2022 March
Artists
The 35th SWANAGE BLUES FESTIVAL was on Thursday 3rd - Sunday 6th March 2022
BACK PORCH
Fri 2pm The Legion, Fri 9pm Herston C&C, Sat 8.30pm Grand Hotel
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
BEN WHITE AND THOMAS LUCAS
Sun 2pm The Centre
Ben White and Thomas Lucas are two young musicians inspired by the music from the heyday of Chicago Blues. Such artists include Jimmy Rogers, Sonny Boy Williamson I and Little Walter, as well as plenty of original material inspired by that period of time.
www.facebook.com/dodonatalia/posts/1694397464093741
BLUE TOUCH
Sat 9pm Herston C&C
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 RE-INCORPORATED - A ‘ROCK’S DIAMOND YEAR’ GIG
Fri 8.20pm The Legion
It’s the ‘Diamond Anniversary of British Rock Music’ i.e. 60 years since Alexis Korner & Cyril Davies started Britain’s first electric Blues gigs at the Ealing Club in 1962. Generally accepted as being the birth of British ‘Rock’ music and where members of The Rolling Stones and Cream first met each other.
Also, the 1962 album by Alexis Korner & Cyril Davies’s Blues Incorporated ‘R&B from The Marquee’ was the first ever British Blues album. Blues Re-Incorporated will be performing music inspired by this album. Hugh Budden - harmonica / vocals, Robert Hokum - guitar / vocals, Chris Burgham – piano, Steve King – bass, Paul White – drums, Terry Marshall – sax.
The story of the birth of the British Blues scene and how ‘rock’ music developed from it is the subject of the film ‘Suburban Steps To Rockland’. DVDs of which will be on sale at the gig.
www.facebook.com/rocksdiamondyear2022
CHICAGO 9 RHYTHM & BLUES BAND
Sat 9pm White Swan
Long term members Melv, Steve and Elrad have been joined by Angie Restorick on lead vocals, saxophonist Paul Tasker and pianist Jim Mitchell to bring you a comprehensive selection of Blues tunes mixed with some good time Rhythm & Blues and a sprinkling of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
www.facebook.com/chicago9bluesband
DAVE FERRA
Sat 5pm The Centre
Dave Ferra has twice been nominated for the UK Blues Awards in the acoustic blues category. He plays traditional and original blues, ragtime and spirituals. Iain Patience described Dave as an "acoustic bluesman with a positive flair and grasp of the tradition" and Richard Dunning of the Tuesday Night Music club wrote, "Dave is fully aware that people come out not just to listen, but to have a good time. And a good time they had!"
www.facebook.com/david.ferra.39
DOGHOUSE BLUES REVISITED
Sat 3pm and Sun 9pm White Swan
“Doghouse blues” is formed from the remaining gigging members of an originally Southampton based blues combo “In the Doghouse” that has been around in some form or another for over 25yrs.. classic guitar driven blues/rock from SRV, Muddy Waters, BB King, Jeff Healy, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton etc etc
EMMA WILSON
Fri 9.40 and 10.40 The Legion
Blues Siren, Emma Wilson’s dynamic vocals and captivating stage presence make her a welcome addition to the Blues scene, her profile and presence continue to rise
http://www.emmawilson.net/
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
FRIDAY FINALE with Emma Wilson, The Great West Groove, Paul Cook & Hugh Budden
Fri 10.40 The Legion
See individual entries
GEOFF’S JAM
Fri 6pm and Sat 6pm The Globe
Open Mic Blues Jam with guitarist/singer Geoff Hills. Great fun and all blues standards very welcome.
HUGH BUDDEN
Fri, Sat and Sun MC, Host, Guest Artist and Sound, Lighting & Stage Manager at the Grand Hotel, Thu 8.30pm The Legion for Festival Opening Ceremony gig, Fri 7pm The Legion with Great West Groove etc, and with his band The Blue Chords Sun 2.30 (unplugged) and Sun 8.30 (electric) Grand Hotel
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
JOHN McCLEAN & THE CLAN
Fri 9pm White Swan, Sun 2pm The Globe
Rockin' Gospel Blues, featuring John's gritty and soulful vocals, original songs and well chosen covers - think Tom Waits, John Lee Hooker, the Stones.. Bring your dancing shoes!
www.johnmccleanandtheclan.com
JONATHAN TOWNSEND
Sun 12.00 The Centre
Jonathan was the driving force, singer and guitarist behind the duo The King Biscuit Boys who opened the Acoustic Stage at the 2019 Upton Blues Festival. They also played Colne and Gloucester Blues Festivals.
