Artists
Wristbands * Artists * Posters * Schedule * Venues * About * Videos * Where to stay * Future festivals * Past festivals * Want to take part * FAQs
ALEX VOYSEY BAND
Sat 8.00pm Showbar
Whatever you love most – Delta, Chicago, Texas, British or American, you’ll find it all here, performed by four outstanding musicians with breathtaking virtuosity and fun! A huge Bonamassa fan, Alex formed the band in 2021 and is joined by bass playing force of nature Ben Hands on his incredible Dingwall 6 string, drummer Paul Arthurs who is currently enjoying huge success with the touring Kate Bush show ‘Moments of Pleasure’, and Bristol keys player and musical theatre director, Andy Alpass. Together, they bring diverse musical backgrounds to the table, a huge breadth of experience, and revel in their shared love of blues. Whatever your passion, look no further for consummate musicianship and a show not to be missed.
WOW! What a Show! What Musicianship! Alex Voysey is not only a superb musician but plays with a feeling and a passion that is true to the meaning of the blues.
www.alexvoyseymusic.com
BACK PORCH
Fri 2pm The Legion, Sat 1.30pm Grand Hotel, Sun 1:30 The Showbar
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 & THOMAS LUCAS
Friday 9pm Red Lion, Sat 12pm The Centre, Sat 5pm The Centre (Ben piano set), Sun 2pm Greyhound
Ben White and Thomas Lucas are two young blues musicians who have a deep passion for early electric blues, particularly from Chicago in the 1950s. Playing original material in the styles of Sonny Boy Williamson I, Muddy Waters and Little Walter, these two gentleman combine humour and energy, with material about all things from gaining one's driving license, to being a baking man (with a big book of recipes).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXHK3X5eMz0
BLUE TOUCH
Sat 9pm Herston C&C, Sun 5pm Showbar
Blue Touch delivers heavy duty blues rock with a blend of original and re-worked classic blues songs in an entertaining stage show with Andrea Maria on vocals.
Blues Rock Band | BlueTouch
BROTHERHOOD OF SOUND
Sunday 2:30pm The Centre
Brotherhood of Sound live in Lucerne (youtube.com)
CHICAGO 9 RHYTHM & BLUES BAND
Fri 9pm White Swan, Sun 1pm ConClub
Formed in 2002 by friends with a shared love of music, Chicago 9 has quickly become a favourite wherever they play. Led by skilled guitar and saxophone interplay, the band delivers a mix of their own material, blues classics & less obvious covers, all with a solid backbeat & superb vocals, so come ready to dance and cry, as Chicago 9 will take you on a journey through the blues, from the early days of Muddy Waters to the modern era.
www.chicago9.webs.com
www.facebook.com/chicago9bluesband
COLE & WARD
New album Blues & Other Truths is out now. "On my list for album of the year. Grab yourself a copy and enjoy the ride!”
PETE CLACK, BLUES IN BRITAIN MAGAZINE
https://coleandward.co.uk/
DAVE FERRA & NIGEL FEIST
New album "Starting Something" out now. "Dave is fully aware that people come out not just to listen, but to have a good time. And a good time they had!"
https://daveferra.co.uk/
FABULOUS DUCK BROTHERS
Fri 8pm Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, Sat 4pm Showbar
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.
"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
FAT FINGER (ASTLES-COUZENS BAND)
Sunday 8pm White Swan
www.facebook.com/philastles
GEOFF GARBOW BAND
Fri 3pm White Swan, Fri 9pm Herston C&C
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
GEORGE HALL TRIO
Sat 8.30pm Fonc Lounge
George Hall gives some of the greatest guitarists alive a run for their money and can simultaneously switch from swaggering rock to blistering blues.
https://www.facebook.com/georgehalltrio
HUGH BUDDEN AND THE BLUE CHORDS
Thu 8.30pm Legion - Electric, Sun 2.30pm Grand Hotel - Acoustic with guests, Sun 8.30pm Grand Hotel - Electric with guests
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! Often features guests. Hugh will also be MC, Host, Guest Artist and Sound, Lighting & Stage Manager at the Grand Hotel all weekend
www.hughbudden.com
I-SPY AND ANOTHER
Sat 3pm White Swan
Raw Blues
www.facebook.com/ggbandlive
JOHN McCLEAN & THE CLAN
Fri 8:30pm Showbar, Sat 5:30pm ConClub
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
JONO ROWLAND
Sat 7:30 Purbeck Plaza, Sun 3pm Black Lion
Local lad Jono, aka "Yungun", is an exciting up and coming blues musician from the Wareham delta! Playing a mix of slide and finger style on acoustic guitar, Jono plays old time delta and country blues, plus a few surprises for good measure.
