FRIDAY 27TH JULY
@ CIVIC CENTRE
Veronica Sbergia & Max De Bernardi passionately play country blues and ragtime, hokum, jug band and rural music from the 20’s and 30’s.
They like to keep this precious musical heritage alive faithfully reproducing its original sound whilst playing it with a modern twist.
Two of the UK’s finest blues artists coming together for a special Uckfield performance, the blues siblings Dani Wilde and Will Wilde will be sharing songs from each of their respective new albums as well as visiting material from their extensive back catalogues. Will’s soulful blues-rock style combined with Dani’s country and gospel tinged approach to the blues makes for a heartwarming and foot-stomping show.
British Blues Award winners Catfish have carved a reputation for themselves as an excellent live band with a phenomenal frontman in 23 year old guitarist/vocalist Matt Long who plays with a real passion for the blues.
SATURDAY 28TH JULY
@CIVIC CENTRE
The Mighty Bosscats are a critically acclaimed 4 piece Americana band from Essex, formed as a vehicle for the prolific song writing talents of Richard Townend. The play nationally and internationally with a far reaching reputation.
Greg Coulson, a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and performer, together with his great band made a sensational impact at our 2017 festival and we are delighted to have him back.
When explosive natural ability collides with fiery, emotionally charged compositions, the result is Aynsley Lister; an incredible guitarist whose brand of blues-based rock delivers contemporary song writing
SUNDAY 29TH JULY
The Highlands Inn – Afternoon session in garden ( free to public )
Elsie Franklin
Small wonder that, still in her teenage years, she has become a performer of astonishing maturity, not only in her interpretations of classic s from the country blues repertoire but also of her stylish original material.
Fran McGillivray and Mike Burke
Fran McGillivray ( vocals & bass guitar) and Mike Burke ( acoustic, electric & resonator guitars, mandola, mandolin & vocals), are an exciting and compelling duo with a strong following on the blues and roots music scene
Crossfire
Crossfire is a four piece blues-based band formed by Marcus Praestgaard-Stevens in July 2017 when he was 13 yrs old. He is this year a UK Blues Award nominee .
The Vincents with Beth Ellwood
The Vincents from West Sussex play a great mix of classic country rock and blues and are just perfect for a summer’s afternoon, think Eddie Cochrane, Ray Charles, Everley Brothers, Eric Clapton, Gene Vincent and much more ……….just great music from some wonderful characters ( including young Dick Middleton who played with Gene Vincent
The Vincents with Beth Ellwood
Local singer Beth Ellwood will be guesting with The Vincents……….Beth, a rare talent who has been performing from a very young age, has a superb voice and has recently been lead vocalist with local band the Luv Nuggets.
Nigel Bagge Band
Smoky vocals, fiery yet sensitive guitar. Toured Europe with Angela Brown & The Mighty 45s appearing at major Festivals in the 1990s & 2000s. Has performed with Peter Green, Chris Farlowe, Miller Anderson and was a founder member of the legendary Nicky Moore’s Blues Corporation.
SUNDAY 29TH JULY
The Highlands Inn – Evening session in restaurant
Grizzly & The Grasshoppers
7.00 PM
Led by Grizzly Rhys Morgan, who recently featured in `Blues in Britain` magazine, he is renowned for his gritty vocals, original music and performances on lap slide guitar. His Grasshoppers include Joe Rideout on bass guitar; and drummer, Jack Usher, formerly with `The King Blues`. The music is Roots and Blues at its foot-stomping best with a touch of Folk and a hint of Traditional Blues!
The Pete Harris Trio
8.00 PM
THE PETE HARRIS TRIO features Pete on vocals, acoustic guitar and slide guitar, Jon Vaughan on harmonica and Dave Sims on percussion. Together they produce a heady and exciting mix of goodtime Blues, Ragtime, Gospel and Americana.
Pete Harris has been active on the South Coast Blues scene for over 35 years.
Heidi Burson Band
9.15 PM
Nashville based R&B soul artist, Heidi Burson, is a performer that only comes around once in a lifetime. Her outstanding performance coupled with her own life experiences and a generous dusting of wry humour, have helped to forge a voice and style that is uniquely arresting. Burson’s stellar vocals, fantastic piano playing and soul based songwriting is deeply inspired by her love and respect for the great soul artists.
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