FRIDAY 16th AUGUST
The BluesbONES
The BluesBones, a blues-rock band that has been making furore on the international music scene since their formation in 2011. With a sound rooted in the blues but incorporating elements of rock, soul and funk, the band has developed a loyal fan base. They received praise for their powerful live performances and albums.
The band has risen to the European top after winning the Belgian Blues Challenge and 2nd place at the European Blues Challenge. Almost every weekend, they travel far and wide for their gigs. Due to high demand abroad, they are playing less in Belgium this year, so be sure to take advantage of one of their few gigs in our country! A homecoming show!
FRIDAY 16th AUGUST
19:00 – 20:15
Monster Mike Welch
The hugely popular Monster Mike Welch has been around on the international blues scene for almost 30 years. He was nicknamed ‘Monster Mike’ by actor/Ghostbuster Dan Aykroyd, who saw him play as a 13-year-old prodigy. In addition to a successful solo career, he was guitarist with Sugar Ray and the Bluetones for 15 years. He left that formation in 2017 to focus on his collaboration with Mike Ledbetter, which within the year led to 7 Blues Music Award nominations and the formation of the Welch Ledbetter Connection.
It is an open secret that Mike went through a difficult period due to his long covid illness and the sudden death of singer/soulmate Ledbetter. Last year, he regained the desire to focus on his solo career and released the wonderful album ‘Nothing but Time’. We are sure the reborn Mike Welch can expect a warm welcome from our Wespelaar audience!
FRIDAY 16th AUGUST
20:45 – 22:15
Delta Generators
The Delta Generators (Boston) have built an impressive reputation since their debut in 2008. They combine various genres including blues, roots, R&B, Americana and rock, resulting in a unique sound.
Their imposing frontman Brian Templeton was also wildly popular in our area in the 1990s with The Radio Kings. Brothers Charlie and Rick O’Neal got their first breakthrough in their late teenage years when they toured and played in recordings for Ben Orr (former member of The Cars). Drummer Jeff Armstrong and guitarist Charlie also play with Anthony Geraci and the Boston Blues All-Stars. This just to indicate that we are dealing with top-notch musicians. In Wespelaar, this band makes their debut in Belgium. Since they played Moulin Blues flat last year, our audience will also be dazzled.
FRIDAY 16th AUGUST
22:45 – 00:15
SATURDAY 17TH AUGUST
No King
Regular visitors know that we like to give chances to young Dutch bands. After Dave Warmerdam Band, Gumbo Kings and Luther’s, we have scouted a new band ready to grow into a solid name in the Benelux. No King is a young band with roots in the east of the Netherlands, and was brought together by Phil Bee (Winner ‘The Voice Senior 2021’/King Mo). Tight blues is interspersed with solid blues rock, played with funky influences. Their line-up includes a singing Hammond player, a virtuoso guitarist and a solid rhythm section.
The ideal time to introduce these top musicians to our little country of Belgium, and rest assured they will be eager to make a name for themselves here too.
SATURDAY 17th AUGUST
13:30 – 14:30
ROBBERT DUIJF BAND
As a member of the European Blues Union (EBU), we always try to invite the winner of the European Blues Challenge to our festival. Our northern neighbours have scored very well on this challenge in recent years and this year’s deserved winner was Robbert Duijf Band. With its gospel blues, the band completely overwhelmed the venue in Braga, Portugal, and the trio received a standing ovation. The Dutchmen perform a mix of old-fashioned delta blues, gospel and the 1960s British-American folk revival. Robbert and his band have not played too often in Belgium yet, but that is definitely going to change.
SATURDAY 17th AUGUST
15:00 – 16:00
ALICE ARMSTRONG
Alice Armstrong is a young British singer who has been nominated several times for a UK Bluesaward. Now she is set to conquer Europe. Alice is a symbol of girlpower! Her assets are her impressive vocal range, personal lyrics and enormous stage presence. Her band consists of top musicians who earned their spurs with Catfish, Stevie Watts and Krissy Matthews band. Musically, Alice draws inspiration from strapping madams such as Koko Taylor, Beth Hart, Janis Joplin and Tina Turner. She likes to mix blues with soul, funk, rock, country and jazz. Pre-covid she toured Europe with her previous band Crossfire, but under her own name, the Wespelaar gig will be her Belgian debut.
SATURDAY 17th AUGUST
16:30 – 17:30
The Zac Schulze Gang
The Zac Schulze Gang, formed in Gillingham UK in 2020, has built a reputation as one of the hardest working bands in the UK. Frontman Zac Schulze (guitarist and vocalist), his brother Ben Schulze (drummer) and Ant Greenwell (bass) create a blistering mix of blues and rock. The band members have made their mark on the UK pub and club circuit and are now a regular at festivals across the UK and Europe. In 2023, they were nominated for three awards at the UK Blues Awards, giving worldwide recognition to their talent and high energy.
Their music is steeped in love for 20th-century artists, resulting in blazing, worked-up blues rock. These young guys were invited to Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar festival just last year, and they also played the roof off at the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival in Ballyshannon.
SATURDAY 17th AUGUST
18:00 – 19:00
KING KING
King King originated in 2008 as a side project of Alan Nimmo, 1 of the 2 brothers of The Nimmo Brothers. King King is a synonym for great music, excellent craftsmanship and a great show.
