Swanage Blues Festival kicks off today (From Bournemouth Echo)

Swanage Blues Festival kicks off today

1:24pm Friday 1st March 2013 in News By Jim Durkin

MUSIC fans have been arriving in Swanage for the town’s blues festival that starts today.

Swanage Blues Festival, a firm favourite on the blues calendar, kicks off at 2pm in the Red Lion pub with the first of many open mic sessions.

Organiser Steve Darrington told the Daily Echo: “We cannot be certain about numbers but I can tell you that we’ve already had to have some extra programmes printed.

“None of the performers have pulled out and all aspects of the organisation have been running smoothly. The weather could be a bit better, but it isn’t really a problem as all the venues are inside.”

The three-day event usually attracts an international audience. Among the fan’s favourites are the street buskers who appear at Swanage railway station.

Performers strutting their stuff this year include the Riotous Brothers, the Robin Bibi Band, Blues Machine, The Smokin’ Benny Brown Band, Zoe Schwarz and Blue Commotion.

Central to the event’s laid-back atmosphere is the chance for aspiring performers to play alongside established musicians, such as Robin Bibi, at the festival’s ‘Electric Jams’.

There are also open mic sessions with Johnny Sharp & Martin Froud, and Stan’s Blues Jamboree as well.

Steve Darrington – who has played on more than 50 albums – is also a regular performer at the event.

An event spokesman explained: “Regular fans love the friendly atmosphere and the wide range of electric and acoustic music available in the pubs, restaurants and hotel bars – 10 of which are close by in the High Street.

“To see many of the bands elsewhere can cost £10 a gig. But here, purchase of a single £10 weekend wristband ensures a warm welcome at 60 gigs in 15 indoor venues.

For information and wristband booking visit Swanage-blues.org.