Program 2023
Friday August 18th
- 19:00 - 20:15 Thomas Frank Hopper (BE)
- 20:45 - 22:15 Henrik Freischlader Band (DE)
- 22:45 - 00:15 Joe Louis Walker (US)
Saturday August 19th
- 13:30 - 14:30 Luther's (NL)
- 15:00 - 16:00 Muddy What? (DE)
- 16:30 - 17:30 Kyla Brox (UK)
- 18:00 - 19:00 Mark Hummel Band (US)
- 19:30 - 20:45 Jonn Del Toro Richardson (US)
- 21:15 - 22:30 Laurence Jones (UK)
- 23:00 - 00:30 Keeshea Pratt Band (US)
Sunday August 20th
Henrik Freischlader Band (DE)
One of the most successful blues guitarists in Germany is Henrik Freischlader. This 41-year-old strings virtuoso has released 20 albums so far and runs a very busy tour schedule. He’ll bring his new band to Wespelaar to promote his new studio album 'Recorded By Martin Meinshäfer II’.
https://www.henrikfreischlader.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HenrikFreischladerOfficial
Discography:
Recorded by Martin Meinschäfer II (2022)
Missing Pieces (2020)
Henrik Freischlader Band Live (2019)
Hands On The Puzzle (2018)
Who33 (2018)
Joe Louis Walker (US)
Our headliner on Friday is blues giant Joe Louis Walker. The 73-year-old singer/guitarist belongs amongst the best artists of his generation. His soulful voice is very characteristic, and he knows how to bring out the devil on the guitar as well. Musically, he doesn’t limit himself to blues but also integrates soul, gospel, jazz, and funk into his sound. In the beginning of this year, his 29th album ‘Weight Of The World’ got out. Luckily, this living legend doesn’t nowhere near think of calling it quits any time soon.
https://www.joelouiswalker.com
https://www.facebook.com/joelouiswalker
Discography:
Weight Of The World (2023)
Eclectic Electric (2021)
Viva Las Vegas Live (2019)
Journeys to the Heart of the Blues (2018)
Everybody Wants a Piece (2015)
Hornet’s Nest (2014)
Hellfire (2012)
Luther’s (NL)
We invited Luther’s , which is the hottest band at the moment in The Netherlands. Frontman and guitarist Lothar Wijnvoord is already being called the future of Dutch blues. He built his experience with The Muddy Waters Tribute Band and Robbert Fossen Band, having Robbert as a mentor. During the corona period, Lothar and his friends formed Luther’s.
Muddy What? (DE)
Muddy What? is the band that gathers extra visitors whenever passing in The Netherlands and Belgium. This original Munich band won the German Blues Challenge 2021 due to the fresh angle they bring to the blues. Very recognizable to their sound are Fabian Spang’s conjuring voice and show stealing Ina Spang on mandolin and guitar.
https://www.muddywhat.de/
https://www.facebook.com/muddywhat
Discography:
Spider Legs (2022)
Blues For You (2020)
Dancing In The Halls (2019)
Gone from Mississippi (2018)
Kyla Brox (UK)
43-year-old Kyla Brox inherited the blues from her father, British blues legend Victor Brox and played in his band when she was just a teenager. Since 2001, Kyla performs under her own name and has grown to be one of the best soul and blues singers in The United Kingdom. She was recognized internationally when she won the European Blues Challenge in 2019.
https://www.kylabrox.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KylaBroxPage
Discography:
Pain & Glory (2019)
Throw Away Your Blues (2016)
Live At Last (2014)
Grey Sky Blue (2009)
Gone (2007)
Mark Hummel Band (US)
Since the early 70’s, Mark Hummel established himself as a rock steady value in America’s West-Coast blues circuit. He combines his own career as a musician with, amongst other things, organizing harp blowouts and writing books and articles for blues magazines. It’s been a while since the 68-year-old harp virtuoso visited Belgium, so this will be a performance to really look forward to.
https://markhummel.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mark.hummel.399
Discography:
East Bay Blues Vault 1976-1988 (2021)
Wayback Machine (2019)
Harpbreaker (2018)
Golden State Lone Star Revue (2016)
Remembering Little Walter (2013)
Jonn Del Toro Richardson (US)
Jonn Del Toro Richardson is a much-loved artist in the Houston blues scene. This 53-year-old Texan with Mexican roots started his career as a guitarist for Diunna Greenleaf and became a widely celebrated international artist. The lovely Tex-Mex influence is clearly detectable in Del Toro’s guitar play and compositions.