LEE SIGNEY
Sun 12pm The Centre
He started with the Punk Rock Country Blues and a mission to "keep it raw as the blues is life experience, not fancy stage clothes and too many guitars
https://www.somethinglikethis.uk/lee-signey#
THE MIGHTY HOWLERS
Fri 5pm Showbar, Fri 8:30pm Fonc Lounge
The Mighty Howlers have a hard-hitting, no-nonsense approach to Chicago Blues which you will not be able to resist!
https://www.themightyhowlers.co.uk/
MOJO MULES
Fri 7pm Tawny's, Sat 2pm The Greyhound, Corfe, Sun 3pm Kings Arms, Langton
The Mojo Mules are rapidly breaking onto the UK Blues scene as part of the new generation of The Blues. They provide raw and energetic acoustic blues, mixing authentic deep south blues with a funky twist.
https://www.mojomules.com/
NEIL SADLER BAND
Sat 9pm White Swan, Sun 8:30pm Legion
New album 'Past to Present' has been voted Album of the Month by the UK Independent Blues Broadcasters Association for June 2024. It reached No. 1 in their Most Played Album Chart in the same month.
https://www.neil-sadler.com/
OPEN MIC SESSIONS WITH ANDY BRADSHAW
Fri 2-5pm, Sat 2-5pm, Sun 1-4pm all at the Red Lion
Andy writes: Are you ready to be part of making music at the Swanage Blues Festival? You are? Fabulous! Some of my happiest memories of Swanage Blues have been at the Open Mic sessions. The audiences, the variety of acts and the sheer amount of talent every year, make it an exciting part of the festival experience. There are new surprises, acts which leave you speechless and many laughs and cheers along the way. I will be there at least an hour before the start time with the sign-in book, previous years’ experience tells me the slots fill up quickly so bear that in mind! I will be providing a cajon for accompaniment if you need a back beat. Out of a courtesy to our neighbours this will be un-mic'd. If it's your first time playing at an Open Mic, that's great, we welcome everyone. To help you get the most out of the experience, here are a few pointers to smooth you through the experience.
Make sure you are tuned up and ready to go in time for your slot. Time is limited and the audience want to hear you play!
If you are using any battery powered equipment, make sure your batteries are fresh - you don't want an electro acoustic giving up on you halfway through your set!
If you have any special requirements, let the host know beforehand so they can be ready to say, mic up a purely acoustic guitar, or you want to use a different mic set up.
As a courtesy to other performers, please try and work within your time slot.
Once you have finished to rapturous applause, please leave the performance area to allow the next act to get ready to play.
Other than that, enjoy what promises to be a great Festival!
Thanks as ever to Steve Darrington and all the venues for making this all possible!
www.facebook.com/swanagebluesopenmic
PAUL COOK BLUES BAND
Sat 8.30pm Grand Hotel. plus guesting with Geoff Garbow at Herston Fri 9pm
Virtuoso guitarist and leader of The Paul Cook Blues Band who feature some of East Sussex / Kent's finest Blues players. Also, the main man behind UBAS records whose artists include several top Blues acts.
https://ubasrecords.com/the-paul-cook-blues-band
PETE HARRIS BLUES BAND
Fri 8.30pm The Legion
Chicago-style blues band with this top bluesman - great voice, great guitar, great band leader - and also featuring Ray Drury on keyboards and Pete Welland of Pete G and the Magnitones on harmonica.
www.facebook.com/pete.harris.33
PETE HARRIS & JON VAUGHAN
Sun 8pm Red Lion
Acoustic goodtime Blues and Ragtime with a hint of Gospel and Americana by a great guitar and harmonica duo.
www.facebook.com/pete.harris.33
Please note that Tawny’s can admit only diners on show nights, and tables must be booked in advance on 01929 422781. Thank you.
www.facebook.com/pete.harris.33
PETE HARRIS & RAY DRURY
Thur 9pm Red Lion, Sat 7pm Tawny's
Ray is a fine keyboards man with an amazing range of styles and moods whatever he touches. Soul, blues, jazz, funk… you name it! Highly recommended. Jon is a fine blues/jazz singer/songwriter/guitarist and guitar tutor.
