​On Friday, June 20, Louisiana-born blues phenomenon D.K. Harrell, will release his Alligator Records debut album, TALKIN' HEAVY. He is one of the most formidable young stars of the current blues resurgence. With TALKIN' HEAVY, D.K. Harrell cements his place among the leading voices of the new generation of blues players. The album will be available on CD, transparent blue vinyl and at all digital service platforms.

This Blues Music Award-winning guitarist, vocalist and songwriter has a well-earned reputation as a mesmerizing live performer. He delivers fresh, emotion-packed blues played with the foot-pounding fervor of a revival tent preacher. With his stinging, single-note string bending, deep soul vocals, and attention-grabbing original songs, the 27-year-old Harrell—already a major draw at blues festivals around the world—is in a league of his own.

TALKIN' HEAVY continually surprises with twelve instantly memorable songs filled with Harrell’s biting guitar work and authoritative, church-born vocals. Produced by studio wizard and musician Christoffer “Kid” Andersen and recorded at Andersen’s now-famous Greaseland Studios, the album shows Harrell as a generational guitar talent with a wide-eyed vision and a street-smart singing style bringing life to the timeless songs he’s writing. TALKIN' HEAVY is an affirmation of the sheer power of modern blues.

The new video for the first single from the album, Grown Now, premieres today. Of the song, Harrell states, "Grown Now is about remembering my days of being without. And now I'm proud and happy that I've overcome those hardships and I feel more responsible, taking care of business. And ladies love a man who takes care of business.“ Watch and share the video below.

​D.K. Harrell has become a sensation in the blues world. The Louisiana native was unknown only a couple of years ago and since then has played to great enthusiasm on festival stages all over the world, wowing crowds with the confidence and skill of a seasoned veteran. Talkin' Heavy hits a blues sweet spot in a free and invigorating new way.  It continually surprises with twelve instantly memorable original songs filled with Harrell’s biting guitar and authoritative, church-born vocals.  Produced by musician and studio wizard Christoffer "Kid" Andersen, the album reveals Harrell as a generational guitar talent with a wide-eyed vision and a street-smart singing style that bring life to his memorable original songs.

Tracklist:
1. A Little Taste 4:04
2. Grown Now 3:52
3. Talkin’ Heavy 5:02
4. PTLD 4:00
5. Life's Lessons 4:00
6. Good Man 3:32
7. Vibe With Me 4:36
8. Into The Room 3:34
9. No Thanks To You 4:14
10. Liquor Stores And Legs 3:29
11. What Real Men Do 4:16
12. Praise These Blues 3:24

Website:
​dkblues.com

​“Tedere Baldadigheden”, het succesvolle 15 de studio album van Guido Belcanto werd eind 2024 uitgebracht gevolgd door een uitgebreide tour: meer dan 40 uitverkochte optredens met als apotheose  twee magische concerten in de Antwerpse De Roma.

Ook deze zomer zal Guido op verschillende podia te zien zijn. Werden al aangekondigd: o.m. op het Na Fir Bolg Festival, Dranouter festival en het OLT in het Rivierenhof. Ook voor het najaar zijn er uitgebreide plannen.

Op 2 mei verschijnt zijn nieuwe single “Jessica”, een eigen compositie in een remix van Wouter Van Belle.

Guido Belcanto creëert met zijn songs al meer dan 40 jaar een volstrekt eigen universum waarin het goed vertoeven is. Een warme, herkenbare thuis voor iedereen, jong of oud, arm of rijk, winnaar of verliezer. Een thuis ook, meesterlijk op een podium gebracht waarbij het publiek zonder gêne zichzelf mag zijn, het geluk mag prijzen, de geleden schade mag opmeten, de tranen mag laten vloeien en de lach mag laten klinken.
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Hij blijft absoluut één der boegbeelden van het Vlaamse lied. Een volstrekt authentiek fenomeen dat nog steeds de zalen laat vollopen, elke jaar opnieuw tienduizenden concert tickets verkoopt en  met zijn hartverwarmende en intense optredens die niemand onberoerd laten en waarbij de intense band met zijn publiek op magische wijze tastbaar wordt. Elke avond weer opnieuw.

Arbeid Adelt! Herrie!2025 - Limited Cassette EP
Release 1/5/25

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​2025 is nog niet halfweg en de wereld klettert langs alle kanten.
Dat kan ARBEID ADELT!, illustere belpopfabriek, niet onopgemerkt laten passeren.
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Vandaar 'n vlijmscherpe nieuwe EP: "HERRIE!2025".

Met als motto: er is zoveel herrie dezer dagen, daar kan best nog wel wat herrie bij!

De nieuwe EP verschijnt op 1 mei en is enkel te krijgen op een ultra limited edition cassette mét gratis download code en bevat 4 tracks: "Herrie", "Biseksuele Birmees", "Knipmes Freejazz" & "Recalcitrant", ruim 20 minuten vers gebroed.  Je kan kiezen tussen een wit of zwart cassette-hoesje.

