15 spaces in Groningen will host this 12th edition of the Blues music festival, on February 29
By Thomas Ansell
Swinging base-lines, skittering drums, gravelly (or soaring) vocals; and some excellent headwear. Expect all of this and more this weekend as the Blues Tour Groningen fills the city centre with the sounds of classic blues, blues-rock, swing blues; west-coast blues, blues & roots; and much more.
15 different bars, restaurants, and spaces will host the bands across the city centre. From the cosy Café Mulder, to the cavernous All Round pool bar, the Blues Tour Groningen has a somewhat ESNS vibe, with bands taking to the stage in all manner of surroundings.
The first edition of the Blues Tour (which is organised by a group of music-lovers from the city), took place in 2009, with just five participating bars and bands. Since then it has grown each year to become a staple on the musical calendar in the city.
Some of our picks would include Juke Joints, an energetic ‘jump blues-rock’ band who almost never use a set-list (Stadscafe Pronk), The Woods, a crowd-pleasing trio that weaves funk throughout their sound (Keldercafé Merlot), and Ralph de Jongh, who is a perennial of the tour (Huis de Beurs). Also make sure not to miss Ed Baker & The Boogie Machine at de Uurwerker if you fancy lighting up the dancefloor.
One of the best ways to experience the Blues Tour is to turn it into a bar-hopping evening, letting the music beckon you from bar to café. Luckily, it is completely free to access, too. The hosting venues will open from around 21:30, and the music goes on until around 01:00.
For more information just head to their website.
Image: Mud Morganfield by Mark Williams via Pixabay
