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Dom Martin is a Belfast born multi award winning artist who burst onto the music scene in 2019

with a unique guitar style and voice, captivating audiences everywhere.

BBC Radio 2 presenter Cerys Matthews - Absolutely wonderful stuff” Classic Rock Magazine - "The Belfast guitarist is a sprawling talent" Walter Trout - "Dom Martin is amazing! A unique, genuine, vital artist"

makingascene.org - "The likes of Dom’s talent only comes around once in a lifetime"

Blues in Britain Magazine - "Now and again you stumble across a rare talent of such sheer genius that you actually wonder whether what you have witnessed can possibly be for real. Dom Martin is one such talent"

Music-News.Com - "Dom Martin is an absolutely fabulous performer"

Rock & Blues Muse - "It’s obvious that Dom Martin is the next rising star in the global roots scene. Jump aboard now before he passes you by"

AWARDS

Instrumentalist of The Year - 2023 UK Blues Awards

Instrumentalist of The Year - 2022 UK Blues Awards

(Inducted into the UK Blues Hall of Fame for his third successive Acoustic Award) Acoustic Act of The Year - 2022 UK Blues Awards

Acoustic Act of The Year - 2021 UK Blues Awards Acoustic Act of The Year - 2020 UK Blues Awards Best Solo/Acoustic Act - European Blues Awards 2019

Dom is fairly unique in that he is an extremely talented multi award winning performer both as a solo acoustic act (Dom Martin) and as a power rock trio (Dom Martin & Band). His ability to perform both shows at large festivals is attractive to festival organisers looking for quality shows for different stages.

This unassuming musician is another fine product of the Belfast music factory responsible for Sir Van Morrison, Gary Moore, Paul Brady, Brian Kennedy, Foy Vance and many more.


Aynsley Lister

Aynsley Lister has been at the top of the Blues scene for over two decades, billed as one of the most exciting contemporary Blues guitarists around today. Known not only for his exceptional guitar playing, he is also a highly regarded songwriter whose passion for music crosses genres, e ffortlessly combining blues, soul, Americana, rock and sometimes even pop elements.

On this tour, Aynsley presents his new studio album “Along For The Ride”, released on November 11th 2022 via his own label Straight Talkin’ Records, which he co-founded with his wife Stephanie. The new release offers 13 songs - stories from everyday life about relationships, loss, feelings and life itself in all its facets, embedded in catchy melodies, rocking r ffs, virtuoso guitar solos and an energetic mixture of modern elements and traditional blues.

Aynsley Lister will be leading his band through a sensational set, performing songs from the highly acclaimed new release, along with fan favourites from the past



In previous years, Chantel stepped out in the pro-musician world and her stunning live performances demonstrated that she had the ability to perform rock for the new age, played by a musician born with an effortless virtuosity. Since then, she has built a loyal and growing fan base who follow her every move.

If you measure an artist’s prospects by the company they keep, then Chantel has been moving in the right direction. Early in her career, Chantel was invited to perform with Joe Bonamassa, on two of his UK tours.

Over the last few years, Chantel has received great reviews of her 5 albums, the last 2 being released during the 2021 Covid lockdown. The ‘Shed Sessions Volumes 1 & 2’ were recorded at home and mixed by Wayne Proctor of Superfly Studios due to the pandemic. They were born out of a weekly livestream which Chantel performed throughout lockdown.

Over lockdown, as well as the 2 albums, Chantel released a rock cover of ‘Stupid Love’ by Lady Gaga and had a track on ‘Gumbo Blues, a tribute to Dr John’, both through Cleopatra Records in the USA. She also released the single ‘I Will See’, which she co-wrote and recorded with David ‘Nova’ Nowakowski (Scars on 45).

Chantel is writing for her next studio album, and is debuting some of the new tracks on her tour which, is taking place throughout the UK. These are one off shows not to be missed. Chantel stated, ‘I’m over the moon to be back out on tour again, the last couple of years have been incredibly tough for everyone in the music industry and it’s just so wonderful to be able to play live music in front of great crowds once again’.


Arthur Brown is synonymous with his 1968 hit “Fire” and the Hammond-driven “Crazy World” line-up which spawned it. However, his ‘God of Hellfire’ burned out fast and, in 1970, he returned with a new project: the prog-festival freak-show Kingdom Come followed by a varied solo career. Those initial four band albums, by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and by Kingdom Come are thrilling, as tend to be Brown’s cameos on other peoples’ projects. 

Best known for his flamboyant theatrical performances and his powerful, wide- ranging operatic voice. He has been a major influence on a wide range of musicians due to his outstanding vocal ability and wild stage persona and concepts. He is considered a pioneer of shock rock and progressive rock and influential on heavy metal music.

