A blues gig in Bristol

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! 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! 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.

Cinematic sound design and mesmerising strings meet atmospheric fantasy-pop for a truly transcendent billing of shimmering electronica and ethereal electroacoustics. All topped off by a DJ set from mercurial avant-garde luminary Sarahsson! Agathe Max + KosmoSuna + Sarahsson at The Louisiana.

Sell out warning! Strange Brew are truly spoiling us with this magnificent double-bill! NTS Early Bird angel and folkloric dream-pop experimentalist Maria Somerville meets avant-garde supergroup Good Sad Happy Bad - the woozy art-rock project Mica Levi reformed from the ashes of Micachu. Seriously unmissable FFO: Relaxin’ Records, James K, Moin, Grouper, Space Afrika, AD93. Good Sad Happy Bad + Maria Somerville 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

Trending Blues Gigs

AnExperience Presents ~ Something Lovely 2 at The Trinity Centre
— The Trinity Centre
salsa ska world soul gospel
Mary Coughlan at The Trinity Centre
— The Trinity Centre
blues folk jazz
Kevin Figes & Denny Ilett at El Rincon
— El Rincon
contemporary jazz blues jazz
Sungrass at The Canteen
— The Canteen
contemporary jazz jazz soul gospel
Beth Rowley at St George's Bristol
— St George's Bristol
rock blues gospel
Henry Slim & friends feat. Neil Smith at Kingsdown Vaults

Bristol's Trending Live Music Venues

Exchange The Louisiana Jam Jar The Trinity Centre The Marble Factory Rough Trade Bristol

More Photos of Bristol's Blues Events

Band playing at a blues gig A blues gig in Bristol
Dub Catalyst + The Electric Kool-Aid Collective at Mr Wolfs
Manuals of Fire at The Old Fishmarket, 59-63 Baldwin St, Bristol BS1 1QZ
— The Old Fishmarket, 59-63 Baldwin St, Bristol BS1 1QZ
blues jazz jazz funk soul funk
Ben Boas at Exchange
— Exchange
R&B blues singer-songwriter
Ma Polaine's Great Decline at The Canteen
— The Canteen
country blues jazz
Speakeasy Jam at Bootlegger Bristol
— Bootlegger Bristol
blues jam session experimental jazz spoken word
Poco Loco #2 at BIMM moon street
— BIMM moon street
blues indie rock hip hop soul
The Makings at The Canteen
— The Canteen
pop rock blues jazz
Martin Mexme Organ Trio at The Bristol Fringe
— The Bristol Fringe
blues-rock contemporary jazz blues jazz funk
The Slimline Shufflers; Monthly Residency at The Ill Repute
— The Ill Repute
new orleans blues blues
Gnawa Blues All Stars + DJ Paulo Fernandez at The Canteen
John E Vistics Acoustic Lounge at The Bristol Fringe
— The Bristol Fringe
blues-rock country blues folk
The Velvet Peacock at Loco Klub
— Loco Klub
blues jazz swing soul cabaret
Ponchartrain at Greyhound at Greyhound Fishponds
— Greyhound Fishponds
country blues new orleans jazz
Ponchartrain at The Greyhound at The Greyhound, Fishponds, Bristol
— The Greyhound, Fishponds, Bristol
country bluegrass rockabilly blues folk