Carlisle Blues Festival 2011
New group King Mob feature original Sex Pistols bass guitarist, Glen Matlock, The Pretenders’ drummer, Martin Chambers, and guitar legend, Chris Spedding, who had a massive 1970s hit with Motorbiking and who has played with everyone from Elton John and Paul McCartney to The Bay City Rollers and even The Wombles. Also in the band is Snips who fronted the band Sharks that Andy Fraser formed when Free split. The final member is new young guitar discovery, name of Sixteen.
The band is releasing an album Force 9 on October 31 and make their debut appearance at Carlisle.
So founder, organiser, band booker, manager, tea-boy etc, Mr Nick Westgarth is over the moon, especially having recently received the accolade as one of the six final nominees for Best Festival at this year’s British Blues Awards. The festival didn’t win but being runner up is an incredible achievement for this relatively new event – it being only the fourth ever festival.
Nick says: “2011 is the fifth anniversary and it promises to be the best yet, we probably have the best blues line up in the country this year. I wish we could re-brand the Blues; it’s not what most people imagine when they hear the words ‘the blues’. There’s so much popular music out there that is clearly blues, it’s just that people don’t realise it. We want to celebrate all forms of ‘real’ live music (that is music played by proper musicians on proper instruments, i.e. no computers and no tapes) that has blues influences, in actual fact almost all music originates from blues roots.
“This year we are not just bringing the standard blues stuff; there will be something for everyone, something to appeal to a broader range. I’m sure it will be Carlisle’s best ‘totally live’ weekend in 2011. This isn’t some commercial gig for the radio/TV masses, it’s actually top-quality musicians playing top-quality music,” Nick pointed out.
“As well as home grown Brit talent we have bands from the USA and Europe, people like Greg Wright, a member of Michael Jackson’s touring band at the height of his popularity in the 1980s. There’s also Dire Straits original member, Pick Withers (drummer) in his role with The Gary Fletcher Band, Gary being one of the original members of The Blues Band with Paul Jones (Manfred Mann). Jim Suhler the world-renowned guitarist from George Thorogood and The Destroyers, will appear along with lots more top-quality bands and we have a few surprises as well.”
CARLISLE Blues Festival is at the Swallow Hilltop, under one roof -- an intimate, friendly venue with the blues creating a cracking atmosphere.
Last year was a sell-out and many expecting to buy tickets on the door were disappointed. They are going fast, so don’t delay, get your tickets now.
Buy ON LINE or order through the BOX OFFICE. All info available online at www.carlislebluesfestival.com
KING MOB
Earl Thomas USA with Paddy Milner
Eugene Hideaway Bridges USA
Larry Miller
King King
Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat USA
Paul Lamb & the King Snakes
Gregg Wright USA
The Revolutionaires
24 Pesos
Marcus Malone
The Deadstring Brothers USA
Patrick Sweany USA
Gary Fletcher Band
Dale Storr Band
Robin Bibi
Chris James
Al Hughes
