Blues galore from both sides of the Atlantic

In association with Crawley Blues Club, The Hawth presents the ninth annual Crawley Blues Festival on Saturday October 25, featuring top artists from both sides of the Atlantic.

Spokeswoman Lorraine McGregor said: “The afternoon session will run from 2pm to 5.30pm and features blues and bluegrass from UK slide player John Crampton, Nicky Moore and Danny Kyle’s vocals and subtle acoustic guitar followed by US bluesman Steve James, a great instrumentalist, a prolific composer, and a dynamic stage presence.

“In the evening (7pm to 10.30pm) Del Rey and Adam Franklin get things started with their hot and tasty acoustic blues on guitar and ukulele. British blues singer, guitarist and composer, best known for his work with The Blues Band Dave Kelly follows and The Elevators with four-piece Brass Monkeys complete the night.

“On Monday, October 27, at 7.30pm, five-time Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum-selling blues/rock guitarist, Kenny Wayne Shepherd takes to The Hawth stage. Barely in his 30s, the Louisiana-born guitarist and songsmith has sold millions of albums and singles, shining a light on the rich blues of the past and forging ahead with his own modern twist on a classic sound.

“Blues legend John Mayall returns for his 80th anniversary tour with special guests King King. Sporting the formidable title Godfather of British Blues and an OBE, John Mayall is regarded by many as blues’ most influential artist. These two juggernauts of the blues world are not to be missed on Wednesday, November 19.

“On Tuesday, November 25 you can enjoy a performance from Chuck Farley in a cabaret setting complete with a choice of daily specials, sharing platters and drinks from Café Vita at your table in the Studio. Steve Simpson (guitar/vocals), Sam Kelly (drums), Pete Stroud (bass) and Poli Palmer (vibes) have been making fools of themselves for almost 30 years. Time enough to have learnt to play a song or two properly, you might think. However, they’re still quite capable of taking the audience on a musical white-knuckle ride!

“Widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, Martin Simpson will be in The Hawth Studio for one night only on Sunday, December 14. He has been nominated an astounding 31 times in the 15 years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards including nominations in 2014 for Musician of the Year and Best Album. Whether he’s playing American old-time music, blues, a Dylan song or his own material, Martin Simpson is unpredictable, individual and a guitarist of immense subtlety.

“Next up is Sussex blues/rock band Red Butler, which is making a name for itself following slots on the Paul Jones Radio 2 show, and festivals and gigs up and down the country. They will be playing in The Hawth Studio on Saturday, December 20.”

Tickets on 01293 553636 or click here