line-up 2026

XXII festival santa maria blues

Get ready for an unforgettable blues experience at the XXII Santa Maria Blues Festival, July 16–18, 2026, on Santa Maria Island, Azores! Meet the talented artists bringing soulful sounds in the “Blues Capital of Portugal ®”.

july 16

SIRJO COCCHI & BALTA BORDOY (ITA/SPA)

robbert-duifj-band

The perfect encounter between Mediterranean soul and the overwhelming passion of electric blues. Sirjo Cocchi & Balta Bordoy unite two of the most respected forces on the European circuit: Italian pianist and vocalist Sirjo Cocchi, endowed with an incredibly expressive gospel and soul voice, and virtuous Majorcan guitarist Balta Bordoy, a consecrated master in the secrets of traditional and Chicago blues.

Together on stage, backed by a luxury rhythm section, this lineup creates a perfect symbiosis where the dialogues between keys, guitar, and a deeply soulful voice transport the audience on a journey through the deepest roots of black American music. At Lugar dos Anjos, they promise a concert filled with feeling, elegance, and an electrifying dynamic that will completely win over the XXII edition of Santa Maria Blues.

ITALY/SPAIN
22:30h

WEBSITE

WILL WILDE (ENG)

Dubbed by many as “the Jimi Hendrix of the harmonica,” British artist Will Wilde is revolutionizing how this traditional instrument is perceived in the music world. Wilde elevates the harmonica to a level of intensity and virtuosity rarely seen, blending the soul of traditional blues with the attitude and weight of classic rock.

Repeatedly nominated for the British Blues Awards, his electrifying sound and passionate vocals create a magnetic stage presence. At Lugar dos Anjos, Will Wilde promises to captivate the Azorean public with an energetic, innovative show packed with hard-hitting grooves that will leave no one indifferent.

ENGLAND
00:15h

WEBSITE

DJs FITA DUPLA (POR)

Straight from the island of São Miguel, Fita Dupla is a DJ duo actively performing on the nightlife scene, taking part in clubs and curated events.

This duo has been successfully livening up Azorean nights. As music lovers, together they promise an unforgettable end to the night. Don’t miss it!

 

PORTUGAL
02:00h

WEBSITE

july 17

STEPHEN HULL EXPERIENCE BAND (USA)

Straight from Wisconsin, young prodigy Stephen Hull and his Experience Band are living proof that the blues is younger and more vibrant than ever. Hull, a self-taught guitarist and vocalist influenced by masters like Albert King and B.B. King, has been conquering major American stages with his fluid style, genuine charisma, and contagious optimism.

Backed by a top-tier rhythm section, the band perfectly balances the weight of the blues with the swing of soul and funk. In Santa Maria, this international revelation promises to grip the audience from the very first note, proving that feeling and groove have no age limit.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
22:30h

WEBSITE

CAROLYN WONDERLAND (USA)

Straight from the heart of Texas, Carolyn Wonderland brings the raw power, soul, and virtuosity of authentic Texas Blues to the Island of the Sun. Renowned for her blistering guitar solos and an incredibly powerful voice that echoes legends like Janis Joplin, Carolyn was the first woman to step into the role of lead guitarist for John Mayall’s iconic Bluesbreakers.

With a well-established career at the top of the Billboard charts and worldwide acclaim, her performances are an eruption of energy and emotion. At Santa Maria, Carolyn Wonderland promises to set the main stage on fire with a perfect fusion of blues, rock, and American roots, delivering a memorable concert that will make the Atlantic vibrate.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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 flexible DJ, having performed in various festivals and clubs from the north to the south of the country.

PORTUGAL
02:00h

WEBSITE

july 18

JOHN PRIMER & GILES ROBSON (USA/ENG)

The meeting of two titans, the perfect union between the historic past and the vibrant present of the blues. John Primer is a living legend of Chicago Blues: former guitarist and bandleader for Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and Magic Slim, Primer carries the history and authenticity of traditional South Side blues in every chord.

By his side is British master Giles Robson—the first European harmonica player to sign with the prestigious Alligator Records and a Blues Music Award winner in Memphis. Together, they bring a raw, authentic, and history-steeped concert to Santa Maria, transforming the island into a genuine American blues joint. A must-see moment for purists and new fans alike!

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/ENGLAND
22:30h

WEBSITE JOHN PRIMER
WEBSITE GILES ROBSON

 

THE CINELLI BROTHERS (ITA/ENG)

Acclaimed as one of the most exciting and dynamic names in the new wave of European blues, The Cinelli Brothers combine the electric blues of Chicago and Austin with the warmth of classic 60s and 70s soul. Based in London but formed by Italian brothers Marco and Alessandro Cinelli, the band stands out for their incredible versatility on stage—where musicians frequently swap instruments—and their flawless vocal harmonies.

With a repertoire of critically acclaimed originals and an infectious energy, they promise to bring freshness, elegance, and an engaging rhythm to the festival, turning the venue into a massive dance floor under the Azorean stars.

ITALY/ENGLAND
00:15h

WEBSITE

DJ LATENIGHT (POR)

Lucas Oliver, known as DJ Latenight, is an electronic music producer with a creative approach and renowned collaborations. In charge of closing Saturday night, he will fuse the soul of the blues with electronic beats, creating a unique experience for the Santa Maria Blues Festival.

His innovative style promises an engaging dance. With a talent for captivating crowds, DJ Latenight’s set will keep the energy at its peak, inviting the audience to dance. Don’t miss this electrifying finale!

 

PORTUGAL
02:00h

WEBSITE

NÃO HESITE

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