Sad to say, it looks like last year will have been our final visit. It was decided that if there wasn't at least one 'name' on this year, we wouldn't bother. This years line up consists of
Who?????Mazine Brown, Mike Sanchez and the Rhythm and Blues Review, Candye Kane, Ana Popovic, Sam 'bluzman' Taylor, Jeff Achison and the Souldiggers, Big Boy Bloater and his Southside Stompers. Plus over 100 other artists
I've only missed one festival out of the 16 years it's been running, but it's been getting progressively worse each year. We walked out early last year as well, a unanimous decision between the four of us, it was that poor. Some loonie had the bright idea of opening with the Kate Pereira Band, she was fantastic, absolutely spellbinding
but the rest was shocking. What puzzled all of us, was how the crowd were lapping up what was at best, third rate pseudo blues/soul. I know there aren't that many old bluesmen alive/playing now, but the recent acts they've booked are more pub bands than festival quality. I couldn't believe, after the way Kate Pereira blew the place apart last year, that her band wasn't invited back (perhaps split?)Anyhow, it's a sad farewell to what was one of my highlights of the year live music wise
I've had some great times there, heard some fantastic music, but I reckon Burnley Blues Festival is now past it's sell by date.We'll perhaps try Colne instead