Burnley Mechanics theatre website

Saturday, April 3rd - 3pm

 

MAIN STAGE

9.45pm MIKE SANCHEZ Band
with special Guests
Big Boy Bloater
Andy Silvester
Claire Johnson
www.mikesanchez.co.uk
 
8.30pm JAMES HUNTER BAND
www.jameshuntermusic.com
 
7pm PAUL JONES AND DAVE KELLY
www.gtamusic.co.uk
 
5.30pm THE STUMBLE
www.thestumble.com
 

FESTIVAL STAGE

2pm Mark Thornley
4pm Gary Harper Band
6pm Backwater Blues
8pm Blues Devils
10pm Chantel McGregor

 

THE STUMBLE

Explosive Chicago blues, exceptional musicianship and excellent stage presence have earned The Stumble a formidable reputation as one of the UK’s most respected blues bands. A fantastic way to start kick start the evening.

PAUL JONES and DAVE KELLY

These long standing co-vocalists with The Blues Band get a big buzz out of taking things down a level, simplifying the music a little, and plying their trade as a duo, thus imbuing their very own personal and individual approaches to a dynamic,  rootsy and exhilarating set of Country Blues. Venues large and small have been hushed and then enraptured by the sense of ‘old times’ in the Mississippi Delta.

JAMES HUNTER

There’s no denying that James Hunter’s musical style harkens back to the days of classic 1950’s and early 1960’s R&B.  What’s remarkable is that the same timeless quality inherent to R&B innovators such as Sam Cooke and Ray Charles can exist in music that is being written, performed and recorded today.  Hunter’s voice is smooth, brilliantly controlled, and unapologetic.  His natural ability as singer, songwriter and guitarist brings added excitement to his music, evidenced by the frenzy he can stir up among hardened gig-goers, old-timers and even the younger hipsters now attending his shows.  About the frenzies, Hunter concludes, “It’s simple really—its music you can groove to.”

MIKE SANCHEZ and GUESTS

Renowned as one of the worlds most exciting and charismatic performers of Rhythm & Blues and Rock 'n' Roll. 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.

A fantastic end to the day, Mike will be joined by Big Boy Bloater, Andy Silvester and Claire Johnson for the best R&B / Rock and Roll party around!

Although the festival main stage will be for one day only all official fringe venues will continue to run from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th April as previous years. A full list of artists and brochure will be available shortly.

 

 

2009 Review

Festival Lifts The Blues Of Recession

The Burnley National Blues Festival has been praised for defying the credit crunch as hotels and pubs enjoyed a packed Easter weekend.

Hotel owners and landlords, many of whom claim this year’s event was the busiest to date, have hailed the festival as a massive success.

The festival, which celebrated its 21st anniversary, saw Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers and Magic Slim and the Teardrops all headline at the Burnley Mechanics over the weekend.

Councillor Gordon Birtwistle, leader of Burnley Council, said it had provided a welcome boost to all businesses. He said, “It has been a very successful festival. And Burnley town centre has been very busy. I know the traders are very grateful for the extra business this weekend especially in the midst of a serious recession. The weather was also really helpful for all those involved.”

Simon Scott owner of the Bridge Bier Huis, on Bank Parade, said, “This festival was the busiest it’s been for the last six years. The pub was packed all weekend. And Sunday was fantastic. Locals really turned out for it, even on Friday, when the weather was not the best.”

Tony Walker manager at the Talbot Hotel, Church Street, said: “It’s been a great success this year. And we are expecting to see a good result when we look at the figures later in the week. People really turned out for the Blues Festival despite the credit crunch. As far as we’re concerned we think it is a great idea, and we want it to continue long into the future.”

Alex Willmott Lancashire Evening Telegraph