He associated with Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Frank Zappa, Hawkwind, Klaus Schultze and Alice Cooper and made a cameo appearance in the cult film “The Committee” and also “Tommy”. His countless collaborations include The Alan Parsons Project, The Stranglers and The Prodigy.

His best-known single “Fire” hit number 1 in the UK singles chart and Canada, and a number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The album “The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown” had top ten success on both sides of the Atlantic. Following “Fire”, the press would often refer to Brown as “The God of Hellfire”, in reference to the opening shouted line of the song.

Arthur shows no signs of stopping or slowing down and continues to record and release hugely inspiring music, including his most recent release “Long, Long Road” (2022) and the launch of his new multi-media show “A Human Perspective”.


Way back in the halcyon days of rock, there came a trio of 'superheroes' known as the Groundhogs, riding the blues boom into unchartered territory, they gained a reputation as one of the most dynamic live acts around, and are influential and inspirational to this day. The classic line-up of Tony McPhee, Ken Pustelnik and Pete Cruickshank toured the world for 6 years straight, including seminal shows with the Rolling Stones, John Lee Hooker, John Mayall and Canned Heat, and at the legendary 1970 Isle of Wight festival along with Jimi Hendrix. In this time they produced 4 renowned albums: 'Blues Obituary', 'Thank Christ for the Bomb', 'Split' and 'Who Will Save the World'...

Now Ken Pustelnik brings you a new and exciting line-up - Groundhogs, playing that classic material with verve and power, and giving performances of energy and excitement that are as fresh and relevant to the modern audience as the originals were back in the day...

The Band

Ken Pustelnik (drums)

Original member of the classic line-up, officially joined in 1967, leaving at the height of their success in 1972 and features on all of the first 5 Groundhogs albums.

Chris D'Avoine (Vocals/Lead Guitar)

Incendiary guitarist of Mean Blue Monsters, Snatch it Back (w/ Ken Pustelnik) and formerly with numerous outfits such as Shiva.

Latch Manghat (Bass)

Heavy and hard-driving bassist of cult British stoner-metal band Gonga, Guitarist/Vocalist of the Rollbars, and producer of numerous artists such as the Heads.

Sol Latif (Lead Guitar)

Long-standing member of the Rollbars, formerly lead guitarist of Lastwind (w/ Ken and Latch), his ability to traverse the intricate and unorthodox sections are unmatched.


THE HITMAN BLUES BAND

The Hitman from New York City and his Hitman Blues Band play original Modern/Alternative Blues and inspired versions of blues classics = blues for the 21st century! The common thread for every tune is the blues - from soulful blues ballads to foot tappin' music to make you want to dance. Powerful vocals, ripping guitar, a solid rhythm section, stirring backing vocals, plus a little humour in the narrative. This is a blues show like no other.

Vocalist, guitarist and and band leader Russell ‘Hitman’ Alexander has New York City in his veins and the blues in his heart, The man in the shades, top hat and sharp suit is playing real blues, informed by 50 years of mastery of New York City’s thousand styles while imitating no one.

The Hitman Blues Band constantly get great album and live reviews, and feature in the top of the blues charts around the world. Their latest album 'Hey Can You Guys Play...' has received superb reviews and they have a new studio album for 2024:

" An album that delivers great pleasure with a genuinely innovative, bold approach that works fabulously. " Blues Matters magazine

“Fine musicianship and strong song writing – a winning formula!” Blues in Britain magazine

“Led by New York guitarist Russell ‘Hitman’ Alexander, Hitman has a striking, charismatic personality and knows how to entertain and put on a show with superb danceable blues and great covers. Born to play and with real personality, as he tells stories, jokes with the crowd, proudly features his excellent band and plays a spiky guitar with great panache and soul. What a find you may think and you’d be right” – Blues Matters magazine.


 

The Milk Men is a band made up from the cream of British R’n’B talent and pedigree.

Bringing together young veterans of the UK’s live music scene. The Milk Men have been tearing up venues and festivals all over the UK with their dynamic live show.

With former Pirate Mike Roberts on drums, Lloyd Green (son of guitar legend Mick Green) on bass guitar, husky blues singer Jamie Smy on vocals, the band is rounded off on guitar by Adam Norsworthy, also know as the singer and guitarist in blues scene mainstays Mustangs.

The band draws its influences from a wide range of classic bands from Dr Feelgood to Fleetwood Mac. Their original music is classic blues rock, but always played with attack, energy, melody and a sense of fun.
The band has released four hugely-acclaimed albums of original material, and their latest and finest album Spin The Bottle saw the band cement their reputation as one of the UK’s premier keepers of the British Blues Rock flame.

The band has headlined major blues festivals all over the UK including Swanage and The Great British Rock & Blues Festival in Skegness. 2023 sees them take their unique brand of catchy blues rock all over the country playing at festivals everywhere from Cornwall to Carlisle. 