Since the demise of The King Biscuit Boys, Jonathan has been writing songs, meeting up with other blues musicians and learning new instruments. The output was making new friends and a studio album ‘Just got to’ with Jon Townsend & Friends.
Live: as well as his own, he plays songs by Son House, ‘Howlin’ Wolf, Rory Gallagher, Mississippi John Hurt, Muddy Waters, Memphis Jug Band, Robert Johnson, Taj Mahal and the like.
www.kingbiscuitboys.uk
JON VAUGHAN
With Tommy Allen Fri 9pm Red Lion, Sat 8.30 The Greyhound at Corfe, Sun 3pm White Swan; with Pete Harris Blues Band Sat 4pm The Legion; with Pete Harris Sun 8pm Red Lion
A great harmonica player and much in demand!
JON WALSH & RAY DRURY
Thu 9pm Red Lion
Jon is a fine blues/jazz singer/songwriter/guitarist and guitar tutor. Paired with Ray Drury (see separate entry)
www.facebook.com/jon.walsh.908
LEWIS COHEN
Sat 2pm Greyhound, Sat 6.30pm Tawny’s
Lewis Cohen plays an eclectic mix of acoustic and electric country blues. As a solo performer, Lewis has built a strong reputation at home and abroad thanks to his powerful and versatile vocals and mastery of roots guitar styles which enthral, excite and above all, entertain.
www.lewiscohen.co.uk
LIAM WARD AND MARK COLE
Sat 1pm The Centre
Mark Cole's powerful, passionate vocals and honest uncluttered slide and rhythm guitar (plus a little mandolin and other found objects) make it hard not to enjoy his musical creations. He has played with and supported many top blues and roots artists including Pinetop Perkins, Dr. Feelgood, Richard Thompson and Alvin Lee.
Cole's songwriting is instantly recognisable: quirky, funny and yet capable of poignance too. Combined with Liam Ward's emotionally charged harmonica and his own songwriting talents, a set from these two takes a "pass-the-parcel" approach with each given a chance to share their own styles. If you ask for an encore, you might even hear a harp duel between the two of them
www.facebook.com/liamwardmusic www.facebook.com/markcoleblues
MARK HARRISON
Sun 4pm The Centre
Mark’s songs make you smile, think and move. With catchy tunes, intriguing lyrics and striking rhythms each song is a snapshot of life or has a story to tell. He appears at prestigious festivals across the UK, arts centres and theatres.
'There’s no one quite like Mark Harrison for making you look afresh at your (and everyone else’s) troubles and maybe dance and smile your way through them' - Plunger
www.markharrisonrootsmusic.com
OPEN MIC SESSIONS WITH GEOFF
Fri 2pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm all at the Red Lion
We welcome our new host Geoff Hills, who takes over from Dave Griffiths with many thanks for his years of service and an introduction to these sessions:
Live performances from all genres are welcome. 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.facebook.com/swanagebluesopenmic
PAUL COOK
Fri 7pm and 10.40pm The Legion
The hardest working Bluesman on the East Sussex / Kent Blues scene!
https://ubasrecords.com/the-paul-cook-blues-band
PAINT IT BLUE
Sat 1pm The Legion
Looking back to fans’ comments in 2014: “Paint It Blue and Hannah Robinson, a wonderful voice and presence. Shame the group is breaking up but hopefully we will still hear Hannah” and “ Sad to see the last gig with Hannah Robinson fronting the band.”
Well, they’re back! Yes, it’s a Reunion of Paint It Blue with Hannah Robinson - vocals & guitar, Pete Quintin – guitar, Ed Fish – harmonica, Albert Dyba – bass and Marcin Dyba – drums.
www.facebook.com/hannahrobinsonmusic
PETE HARRIS AND…
Fri 6.30pm Tawny’s with Ray Drury, Sat 4pm The Legion with Pete Harris Blues Band, Sun 8pm Red Lion with Jon Vaughan
Pete & Ray Drury play Blues, Soul and Rock'n'Roll. Pete Harris Blues Band plays Chicago-style Blues with Jon and Ray plus Henk Leerink on bass and Brian Wright on drums. Pete Harris & Jon Vaughan, guitar and harmonica, play acoustic goodtime Blues and Ragtime with a hint of Gospel and Americana.
www.facebook.com/pete.harris.33
RAY DRURY
Thu 9pm Red Lion with Jon Walsh, Fri 6.30pm Tawny’s with Pete Harris, Sat 4pm The Legion with Pete Harris Blues Band, Sun 8.30pm The Legion with Tommy Allen’s band
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
ROBERT HOKUM
Thu 8.30pm The Legion, Fri 7pm The Legion
Bluesmaster, Funkateer, Global Groover and Raconteur, Bob will be performing Blues across the spectrum!
www.roberthokum.co.uk www.facebook.com/robert.hokum
ROBIN BIBI BAND
Fri 4pm White Swan, Sat 9pm The Legion
Explosive, passionate, dynamic and entertaining! Stalwarts of UK Blues Rock and played every Swanage Blues Festival since 2007. One of the UK’s hardest working bands since the release of their debut album “Blue Thrash Therapy” in 1997. They’ve played all the major UK blues festivals and in Europe, Scandinavia, Ireland and the USA.
