
“Let’s face it, in adding the quality of his original material, the man is a downright genius” Blues In Britain.
"Dave is without doubt one of the most entertaining musicians on the scene today." Boogaloo Promotions.
www.stompindave.com
THE BARONESS & THE BEAR – RHYTHM TRAVELLERS
Sat 12.00 and Sun 12.00 The Centre,
Julie and Bob started performing together in 2014. Although they have played several times at Swanage this will be the first time as a four piece band. Their music covers many styles including traditional classic and old blues such as Lil Green and Willie Dixon, Cakewalks and Gospel to modern styles such as Tom Waites and Madelaine Peyroux with some jazzy turns and their own originals along the way.
www.facebook.com/ TheBaronessandTheBear
THE FABULOUS DUCK BROS
Sat 8.30 Grand Hotel
The UK’s ultimate tribute to the music of Eric Clapton: winner of 18 Grammys, 4 Ivor Novellos and the Outstanding Contribution To Music Award.
www.facebook.com/thefabducks
THE JAWBREAKERS
Sat 9.45 Anchor
The Jawbreakers: Blues, Jump Jive, Film Noir and Swing all wrapped up in a four piece combo! With Dave Simms on drums, Les Calvert (ex Mungo Jerry and Alexis Korner Band amongst others!) on bass, Philip Brannan on Teletastic rhythm guitar, and E D Brayshaw (fresh from collaborating with Blues Hall of Fame inductee Wily Bo Walker) on guitar and vocals.
www.thejawbreakers.com
THE MILK MEN
Fri 10pm White Horse
A blues 'supergroup' made up of members of Swanage regulars the Mustangs and legendary r'n'b group The Pirates. Their latest album Gold Top reached the top 10 on the Amazon blues chart, and number 2 on the iTunes chart, and received glowing critical acclaim. The band will be releasing a third album in January 2020 and will be playing brand new tracks from that album at Swanage, alongside a mix of tracks from both their previous albums, and some choice classic rock and blues covers.
www.themilkmenmusic.com
THE MUSTANGS
Sat 10pm White Horse
Approaching their 20th year together, the Mustangs are one of the most established and best-loved blues rock bands in the UK. They have toured Europe, won awards and even played Glastonbury. This year they released their 11th album, Watertown, which received overwhelming critical acclaim and a host of 10/10 reviews, with some calling it a "masterpiece". The band's jam-packed Saturday nights in Swanage have become tradition, with the band playing a huge range of songs from originals, rock, blues and even often improvising requests from the audience. Perfect let your hair down fun for a Saturday night.
www.themustangs.co.uk
THE RED CROW
Sat 9pm Herston C&C, Sun 10pm Anchor
Soulful blues, funk and rock built around the driving guitar riffs of Leigh Crowe and the powerhouse vocal delivery of Tracie Redding. Members have been regular supporters of the Swanage Blues Festival over a number of years, appearing at open mics, jam sessions and at Stan's Blues Jamboree.
www.facebook.com/The-RedCrow-547577821930649
THE ROBERT HOKUM REVUE
Fri 6.45 The Legion, Sat 9pm Swanage Bay View
Fronted by three singer/songwriters (David Stone, Sam Willoughby & Robert Hokum) backed by the powerhouse drumming of Niall Brennan. Tight grooves, memorable original songs, harmony vocals and quality musicianship.
www.facebook.com/robert.hokum
THE SEPIA SWING SHOW TWINS
Sun 3.45 The Centre
If you are a regular to Swanage, you will have seen David Raphael and Nick Hyde over many years as part of The David Raphael Band. David is also a regular side-man with Robin Bibi and a multi-instrumentalist with Blue Hayz. Nick has been a long-time member of The Mighty 45s, Uncle Buck and new band Quick Fix. Together, they run a monthly acoustic music club and for the festival they bring together the flavours of Big Bill Broonzy, Muddy Waters, Leadbelly, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee and more. Best to get to your seat early. Ladies and Gentlemen, this what they call The Blues...See you there! www.midnightspecialblues.com
THE TIM STAFFELL / PAUL STEWART BAND (Staffell & Stewart)
Sun 3pm Swanage Bay View
Driven by the two powerful lead vocals of Tim Staffell and Paul Stewart, the band fuse the blues with jazz and rock elements in a set combining traditional classics with original songs; solid rhythm with strong harmonies, and the interplay of electric and acoustic guitar’ Paul was previously with Rhythm & Blues legends ‘The Others’. Tim was one third of the power trio ‘Smile’ with Brian May & Roger Taylor.
www.facebook.com/LittleBigSteam
TOMMY ALLEN and…
Fri 9pm Red Lion, Sat 6pm & 8.15 Sea Breeze, Sun 4pm White Swan, Sun 9pm The Legion
Street-style Chicago blues from the 1950s and much more from this amazing singer/guitarist and friends
www.tommyallenmusic.com
TOMMY HARKENRIDER AND THE ORANGE COUNTY ROCKETS
Fri 9pm The Legion, Sun 8.30pm Grand Hotel
Originally from Las Vegas and coming from a strong musical family background, Tommy Harkenrider has established himself as one of the great living West Coast Blues artists. Travelling to Swanage from his home in California and with a great band made up of local blues alumni, Tommy will be joining us during his UK tour.
https://tommyharkenriderguitar.com
TREVOR ‘BABAJACK’ SEGER
Sat 8.30pm White Horse
Trevor is making his debut at Swanage having been a familiar face on the UK blues scene for many years. “He has an immediacy and charisma that draws you close to the music and I cannot think of any other solo artist that I’ve heard in the last couple of years who demands your attention in the same way. He makes music that I want to listen to”- Alan Pearce Editor, Blues Matters
www.trevorbabajacksteger.com
ZOE SCHWARZ BLUE COMMOTION
Fri 8.30pm Grand Hotel
Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion refresh the blues genre with eclectic arrangements, virtuosic playing and vocal prowess. With an exciting live set based around rootsy original songs, strong catchy riffs and exciting grooves, they mix old school tradition with contemporary flare and sophistication and feature on this occasion Pete Whittaker on Hammond organ.
www.bluecommotion.com
