ASHBURTON BLUES FESTIVAL 2010

FRIDAY 28 MAY, SATURDAY 29 MAY, SUNDAY 30 MAY

MAIN HEADLINER TO BE ANNOUNCED
For contractual reasons the identity of the main headliner for Saturday May 29 cannot be revealed until the end of February. All that can be said is that he is a major figure in British Blues, and is a great coup to be able to get him to play at the Ashburton Blues Festival.
His name will be revealed as soon as is legally possible!


MIKE SANCHEZ AND HIS BIG BAND!! HEADLINE, SUNDAY

British singer, pianist and guitarist Mike Sanchez is one of the most exciting and charismatic performers of Rhythm & Blues and Rock 'n' Roll in the world today. His indelible image as a frenetic front man, pumping powerful boogie-woogie from the piano in a soaking suit, has won him fans from all over the world and attracted a following from many famous rock and blues legends who have lined up to work with him.

Mike spent four years as a full-time member of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, fronting the band alongside Georgie Fame, Beverly Skeete, Albert Lee, Andy Fairweather-Low and Eddie Floyd on their annual world tours.

In December 07 Mike was invited to appear as a guest vocalist with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings at one of the most publicised musical events of the year - the final Led Zeppelin reunion at London's O2 Arena. Mike performed alongside such soul legends as Ben E King, Percy Sledge and Sam Moore.

Mike's 50's Rock-a-Boogie clothes and trademark Brylcreemed quiff are as much a hallmark as his electrifying stage performance.

BIG MAC'S WHOLLY SOUL BAND! HEADLINING, FRIDAY

They appeared in 2009 as support, and were so fab they were rebooked for this year as headliners.

A full ten piece band, great brass section, gorgeous girl backing singers, driving rhythm section and the pint sized powerhouse himself-Big Mac -on lead vocals.

It's impossible to sit down or stay still when they play Stax, Motown, James Brown....big, brassy..soul music at its finest....Big Mac's play like their lives depend on it!

JOHN WHITEHILL!!SUPPORT, SATURDAY

After 20 years on the road as Paul Lamb's guitarist, John took a career-break and retreated to his native Ashington, but he's been persuaded to dust off his Strat and head for Ashburton!

Winner in 1997 of Blues Guitar Player of the Year, John's heroes are BB King, Albert and Freddy King, T Bone Walker, Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, and .............Peter Green!

Here's a rare chance to hear one one of the sweetest, most sensitive guitarist in the UK.

THOMAS FORD & THE DIRTY HARMONYS !! SUPPORT, FRIDAY

Thomas Ford & the Dirty Harmonys are a six piece led by 24 year old Thomas Ford, featuring Vince Lee and Al Wallis of 'The Wildcards'. The line-up is completed by Thomas' brother Timmy Langsford (drums), his sister Becca Langsford (vocals) and longtime musical companion Junior Pearson on saxophone and keys.

Dirty slide, Delta growl and delicious harmonica. If you like blues-soaked rock and roll oozing with soul, you're gonna love this band!

CHICAGO RED !! SUPPORT SUNDAY

Like the classic Otis Spann song, Chicago Red came up the "Hard Way." Born in 1955 on Chicago’s West Side, Red's grandfather, Sol "Kid Willis" Weisman was a prizefighter when Jack Johnson was champ.
One of Red's fondest memories is when his Dad took him to hear and meet Louis Armstrong and Count Basie. There were also stories about Jack Teagarden playing on the West Side with smoke literally coming out of his horn. Blues music was everywhere.

Living in a Boy's Home in Chicago in the sixties and early seventies, Red first saw Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters and the music connected with him emotionally. He felt something in the sound and the words deep inside and started to play the guitar and sing. His first guitar was a used Harmony from Sears. He paid $10.00 for it. He still plays a vintage 1960 Harmony Patrician, made in Chicago.

Red admits that the blues can be learned, but in its purest and most honest form it only comes through the pain of life and living.

Here's a treasure of a musician keeping the true tradition of the Blues alive.

TOM BALL & KENNY SULTAN !! SUPPORT, SATURDAY

Also from the USA, Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan have been playing their unique blend of guitar and harmonica blues, rags and good time music for more than 25 years. Their live performances include concerts, clubs and festivals all over the world, and they were the only musical act in America to play all four venues of the 1984 Olympic Games.

Over the years they have shared the stage with some of the very best, including the likes of Luther Allison, The Allman Brothers, The Beach Boys, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Ray Charles, Clifton Chenier, Ry Cooder, Albert Collins, James Cotton, Robert Cray, Bo Diddley, Willie Dixon, Bob Dylan, Etta James, Albert King, B.B. King, Taj Mahal, Brownie McGhee, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Junior Wells, and many, many more...

STOMPIN' DAVE'S ELECTRIC BAND !! SUPPORT, FRIDAY

Stompin' Dave first appeared at The Ashburton Blues Festival in 2009, busking outside the Town Hall. Now he's back on the Main Stage with his full band line-up. He rocked the Town last year, and he's sure to do the same this time around!

SMOKESTACK !! SUPPORT, SATURDAY

The third year at the Festival for the Chicago 50's style blues masters. Each year they've hit the stage running, and never let up. A sure-fire guarantee of a hot time! Honking harp, wailing guitars and three great singers.

DENNY ILETT QUARTET, FEATURING ANDY WILLIAMSON !! SUPPORT, SUNDAY

Bristol based Denny Ilett is teaming up with top sax man Andy Williamson especially for the Festival, to pay tribute to the music of T-Bone Walker. Sweet jazzy blues.

MIKE MARKEY & NICK JONES !! SUPPORT, SUNDAY

Mike Markey (harmonica and vocals) and Nick Jones (guitars) are an acoustic blues duo from South Wales. These guys look and sound the part. Man-mountain Mike sports a dark suit and fedora hat, the smaller, dapper Jones totes a brilliantly shining National guitar . Markey has an authentic blues voice, deep, resonant and convincing. Jones is an accomplished finger picker and a superb slide guitar player.

THE KING ROOSTERS !! SUPPORT, FRIDAY

A Devon-based three piece with real attitude, who belt out a potent mix of RnB and Blues Rock.

IN ADDITION TO THE BANDS APPEARING ON THE MAIN STAGE (ASHBURTON TOWN HALL) THERE ARE FRINGE GIGS ALL OVER TOWN DURING THE WEEKEND. LOCATIONS AND TIMINGS TO BE ANNOUNCED

ASHBURTON is an ancient DARTMOOR STANNARY TOWN, bursting with fascinating history, and set in beautiful surroundings just off the A38.
It has a wide range of Hotels, B&B's, campsites, and superb restaurants, plus pubs, cafes, pizzerias, wine bars, and coffee-shops to indulge in. There are numerous antique shops, excellent local food to sample, a nationally recognised RESTAURANT, and FISH DELI, and a wide variety of things to do and see.

You can find out more about ASHBURTON by looking on the LINKS section.

This also gives full details of how to get here, Hotels, B&Bs, campsites, etc..

(programme may be subject to change)















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