12 albums to their credit, with the critically acclaimed all-originals “No More A Secret” reaching No.2 in the IBBA playlist.
www.robinbibiband.co.uk
ROBIN BIBI BAND JAM SESSIONS
Sat 2.30pm Acoustic Jam at Grand Hotel, Sun 2pm Electric Jam at 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
STOMPIN’ DAVE
Fri evening guest at The Legion, Sun 3pm Black Swan
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 FABULOUS DUCK BROTHERS
Sat 2pm Isle of Purbeck Golf Club
The Fabulous Duck Bros are a collection of professional and experienced musicians that wish to pay tribute to their love and appreciation of the solo career of Eric Clapton. Fronted by long term Clapton fan Phil Astles, the band concentrate on the songs produced by Eric throughout his long career including his hits from the 80’s, 90’s and modern era. These include the great songs of 24 Nights, The Blues Era and also his time with Derek and the Dominoes and the Cream. With a set list that includes such classics as Layla, Wonderful Tonight, Forever Man, Cocaine, Lay Down Sally, Badge, I Shot the Sheriff, Change the World and Bell Bottom Blues, The Fabulous Duck Bros are not to be missed.
"Light and shade throughout every number and the volume just about as perfect as possible" "Close your eyes and it's like Eric and his band are in the room"
www.facebook.com/philastles
THE GREAT WEST GROOVE
Fri 7pm The Legion
“…their stripped back format allowed both gritty echt vocals and guitar skills to shine on both covers and superb originals…’ Blues In Britain.
www.thegreatwestgroove.com
THE MILK MEN
Fri 10pm White Horse
One of the hottest bands on the circuit, with a rapidly-growing reputation, The Milk Men are 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 Spring 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
Now celebrating 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. Last 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 covers and requests from the audience. Perfect let your hair down fun for a Saturday night.
www.themustangs.co.uk
TIM STAFFELL
Sat 12.00 and Sun 1pm The Centre
Former bandmate of Queen’s Brian May, (he’s depicted in the film ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’), Tim is a fine singer songwriter who will be performing some of his own compositions.
http://www.timstaffell.com
TOMMY ALLEN and…
Fri 9pm Red Lion, Sat 8.30pm Greyhound and Sun 3pm White Swan with Jon Vaughan; and Sun 8.30
The Legion with Ray Drury keys, Emil bass, Robin drums.
Street-style Chicago blues from the 1950s and much more from this amazing singer/guitarist and friends
www.tommyallenmusic.com
WILL KILLEEN
Fri 8.30 Old Stables, Sat 3pm The Centre, Sun 2pm Greyhound
A dazzling player with a huge repertoire of songs, mixing Celtic roots with American blues and Dylan classics. Wherever he plays, he amazes audiences with his own compositions and new arrangements of traditional songs. He is also a successful fine artist who specialises in painting portraits and horses in oils, worth looking at the Gallery on his website
http://willkilleen.weebly.com
ZOE SCHWARZ BLUE COMMOTION
Fri 8.30pm Grand Hotel
Vibrant and melodic funky rocking blues featuring Rob Koral-guitar, Pete Whittaker-Hammond-organ, Dave Mayne-drums complimenting the commanding vocal delivery of Zoe Schwarz. The band refresh the blues genre with eclectic arrangements, virtuosic playing and vocal prowess; expect 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. They have made a considerable impact this last decade and have been finalists in the UK Blues Awards with Female Vocalist, Band, and Album of the Year, several times.
