First Aberdeen Blues Festival
The First Aberdeen Blues Festival took place in The Blue Lamp on Saturday Sept.23rd.
After a major glitch with funding the event went ahead thanks to the goodwill of the bands taking part.
Bluebelly, Sliding Delta, The New Bourach Bros, Mr. Spider and PapaMojo all donated their performances for free.
Although the crowd was small they were very appreciative of the music and on the whole the event was well received.
Nice to see Brian McInstray and his wife up from The Smokie Blues lending support.
Lorraine and Barbara worked like trojans selling raffles, serving stovies and chili, running round with the "conscience jar" and in general ensuring that everyone had a good time.
All the bands played their hearts out regardless of crowd numbers at the time.
Bluebelly opened the day turning in a varied couple of sets of entertaining blues, Sliding Delta followed on and Dougie and Lovat produced their usual high standard of Blues Standards.
The New Bourach Bros. were much appreciated, first time I've seen the new lineup, Sandy with his tasteful harp and earthy vocals. PapaMojo followed on alternating 1 hour sets with Mr Spider and having a good time laughing and joking amongst themselves and with the crowd. Mr. Spider closed the night with some real "in your face" Blues. New Bassist Mike slotted in with Neil on drums like he'd been playing with the band for years, Michelles voice just gets stronger and better every time I hear her and John plays some really nice guitar over it all.
I hope to see more of them in Aberdeen and around.
The night finished around midnight after Mr. Spider gave a couple of well deserved encores by popular demand.
We will run this again Next Year, bigger and better.
Lorraine and Michelle(Mr. Spider)
Barbara, Stovies and Customers