OTWAY AND BARRETT

Nearly Free

This magnetic bond still holds after more than 40 years of attempted escapes and still loved for their total in-yer-face originality, the contrast between the dead pan humour of Barrett and mad onstage antics of Otway are hilarious to watch.  John’s lyrical genius and Willy’s outstanding musicianship (he seems to play almost every stringed instrument known to man, plus a few hybrids of his own making!)

Ever keen to add a new dimension to the show, Willy has a new addition to his array of instruments. Beware the Moose Homp!!.

Willy’s interest in making instruments began when he commandeered two guitars made by his dad in 1965. One from an old guitar neck and a scaffold plank which became affectionally known as the Les Dawson, and the other branded the Mk1 Schitstik electric slide of similar pedigree. These instruments were used on many of the early tracks, including Really Free and Racing Cars)

Was the Last Straw Tour of 2017 to be the end? Willy’s remark “this will be the last time that many of you will see us together again” was often hastily misinterpreted as the final throw of the dice, but the reason given “it’s not us packing up, it’s you lot dying off, you know who you are!” is often overlooked by eager scribes. And so the rumours abound.

For any Otway/Barrett virgins out there who don’t know what to expect, be prepared for everything from bare-chested theremin playing to wah wah wheelie bin as the duo jump from one hit and 40 near misses to another:  An amazing and irreverent performance by two master entertainers.


A 3-piece band from Birmingham, use Riff based Melodic Blues Rock from a reservoir of influences, including Beatles, Cream, Zeppelin, Brit Pop 90’s, more recently Rival Sons and Vintage Trouble, to create their memorable sound. Their songs are delivered by three accomplished musicians, fronted with stunning vocals. All backed up with impressive gig experience, stage presence and great songs. They play top venues and festivals in the major cities of the UK and further afield including two tours of NYC’s Greenwich Village and Manhattan. They are equally happy doing stripped down acoustic or fullblown electric gigs Their most prestigious performances have been on the Main Music Stage @ F1 British Grand Prix Silverstone, twice, and tours / gigs with Dirty Thrills, Steve Conte (NY Dolls), Skid Row, Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy), Von Hertzen Brothers, Virginmarys, Cats in Space, King King, Daxx & Roxane, Kris Barras, The Record Company, Sari Schorr and Chantel McGregor. Main support to Toploader @ Rhuddfest and main stage slot @ Evoke Festival Brentwood. The quirkiest was The Tramlines Festival Sheffield, acoustic on a moving Tram.


True Strays are lifelong friends, songwriters and country boys – Joseph James and James Cameron – from Bristol, England who are fast carving out a niche of their own in the UK Americana scene. Their music is a cathartic celebration of alternative roots americana and blues rock.

Their songs focus on the dirt that life throws at you and how struggle can be transformed into something better. The prolific songwriting duo draw influences from classic sounds such as Neil Young, Muddy Waters, Fleetwood Mac and modern retro inspired acts like Alabama Shakes, Gary Clark Jr and the Black Keys.

From the rock and roll circumstances of their first meeting, in a sand pit in playgroup 30 odd years ago, they have completed countless UK tours, supported bands as diverse as My Baby and Elles Bailey, been jump started by Keith Allen, played by BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 4, played their first European dates, survived 70+ festival shows at prestigious festivals like Green Man, Boom Town, Larmer Tree and Shambala and have been featured on the Spotify’s Nu-Blue and Modern Blues Rock playlists.

2021 sees a year’s hard work behind the scenes coming to fruition. A recent invite to showcase at the prestigious UK AmericanaFest, a debut album and a performance at Black Deer Festival all on the horizon. With or without live shows, True Strays are not giving up on their musical calling.


Alice Armstrong is a multi-award nominated singer-songwriter and entertainer from Surrey, UK, known for her impressive vocal range, dynamic songwriting and unmatched stage presence. Her voice and songs vary widely in emotional tone and are a common addition to Joe Bonamassa’s personal Spotify playlists.

An Alice Armstrong show promises a soulful, genre-busting performance packed with world class musicianship and wry British repartee. Her personal and provocative content is heavily infused with soul, blues, funk, rock and jazz, and is served with an enigmatic performance reminiscent of the likes of B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Janis Joplin and Tina Turner (with a touch of Maria Callas), leaving the awed audience laughing, crying and tapping their feet in equal measure. 


James Oliver has already rubbed shoulders with many of the greats of the guitar firmament. Now, having recorded three vital, very contemporary albums with his band Glas, he is preparing to write a new chapter of not only his career but also Welsh music history.

His progress since forming Glas in early 2012 has been steady rather than spectacular, playing every gig in the Valleys before expanding horizons beyond. See him on stage, though, and spectacular is very much the word. Little wonder the late, great Deke Leonard of Man/Iceberg fame was moved to say that ‘Speaking as a guitarist, James Oliver scares the hell out of me.’ Taff Williams and Tweke Lewis, who have played with him, were similarly impressed.