“This is a band of exceptional quality, fronted by the stellar vocals of Zoe Schwarz; you really shouldn't miss the opportunity to enjoy them” - Live Review, Brian Harrington, Arlington Arts, Newbury Times, Apr 2021
"Powerful singing and a stylish performer, great guitar work, phenomenal Hammond …. a great set” - LIVE at Carlisle Blues & Rock Festival, Blues Matters Dec 2019/Jan 2020
zoeschwarzmusic.com
Schedule
The 35th SWANAGE BLUES FESTIVAL was on Thursday 3rd - Sunday 6th March 2022
| DAY |
TIME |
ARTIST |
VENUE |
| Thu |
8.30pm |
The Festival Opening Ceremony with Robert Hokum, Hugh Budden, Stompin' Dave and Friends |
Legion |
| Thu |
9.00pm |
Jon Walsh & Ray Drury |
Red Lion |
| Fri |
2.00-4.30pm |
Back Porch |
Legion |
| Fri |
2.00pm |
Open Mic with Geoff |
Red Lion |
| Fri |
4.00pm |
Robin Bibi Band |
White Swan |
| Fri |
6.00-9.00pm |
Geoff's Jam |
Globe |
| Fri |
6.30pm |
Pete Harris & Ray Drury |
Tawny’s |
| Fri |
7.00-8.00pm |
Paul Cook with the Great West Groove & Hugh Budden |
Legion |
| Fri |
8.20-9.20pm |
Blues Re-Incorporated (The Great West Groove + Hugh Budden & Terry Marshall) |
Legion |
| Fri |
8.30pm |
Will Killeen |
Old Stables |
| Fri |
8.30pm |
Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion |
Grand Hotel |
| Fri |
9.00pm |
Back Porch |
Herston Camping |
| Fri |
9.00pm |
John McClean & the Clan |
White Swan |
| Fri |
9.00pm |
The Milk Men |
White Horse |
| Fri |
9.00pm |
Tommy Allen & Jon Vaughan |
Red Lion |
| Fri |
9.40-10.40pm |
Emma Wilson with The Great West Groove & Hugh Budden |
Legion |
| Fri |
10.40-11.00pm |
Friday Finale with Emma Wilson, The Great West Groove, Paul Cook & Hugh Budden |
Legion |
| Sat |
12.00pm |
Tim Staffell |
Centre |
| Sat |
1.00pm |
Liam Ward and Mark Cole |
Centre |
| Sat |
1.00pm |
Paint It Blue |
Legion |
| Sat |
2.00pm |
Fabulous Fezheads |
Herston Camping |
| Sat |
2.00pm |
Lewis Cohen |
Greyhound |
| Sat |
2.00pm |
Open Mic with Geoff |
Red Lion |
| Sat |
2.00pm |
The Fabulous Duck Brothers |
IoP Golf Club |
| Sat |
2.30pm |
Robin Bibi Acoustic Jam Session |
Grand Hotel |
| Sat |
3.00pm |
Doghouse Blues Revival |
White Swan |
| Sat |
3.00pm |
Will Killeen |
Centre |
| Sat |
4.00pm |
Pete Harris Blues Band |
Legion |
| Sat |
5.00pm |
Dave Ferra |
Centre |
| Sat |
6.00-9.00pm |
Geoff's Jam |
Globe |
| Sat |
6.30pm |
Lewis Cohen |
Tawny’s |
| Sat |
8.30pm |
Back Porch |
Grand Hotel |
| Sat |
8.30pm |
Robin Bibi Band |
Legion |
| Sat |
8.30pm |
Tommy Allen & Jon Vaughan |
Greyhound |
| Sat |
9.00pm |
Blue Touch |
Herston Camping |
| Sat |
9.00pm |
Chicago 9 Rhythm & Blues Band |
White Swan |
| Sat |
9.00pm |
Fabulous Fezheads |
Red Lion |
| Sat |
9.00pm |
The Mustangs |
White Horse |
| Sun |
12.00pm |
Jon Townsend |
Centre |
| Sun |
1.00pm |
Open Mic with Geoff |
Red Lion |
| Sun |
1.00pm |
Tim Staffell |
Centre |
| Sun |
2.00pm |
Ben White & Thomas Lucas |
Centre |
| Sun |
2.00pm |
John McClean & the Clan |
Globe |
| Sun |
2.00pm |
Robin Bibi Band Electric Jam Session |
Legion |
| Sun |
2.00pm |
Will Killeen |
Greyhound |
| Sun |
2.30-5.00pm |
Hugh Budden & The Blue Chords unplugged |
Grand Hotel |
| Sun |
3.00-5.00pm |
Stompin' Dave |
Black Swan |
| Sun |
3.00pm |
Tommy Allen & Jon Vaughan |
White Swan |
| Sun |
4.00pm |
Mark Harrison |
Centre |
| Sun |
8.00pm |
Pete Harris & Jon Vaughan |
Red Lion |
| Sun |
8.30-11.00pm |
Festival Finale with Hugh Budden & The Blue Chords electric |
Grand Hotel |
| Sun |
8.30pm |
Tommy Allen (Ray Drury keys, Emil bass, Robin drums) |
Legion |
| Sun |
9.00pm |
Doghouse Blues Revival |
White Swan |
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