Please note that Tawny’s can admit only diners on show nights, and tables must be booked in advance on 01929 422781. Thank you.
www.facebook.com/pete.harris.33
RICH MILLER
Sat 1:15pm The Centre, Sat 7:30pm Kings Ars, Langtonre
Rich is a powerful performer who delivers songs with a true passion and raw edge that will leave you spellbound and wanting more. He regularly appears at the Bletchley Blues Club and has become a firm favourite, always captivating the audience with the depth of feeling in his playing and singing. “Stunning guitar work second to none” Blues in Britain.
https://richmiller-online.com
ROBIN BIBI BAND
Fri 5.30pm ConClub, Sat 8.30pm Legion
Explosive, passionate, dynamic and entertaining blues, funk, soul, rock, reggae and jazz on guitar, bass, drums and harmonica! Stalwart of UK Blues Rock, award winning singer guitarist Robin Bibi is an amazing crowd puller who has played every Swanage Blues Festival since 2007.
www.robinbibiband.co.uk
https://facebook.com/nomoreasecret
ROBIN BIBI BAND JAM SESSION
Sat 1.00-3.30pm ConClub, Sun 3pm 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
THE MILK MEN
Sat 9pm White Horse
Since their first appearance at Swanage almost 10 years ago, The Milk Men have developed into one of the most talked-about and successful blues rock bands in the UK. With a Top 10 album, five UK Blues Award nominations and finalists in the 2024 UK Blues Challenge, the band has also been nominated as Best Band at this year's UK Blues Awards. Their live show is full of fun, incredible energy and memorable original songs alongside some popular classics. Going from strength to strength, a Milk Men show is not to be missed!
https://www.themilkmenmusic.com/
THE MUSTANGS
Fri 9pm White Horse
With over 20 years 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. The band's jam-packed 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.
https://www.themustangsband.co.uk/
STRINGFELLAS
Fri 7:30pm Purbeck Plaza
Blues, Rock, and a bit of Irish!
THE SCOUNDRELS
Sat 30pm Legion
Steeped in blues and tempered in rock and roll, The Scoundrels are a punchy, raw six-piece R&B band.
www.facebook.com/thescoundrelsblues
TREVOR BABAJACK STEGER
Sat 6pm The Centre
His style of slide guitar, harp playing and song writing has earnt him UK Blues Act of The Year 2023 in the UK Blues Awards and Blues & Roots Radio and air-play on Radio 2
https://www.trevorbabajacksteger.com/
WHISKY CHASERS
Sun 3pm White Swan
Five piece blues‘n’rock band made up of vastly experienced musicians of many years’ standing, consisting of drums, bass, lead and rhythm guitars and lead vocalist, performing an eclectic mix of classic blues and rock music.
www.whiskychasers.epizy.com
WILL KILLEEN
Sat 2:30pm The Centre
Celtic roots, American blues, Dylan classics by a unique singer/guitarist
http://willkilleen.weebly.com
ZOE SCHWARZ BLUE COMMOTION
Fri 8.30pm Grand Hotel, Sat 3:45pm The Centre (Zoe Schwarz & Rob Koral)
'Zoe Schwarz Bluez Party’ - 4 piece funky rocking blues with Rob Koral-guitar, Paddy Blight-bass, Dave Mayne-drums ... edgy, rootsy original songs, strong catchy riffs 'n grooves, plus a few cool covers; expect an exciting live set mixing old school tradition with a contemporary swagger and verve.
Zoe and Rob are a “nationally regarded couple, it tells in the power and professionalism of their performance…”. Zoe’s dynamic and commanding vocal delivery is complimented by the unmistakable touch and flow of Rob-guitar and a highly accomplished rhythm section. There is diversity, depth, and uniqueness to the band's music, where each of the band members is given the freedom to express their musical prowess and stamp their magic to the songwriting of Zoë and Rob.
www.zoeschwarzmusic.com
AND ANOTHER THING:
In memory of festival founder Steve Darrington who sadly passed away earlier this year. Steve was the sole festival organiser and director for the previous 39 Swanage Blues Festival events. The Swanage Blues Festival is now a firm favourite in the Blues calendar, not only for those attending, but also for the many artists that come to play in this wonderful seaside setting.
Steve's family would like to thank everyone who has helped to make sure this 40th Swanage Blues Festival is able to still go ahead as Steve would have wished.
...
Steve Darrington was the house pianist and harp player at the legendary Blues Loft, Nag’s Head, High Wycombe in the 1960s/70s. After 35 years as a touring musician and with 50 albums recorded, he retired to Swanage in 2000. He created the first Swanage Blues Festival in 2001 and has continued to mastermind them ever since.
If he ever has time to write his memoirs, you will read about his times with Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Arthur Crudup, Billy Boy Arnold, Lightnin’ Slim & Whispering Smith, The Mighty Flea, Mickey Baker, Jo-Ann Kelly, Duster Bennett, Mark Knopfler, Brewer’s Droop, Dave Edmunds, Chris Jagger, Marty Wilde, Lonnie Donegan, the Roxon Roadshow, Don Everly, Albert Lee, Roy Orbison, ABBA, The Boogie Band and many more.
www.stevedarrington.com
