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

Saharan rocker Bombino swings through town with his desert blues, conjuring communal dance atmospheres and fractal fretboard shred. Part of the golden generation of Tuareg guitarists; his instrument plays like a motorcycle racing down a mountain of reggae-inflected rhythms, leaving slack-jawed axeman enthusiasts in his wake. Essential FFO: Mdou Moctar, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Dirty Projectors, fuzzboxes. Bombino - UK Tour + Paulo Fernandez at The Old Market Assembly.

Sell out warning! Activist, comedian and radical troubadour Grace Petrie brings her unique brand of fist-in-the-air protest folk to the Trinity, examining social and political issues of austerity-ravaged modern Britain with Bragg-approved anthems of solidarity and solace. Big FFO: Frank Turner, Laura Jane Grace, Kirsty MacColl, Onsind, Mischief Brew. Grace Petrie + The Maes at The Trinity Centre.

Sell out warning! 14 hours of forward-thinking global bass and infectious live riddims across 4 venues in St Jude’s. With ecstatic Sudanese afro-funk from the legendary Scorpios, unbeatable neo-soul disco squelch from Close Counters & Allysha Joy, eclectic boom-bap troubadour Guts on the decks + much much more. Jam on the Horizon '25 at The Jam Jar.

Sell out warning! Celestial music’s principal earthly acolyte, Laraaji’s astral ambient revelations, devotional drones and cosmic zither sermons cascade with inner light and zen laughter. It’s an iconic sound bath FFO: Brian Eno, Alice Coltrane, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Arthur Russell, Mary Lattimore. Laraaji + ãssia ghendir + Dan Thorman 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 + t l k

“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