Bristol's Blues Events

upcoming gig

Bristol's Blues Scene

Is blues music under-represented in Bristol?

While other American-originated music like funk and soul enjoy a huge number of acts and dedicated venues, where is the home of blues in Bristol? With its roots in the oppression of the black peoples of America, blues was transplanted over to the UK via white rock acts like the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. A quick browse of blues played on the BBC recently and tyhe Guardian’s list of the best blues festivals show some support for nearby Bath, but nothing for blues in Bristol. This begs the question: who will lead the new blues revival in Bristol?

Blues gigs in Bristol are found in pretty consistent venues with places like The Prom and the Thunderbolt popular live blues spots. Generally blues-rock seems more prominent in Bristol than traditional rhythm and blues bands or delta blues singers, although there is some really interesting stuff out there. Other venues to check for blues include the Cori Tap in Clifton and the Blue Lagoon on Gloucester Rd.

It's always worth looking at what's on at the Canteen in Bristol whose listings vary in style but are usually consistently high in quality - some potential blues gems there...

Buy tickets for blues events in Bristol

Our recent blues recommendations

Free entry! Revival-style Celtic balladry melds with velvety Americana in the hands of former Green Man Rising winners the Eve Appleton Band. Their lush layered harmonies and intricate proggy arrangements ooze with graceful warmth; art folk at its best FFO: The Weather Station, Laura Marling, The Staves, First Aid Kit. Eve Appleton Band at The Canteen.

Astral afro-jazz and urban soul swoon from Nubiyan Twist’s trumpet wizz Jonathan Enser. Vibrant and diverse touchpoints from Verve latin jazz to anti-colonial rap to UK broken beat, all wrapped in swirling electronic flourishes and surprising turns. An irresistible melting pot FFO: Ezra Collective, Nubya Garcia, Fela Kuti, J Dilla, Archie Shepp, Hermeto Pascoal. Matters Unknown + t l k at Strange Brew.

Incomparable alien balladry taking the fragile beauty of Arthur Russell, Nick Drake or Chet Baker and pairing it with singular guitar gurgles and synth wheezes. Eric Chenaux’s a must-see astral treasure. An exciting double header exploring experimental expressions of the ballad form

Worlds collide as you get steeped in the Moroccan Gnawa musical tradition from a true master. Mohamed Errebbaa leads his 7-piece band through winding polyrhythms charged with the healing trance of Sufi mysticism. Hypnotic Gnawa grooves meet high-energy trance rhythms. Mohamed Errebbaa & Tagna Groove bring ancient traditions alive in a deep, powerful live show. Full band. Two sets. Pure spirit.

More Photos of Bristol's Blues Events

What our editors say

“Blending the soul of traditional West African music with gritty blues riffs, psychedelic rock energy, and Latin grooves, Vieux’s live shows are a high-octane celebration — a wild, rhythmic journey that starts in Mali and moves the world.”
From: Vieux Farka Toure

“Chris Smither, truly an American original, has been honing his synthesis of folk and blues for over 50 years and is heading to Bristol Beacon to perform music from his vast musical catalogue.”
From: BettySoo

“Larkin Poe, the dynamic sister duo known for their electrifying blend of Southern rock, blues, and Americana, emerges once again onto the musical landscape with their eagerly anticipated album, Bloom.”
From: The Bloom Tour

“In support will be THE ASHEN KEYS, a multi instrumental, multi voiced celebration of heartfelt storytelling from Kent. Their sound tells of influences from folk, blues, pop, classical and even early music. Expect to be taken on a journey through dark folk tales, bittersweet love stories and reveries on nature, all with exquisite vocal harmonies and unique instrumentation.”
From: The Shackleton Trio + The Ashen Keys

“Fedora-wearing blues-rock guitarist Jack J Hutchinson’s brand new album ‘Battles’ builds on the momentum gained having shared bills across the planet with bands including Blackberry Smoke, Jeff Beck and King King.”
From: Jack J Hutchinson