https://www.facebook.com/jonn.richardson
Discography:
Tengo blues (2015)
Drivin’ Me Wild (2013)
Time Slips By (2010)
Laurence Jones (UK)
Little boys grow up and this can certainly be said for Laurence Jones. In 2015, this talented, young guitar player performed at Swing Wespelaar. 8 years later he has developed into one of the most successful British blues rock artists. The press calls him a young Eric Clapton and Laurence has been inducted into the British Blues Hall of Fame at only 31 years old.
https://www.laurencejonesmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/laurencejonesofficial
Discography:
Bad Luck & The Blues (2023)
Destination Unknow (2022)
Laurence Jones Band (2019)
The Truth (2017)
Take Me High (2016)
What’s It Gonna Be (2015)
Temptation (2014)
Keeshea Pratt Band (USA)
Keeshea Pratt isn’t very well known tot the European public yet, but we’re sure this will change after her performance at Blues for the People - Swing Wespelaar. The 2018 International Blues Challenge winning singer is a true performer that can capture many hearts, along with her fine band, blow section included. This band will swing and move! Keeshea Pratt Band is one of the best live bands of the moment.
https://keesheapratt.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089548602680
Discography:
Believe (2018)
Shakedown Tim (BE)
On Sunday, we’ll open with the highly respected Belgian’s own Shakedown Tim. Most people know Tim als one of the co-founders of Fried Bourbon and as an accompanist of Roland Van Campenhout, Gene Taylor and James Harman. We’re excited to see Tim shine with his own band at Wespelaar, bringing some lovely vintage blues from the fifties.
https://shakedowntim.be/
https://www.facebook.com/ShakedownTim
Discography:
Shakedown’s Th’owndown (2018)
Hard To Catch (2016)
Alabama Mike (US)
A singer that makes a big impression in the West-Coast blues scene, is Alabama Mike. Two years ago, this late bloomer was still driving a truck full-time and doing his singing on the side. Now, the 59-year-old blues shouter goes fully for his singing career. We’ll be able to enjoy his soulful voice that brings back memories of Elmore James, Little Johnny Taylor, and a young BB King.
https://alabamamikeblues.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hipyoutomyblues
Discography:
Stuff I’ve Been Through (2023)
Hip You To My Blmues (2019)
Upset the Status Quo (2016)
Tailor Made Blues (2010)
Day To Day (2009)
Shakura S’Aida (CA)
We’re so delighted that Shakura S’Aida is fully back. The beloved Canadian ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Soul’ released another album at the end of last year, after 10 years. A European tour with a stop in Wespelaar couldn’t be avoided to promote this new album. Whether she sings blues, jazz or soul, Shakura really takes you with her into her world.
https://www.shakurasaida.com/
https://www.facebook.com/shakurasaidamusic
Discography:
Hold On To Love (2023)
Time (2012)
Brown Sugar (2010)
Blueprint (2008)
Jose Ramirez Band (CR/US)
Jose Ramirez is one of the hardest working artists in the blues. This Costa Rican left his homeland 8 years ago to chase his dream of becoming a blues musician. He had to fight to own his place amongst the American artists and his star is rising these last couple of years. He reached 2nd place in the IBC in 2020, an Anson Funderburgh produced debut album and a record deal with Chicago label Delmark Records.
https://joseramirezblues.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=759233807
Discography:
Major League Blues (2022)
Here I Come (2020)
Leon Beal & Luca Giordano Band (US/IT)
The Italian Luca Giordano Band is one of the best European backing bands that, amongst others, toured with Chris Cain, JJ Thames, Mighty Mo Rodgers, and Sax Gordon. Luca has also been working with Leon Beal, a soul singer from Florida. Expect some great soul blues from a band of 7 with a strong charismatic soul man.
https://www.facebook.com/leon.beal.7
Discography:
Keep On Pushing (2010)
Romantic Groove (2006)
The Fabulous Thunderbirds (US)
This very special 35th edition of Blues for the People will be crowned by a legendary band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds! This band around harmonica player Kim Wilson, has known their commercial success in renowned Austin blues scene in the 80’s and still has a very large fanbase today. This top band hasn’t been in Europe for quite some years, so don’t miss out!
https://fabulousthunderbirds.com/
https://www.facebook.com/fabulousthunderbirds
Discography:
Strong Like That (2016)
On The Verge (2013)
Painted On (2005)
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