Bristol's Blues Events

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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

Sell out warning! Fishstock's 15 band miss-at-your-peril annual gathering. Running red on scuzzy DIY power with local queercore heroes the Menstrual Cramps, 2 tone street punk legends Faintest Idea, Redeemon’s singular ska-metal supergroup antics + way way more. Fishstock 2025 at Exchange.

Cumbías chichadélicas! Sublime Latinx space ballads dripping with tropicália passion, spaghetti surf twang and a Chris Isaak cover (or two). Spellbinding sensual stuff FFO: Chicha Libre, LA LOM, Los Bitchos, BALTHVS, Sonido Gallo Negro. Cumbia, Mi Amor w/ Passion Coco at The Jam Jar.

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.

Virtuosic, otherworldly alt-folk from one of the world’s only Welsh triple harpists: Cerys Hafana transmutes traditional Celtic ballads into haunting sonic tapestries, full of cinematic scope and experimental textures. Ancient roots with modern resonance FFO: Lankum, Gwenno, Lisa Knapp, This Is The Kit. Cerys Hafana + Mara Simpson at Strange Brew.

What our editors say

“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

“With three recordings and a robust touring schedule, the two have literally been wowing audiences at venues and festivals since their first shows in 2021. They met earlier while on tour in The Netherlands and have created a sound that is one part blues, one part jazz, one part Americana, and one part bluegrass. There is literally no one else on the scene playing this kind of music. They are a one-off. After virtually every gig they get asked to return for a future engagement.”
From: Brooks Williams & Aaron Catlow

“‘Celestial blues, wrapped in contemporary global grooves’ is how Jonathan Enser -multi-instrumentalist, composer and brass contributor for UK afro-jazz merchants Nubiyan Twist - defines his project MATTERS UNKNOWN.”
From: Matters Unknown + Special Guests

“Cray’s soulful and creative guitar work has been a dominant force in blues for over forty years, widely recognised and acknowledged by peers and audiences alike. A five time Grammy winner, Cray has written or performed with everyone from Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, to John Lee Hooker, becoming one of the most popular artists in blues and soul music in his own right, and helping steer and shape its course along the way.”
From: Out Driving Around Tour 2025