Oliver’s propulsive guitar won Glas an invitation to play the prestigious Monaghan Blues Festival in Ireland – the first Welsh act to do so – while other festivals at Tenby and Colne soon followed. His rootsy, Fender-fuelled music has been heard supporting the likes of Albert Lee . Bill Kirchen,and, only this year, Played London’s legendary 100 Club. Former Love Sculpture/Dave Edmunds bassist John David has worked with Jamesin the studio, further enhancing a more than respectable CV.

As music business veterans will tell you, success is 10 per cent inspiration and 90 per cent perspiration. As he enters the next stage of his career, James Oliver has a track record that shows he will not allow an ounce of his talents to be wasted. And with new musicians to interact with, chances are the music in store will exhibit hitherto unheard dimensions to delight his growing army of fans. Blues, rock a billy, rock and country…it’s all here in one explosive pickin’ package.


Over a decade ago Backbone Blues Band’s story began in a field. Two bandmates having a beer and talking music at the Blues on the Farm festival. ‘My sister’s been going to the King Biscuit Festival for years’ says one. ‘We should go!’

Later that year the fledgling band made its first trip to the Mississippi Delta, cementing a love for the music and firing a desire to make Backbone a band that plays the blues in its own style - faithful to the genre but distinctive and entertaining in its delivery. More than ten years on, and with as many trips to the Biscuit in that time, the band has earned friends and plaudits both sides of the Atlantic.

Their fourth album, ‘old new borrowed blues’, enjoyed extensive radio coverage on blues shows and was extremely well received. Something of a watershed recording, it represents an homage to much missed lead singer Duncan Highet, whose passing left the band mourning the loss of a great friend. It also signposted the band’s way forward, with guitarist Tony Seaman stepping in to the lead vocal role, and new members Luke (Duncan’s son) on bass, and guitarist Martin Spellman bringing their own talents to the Backbone sound. Steve Pearce on keys and Martin Jezzard on drums complete the band personnel.

This year’s trip to the Delta sees the band making their second main stage appearance at the Biscuit - we believe the only non-US band to have played the festival more than once - and includes a return to Morgan Freeman’s iconic Ground Zero blues club in Clarksdale, where the band’s performances have enjoyed an enthusiastic following.

In the U.K. the band have built a reputation for delivering their blues in an entertaining and engaging style, with performances at a number of festivals and blues clubs, including the award-winning Tuesday Blues at the 100 Club. They’re already booked for the Looe festival on their return from the States, and for Blackpool’s inaugural blues festival in early ‘24. Catch them if you can, live or on record - you’ll like what you hear!


LONG ROAD HOME has years of collective touring and recording experience going back to the ’70s.They have their roots firmly planted in the blues rock prog genre and have created their own sound amalgamating various musical styles. The unplugged version of LONG ROAD HOME features Rien de Faire guitarist Steve Summers and vocalist Mike Sebbage plus former Larry Miller band and Storm Warning bassist Derek White.  The band will be releasing their debut album this summer.

 

 

 

 


Raw power country, blues, southern rock and Americana delivered by four highly experienced and dedicated musicians. A decade of touring the UK and the EU, to celebrate the band's 10th year, they are looking to tour new and old venues nationwide. Since a young age, in his native South Yorkshire, Tom has been hailed a guitar prodigy.With high profile support slots including Dr. Feelgood, Danny Bryant, Lawrence Jones, as well his own headline shows and major rock, blues and country festivals across the UK and EU.

Described as an all round performer, whose skills are beyond his years, with nods to rock, blues, country and Americana, with southern soul infused in its core. The live performances are delivered with passion, heartfelt soul drenched musicianship and explosive drive, with guitar firepower. “If you see Killner listed as playing in your town or city anytime soon, go and see him – I know I will”

Since forming the band, Tom has recorded three albums, two studio albums, a live album and an EP. This on top of appearing on recordings with Dr. John, Iggy Pop, Jeff Beck, Gary Moore.

The 2018 album Get Back Up was described as the album that bigger names spend most of their career working towards, fresh, vital, intense, soulful and rock hard. Hard Road, released in 2015, described as a retro sounding blues rock album with southern influence, interspersed with passionate playing from Tom and the band.

Giants of Rock reviewer, festivals for all, said he had witnessed one of the best sets he could remember for a long time. Tom's throaty vocals were not only tremendous but incredible, with exceptional guitar playing. Slide guitar, and “honky tonk” returns from the keys player Wes, was a thing of beauty. In such hallowed company, to be picked as one of the FFA sets of the festival is simply an indication of the quality of the talented musicianship.

SOLID ENTERTAINMENTS Presents... UK BLUES FESTIVAL