A blues festival bringing together the country’s finest blues musicians will celebrate the tenth International Blues Day this weekend.
The Nelson blues scene is alive, well and riding a wave of popularity due to the recent formation of the Tasman Bay Blues Club.
Down at the ‘The Barn’, the club’s home base, resident band the ‘The Barnstormers’ can be heard punching out their fast-paced sound in readiness for the upcoming ‘Little Big Blues Festival’ on Friday, 5 August.
Nelson-based entertainer Katrina Kallil is all set to sing the blues and captivate the crowd with her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. Katrina, backed by The Barnstormers, is part of this must-see festival being held at the Rutherford Hotel to mark the tenth anniversary of International Blues Music Day on 6 August.
International Blues Day is a global happening that celebrates the ‘ethos, attitude and music’ of a timeless musical form which has its roots in the southern states of America during the 1860’s with the African American people. A time for blues buffs worldwide to pay homage in their own authentic ways to the genre’s greats.
The first Nelson’s blues fest to celebrate this day was the brainchild of local bluesmen Denny Jude and Marcus Roebuck back in 2013. This year the Tasman Bay Blues Club is proudly hosting the festival and the events team have come up with an impressive programme offering a range of blues styles performed by talented muso’s from around Aotearoa.
The line-up includes the Dayle Jellyman Band, King Leo, Chris Armour Quartet, DSG Trio, Denny Allen, Dem Blues Boys, All Time Good Time Rubber Biscuit Band and Katrina Kallil.
Tasman Bay Blues Club president Paul Nickless says they are promising an amazing evening of world class blues. He explained proceeds from the evening will foster initiatives to make blues more accessible to the wider community through events like the Blues Fest. One of the clubs main goals is establishing a ‘Nelson School of Blues’.
“The school is designed to foster blues talent both young and old. We want to provide opportunities to gain experience from established artists and perform live at The Barn” Paul explained.
Proceeds from the Little Big Blues Festival will be going towards these Tasman Bay Blues Club initiatives.
The 2022 Little Big Blues Festival is shaping up to be a night to remember. The dance floor and stage are set for Nelson to experience live music at its best and feel the real blues vibe.
Tickets can be purchased online through BandAids, with some door sales on the night. For more information about the festival head to Tasman Bay Blues Club Facebook page.
By Susan Allen