The biggest strength of this band is that the Scottish rockers bare their soul on stage: lived-in vocals, screaming guitars in solid rock songs and subtle solos in their slow-blues songs.
King King survived the lockdown and was joined by Alan’s brother Stevie Nimmo, who brings a new dimension to the band as singer and guitarist. The Belgian and Dutch club tour in April was a great success and we are proud to bring the brothers back to Wespelaar after 10 years.
SATURDAY 17th AUGUST
19:30 – 20:45
Stephen Hull
25-year-old Stephen Hull is one of the rising stars in the blues clubs in Chicago. At 14, Stephen, who is originally from Racine, Wisconsin, started playing guitar. During the corona period, he started making a name for himself during the live streams of Rosa’s Lounge blues club. After that, things went fast for him: he got a spot on the mainstage of the Chicago Blues Festival last year and in January this year he was 2nd at the International Blues Challenge. There, he was also awarded best guitarist. Stephen’s biggest inspirations are Albert and BB King. Soulful Texas blues, traditional Chicago blues combined with his flamboyant look make him shine on stage.
SATURDAY 17th AUGUST
21:15 – 22:30
DEXTER ALLEN
We wrap up our Saturday with Dexter Allen. This artist is not yet a big name in Europe, but a popular guest in his home country, with regular club gigs in Jackson and Clarksdale. He is also an established performer at the bigger festivals. Dexter started playing bass guitar with his father’s gospel group as a 12-year-old, resulting in a beautiful soul voice. He was later discovered by Bobby Rush, with whom he started as lead guitarist. In 2008, Dexter focused on his own career and made his debut album. This year, he won a Grammy award as producer of Bobby Rush’s latest album ‘All My Love For You’. Despite the awards for his studio work, on stage he feels at home. He is an entertainer, who knows how to put on a show without losing sight of musicality. After his performance, you will understand why we flew him over exclusively.
SATURDAY 17th AUGUST
23:00 – 00:30
SUNDAY 18TH AUGUST
Barwalker Louis
Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know Barwalker Louis yet. This formation is the brand new project of saxophonist André de Laat. With Barwalker Louis, the Antwerp native who is known from The Electrophonics, Sebi Lee and Solomon Burke wants to revive the music of his great example Big Jay McNeely. Big Jay was the ‘King of the Honkers’ and created an energetic R&B style in the late 1940s that was known for his ripping, swinging sax-customers. André is surrounded by a dream team, featuring top musicians from the low lands. With an energetic sound, this performance is guaranteed to be a party! A small forecast: in the coming years, this will become one of the most requested party bands in the low lands.
SUNDAY 18th AUGUST
13:30 – 14:30
MARLON PICHEL
Marlon Pichel was 9 years old when he first took to the stage. With a very musical bloodline, he was introduced to music at a young age, destined to make his entrance into the music scene.
Marlon Pichel returns to his musical roots: Soul and Rock ‘n Roll. His musical influences: giants like Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett. Listeners will be catapulted back to the 60s and 70s, where the STAX sound awaits them!
SUNDAY 18th AUGUST
15:00 – 16:15
RJ Mischo & Franck Goldwasser
RJ Mischo is considered one of the very best harmonica players by critics and fans worldwide. It was in 1992 that RJ caught the attention of blues fans with the release of ‘Ready to go’. This album now has cult status among collectors. On this tour, he will be joined by guitarist Franck Goldwasser, who also has more than 40 years of experience in the US Westcoast blues genre. A well-respected guitarist who has played with all of California’s top artists in his career. These blues veterans are a must-see!
SUNDAY 18th AUGUST
16:45 – 18:00
Solomon Hicks
Solomon Hicks, also known as King Solomon Hicks, is a 28-year-old guitar phenomenon from New York City. He started playing guitar at the age of 6, absorbing the various musical styles he heard in his hometown, Harlem. With his pure blues, this charismatic fellow is one of the torchbearers for the future generation of blues musicians. He tours all over the world and has already shared the stage with the likes of Buddy Guy, Samantha Fish, Tony Bennett, Jef Beck and Mavis Staples. His latest album ‘Harlem’ won him the Blues Music Award as ‘Best Emerging Artist’. Solomon has deep roots in the blues, but also manages to put a modern, melodic twist on his songs, which makes him unique.
SUNDAY 18th AUGUST
18:30 – 19:45
Dawn Tyler Watson & Ben Racine Band
Multi-award-winning Dawn Tyler Watson has earned her place among the international blues elite. Her fiery stage presence and compelling performances have earned her national and worldwide recognition. She teams up with the seven-piece killer band led by award-winning guitarist Ben Racine. This power woman took home the the highly desirable first prize at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2017. Expect a sound infused with jazz, soul, rock and gospel, on to a whole new blues dimension.
SUNDAY 18th AUGUST
20:15 – 21:30
ROBBEN FORD
We finish with living legend Robben Ford, one of the most unique blues guitarists of all time. He is maestro of the blues, with side-steps to jazz, rock and soul. Robben’s first choice as an instrument was the saxophone which he played for years. When he was 13, he discovered a new love: the guitar.
In the course of his career, he played with Jimmy Witherspoon, George Harrison, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan and many other top artists. With his own albums, he managed to secure 5 Grammy nominations. Expect a virtuoso, who brings music with his heart and soul.
SUNDAY 18th AUGUST
22:00 – 23:30
