line-up 2024
XX santa maria blues festival
JUly 18
ROBBERT DUIJF BAND (NLD)
Robbert brings his music with a pure, sincere, and passionate voice. In his concerts, he establishes a deep connection with his audience through his messages.
Solo, in a duo with his eldest son Robin, or in a band, he brings us a new vision of blues with a refreshing energy. His music is inspired and influenced by a mix of Gospel and Delta Blues, with a touch of Anglo-American Folk like Charley Patton, Skip James, and Willie Dixon.
Winner of the 12th Edition of the European Blues Challenge 2024, they have recently released the single “Love to See You Cry” and “Change Myself (Vinyl) Jazzism: “That you will happily turn over the LP again.” (2023).
NETHERLANDS
22:30h
WEBSITE
GRINGO'S WASHBOARD BAND (POR)
A Gringo’s Washboard Band is a band that stands out for its passion for traditional New Orleans music. With a sophisticated approach, they incorporate unique elements into their compositions, resulting in a captivating and authentic sound.
The story dates back to 2013 when Guto Krainski, a visionary founder and skilled percussionist, decided to form a band that would celebrate the rich musical culture of New Orleans. The washboard, also known as a tábua de lavar, has its origins in the Afro-American rhythms of the early 20th century and played an important role in the development of New Orleans music. With skill and mastery, Guto brings this unique instrument to life, adding an authentic and vibrant touch to the band’s performances.
It is currently considered the most renowned band in Portugal when it comes to Blues, with a repertoire carefully chosen according to the show they want to deliver. Their joy and fun in execution are just some of the ingredients that make their concerts incredible.
Winners of the 2nd Edition of the Portugal Blues Challenge in 2023, they placed third the following year in the 12th edition of the European Blues Challenge.
PORTUGAL
00:15h
WEBSITE
DJ WISE GUY (POR)
Nuno Melo AKA Wise Guy – His passion for music was born at the turn of the millennium, and since then, he has become an experienced and versatile DJ, having performed at various festivals and nightclubs from north to south of the country.
PORTUGAL
02:00h
WEBSITE
july 19
JUSTINA LEE BROWN (NGA)
Justina Ogunlolu is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.
As a child, she struggled to survive on the streets of Lagos with her teenage mother, and it was music that gave her the strength to overcome her situation of poverty.
Her music is interpreted as Funky Soul Blues, with a fusion of Afrobeat. On stage, Justina exudes a grand strength that makes her authentic. Throughout her performances, she brings us the real magic of her music and her life story, where she has an active voice in the fight against poverty.
In 2019, she released the album “Black & White Feeling,” and in 2023, “Lost Child.”
With her band, Lee Brown, she won the Swiss Blues Challenge in 2019, subsequently reaching the semifinals of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, USA, in 2020. In 2022, she won the European Blues Challenge in Switzerland and was nominated for the Swiss Blues Award in the same year.
NIGERIA
22:30h
WEBSITE
SUGAR BLUE (USA)
James Whiting, born and raised in New York City, is considered the Jimi Hendrix of the Harmonica.
This Grammy winner is not a typical bluesman. He was not raised on a farm in the southern United States, but rather in Harlem, New York. He did not grow up with Blues around him, but he turned this into an advantage for his musical style, creating an ultra-modern Blues. He is considered one of the first pyrotechnics of the harmonica, using electronic effects and circular breathing, which makes his music unique and visionary.
Sugar has played and recorded with artists ranging from Stan Getz, Frank Zappa, and Bob Dylan. Notably, his collaboration with the Rolling Stones on the 1978 album “Some Girls” propelled him to stardom.
In 1985, he received the Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album with “Blues Explosion.” He has a vast discography, with his latest work being “Colours” in 2019.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
00:15h
WEBSITE
DJ HÉLDER F. (POR)
Hélder F., one of the main references on the dance floors of Santa Maria, has always been influenced by good music and musicians. He started playing the drums at the age of 14 and later discovered his passion for DJing. Since then, he has developed his vocation in this area, continuously evolving.
PORTUGAL
02:00h
WEBSITE
july 20
BABA SISSOKO & THE MEDITERRANEAN BLUES (MLI)
Baba Sissoko is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Mali, known for his work with instruments such as the tamani and the ngoni, thus blending elements from his homeland with blues, jazz, and rock.
In his music, there is a significant influence of Amadran, a repetitive and hypnotic musical structure from Mali from which the Blues were born. Baba is known for integrating traditional Malian rhythms and melodies into his songs, creating fantastic musical effects. He was even considered the best African jazz musician in 2018.
MALI
20:00h
WEBSITE
BOBBY RUSH (USA)
Bobby Rush is an artist with unique performance energy and style at the peak of his 90 years. Rolling Stone magazine considers him the “King of the Chitlin’ Circuit” for his frequent touring and the strong vibes transmitted by his concerts.
A highly recognized artist in the Blues scene, he has received 7 Grammy nominations, winning three. His most recent was in 2024, when his album “All My Love For You” won in the category of “Best Traditional Blues Album.” Additionally, Rush has won 13 Blues Music Awards, including B.B. King Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year.
In 2006, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame of the Blues Foundation. In 2007, he released his twenty-second album “Raw,” and won the Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year award at the Blues Music Awards. Bobby was the first bluesman to perform on the Great Wall of China, attracting over 40,000 spectators and earning the title of “Friendship Ambassador to the Great Wall of China.”
Rolling Stone named the 1979 LP “Rush Hour” as one of the 10 best blues albums of the 1970s.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
23:45h
WEBSITE
SARI SCHORR (USA)
Sari Schorr is one of the great stars of rock blues, known for having a voice with a range that spans blues, rock, and soul, with lyrics that evoke passion, courage, and empathy.
As a child with influences from jazz artists, she decided to start singing and taking singing lessons. Although she was encouraged to sing opera due to her vocal range and powerful voice, Sari established her style in the blues. In just 5 years, she was inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame, which earned her great worldwide recognition.
Now, with her band The Engine Room, she shares her message of positivity, hope, and inclusion through her songs in this tour The Future Starts Here.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
01:30h
WEBSITE
DJ SÉRGIO FIGUEIREDO (POR)
“You can’t overdose on music” Cheers to that🍻
Sérgio Figueiredo, his passion for musical art and his good taste, transformed him into a DJ for festivals and themed parties. A confessed lover of Blues/Rock, he brings back the great hits of the past, embracing his fascination with electronic music remixes and conveying all that good energy to the audience.
PORTUGAL
03:15h