AA! heeft 'n volledig nieuwe repertoire klaarstaan, dat ten gepaste tijde in de loop van het jaar gelost wordt. LIVE alvast te behappen vanaf juni: première op 7 juni in Djingel Djangel te Antwerpen. Ook reeds bevestigd 13 juni – Retie Rockt, 14 juni – Cinema Plaza (Duffel) en 21 juni Tropiscale (Overijse)

In het najaar komt Harlem Gospel Choir naar Europa met hun nieuwste tour 'Magic of Motown’. Tijdens deze tour eert het koor de muziek van Motown-legendes als Marvin Gaye, The Supremes en Stevie Wonder - uiteraard met hun eigen unieke gospelstijl, verrijkt met invloeden van jazz en blues. Tijdens deze tour maken ze een stop in het Koninklijk Circus op 11 november waar ze enkele van hun grootste hits zullen uitvoeren, naast hun vaste gospelrepertoire.

​Tickets zijn te koop vanaf vrijdag 2 mei om 10 uur via greenhousetalent.com.
 
Sinds de oprichting in 1986 door Allen Bailey is The World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir uitgegroeid tot hét gezicht van de moderne gospelmuziek, zoals die vandaag de dag nog altijd in de zwarte kerken van Harlem te horen is. Met hun krachtige stemmen, rijke harmonieën en aanstekelijke energie weet dit legendarische koor wereldwijd publiek te raken en inspireren.
 
Het Harlem Gospel Choir deelden het podium met supersterren als Bono van U2, Diana Ross, The Gorillaz, Damon Albam en Pharrell Williams. Ze hebben opgetreden voor drie Amerikaanse presidenten (President Obama, President Carter en President Nelson Mandela), twee pausen (Paus Johannes Paulus II en Paus Benedictus XVI) en hebben samengewerkt met grootheden als Sir Keith Richards, The Chieftains en Trace Adkins. In 2025 zijn ze wekelijks te zien in de iconische Blue Note Jazz Club in Manhattan, waar ze een vaste zondagavondresidency hebben.

​On April 1, 1995, the iconic Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach hosted a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of surf music’s past, present, and future. Now, for the first time ever, fans around the globe can experience the magic with the release of Legends of Surf Guitar — available July 4, 2025, on vinyl, CD, and digital platforms.

This electrifying live recording captures a pivotal moment when original '60s surf pioneers and '80s revivalists came together to honor the genre that shaped a generation. Powered by a reverb-soaked sound and unshakable spirit, Legends of Surf Guitar is a vibrant testament to the enduring power of surf music.

Throughout the late ’70s and early ’80s, a new wave of surf instrumental bands — including Jon & The Nightriders, The Surf Raiders, and The Malibooz — reignited passion for the genre. Riding the momentum of surf-centric films like Pulp Fiction and a booming underground scene, producer and radio host Les Perry and surf music legend Paul Johnson curated the Lighthouse Surf Band Reunion: a thrilling homecoming that united trailblazers and torchbearers alike.

The star-studded lineup included legends like The Chantays, The Surfaris, Davie Allan & The Arrows, along with special appearances from Bob Dalley (The Surf Raiders) and Bob Demmon (The Astronauts). Backing them was a powerhouse ensemble featuring Don Murray (The Crossfires, The Turtles), Pete Curry (The Halibuts, Los Straitjackets), and surf historian John Blair (Jon & The Nightriders), who co-produced the album alongside three-time Grammy-winner Mark Linett (The Beach Boys, Los Lobos, Red Hot Chili Peppers).

Captured live using one of the earliest digital 8-track recorders, Legends of Surf Guitar delivers high-energy performances of timeless surf anthems like “Mr. Moto,” “Wipe Out,” and “Pipeline,” alongside modern classics from the genre’s resurgence. The Lighthouse was electric, packed wall-to-wall with dancers and surf fans, an atmosphere fondly remembered by Elliot Easton of The Cars, who both attended and contributed to the day’s recordings.

"This album captures a rare and magical moment," says co-producer John Blair, "when the pioneers and the new generation of surf musicians came together under one roof to celebrate the past, present, and future of surf music."

Mark Linett reflects, "Surf music hooked me the first time I heard 'Wipeout' and 'Pipeline' as a teenager. When I heard about the 1995 reunion, I knew it had to be preserved. Thanks to the vision of John Blair, this historic day is finally ready to be shared with the world. I think you'll agree — it was worth the wait."
The importance of this release is underscored by tributes from music legends:

• Al Jardine (The Beach Boys): "A great live collection of surf classics — takes me back to the days when The Beach Boys played with Dick Dale at the Rendezvous Ballroom."
• Ben Vaughn (Producer and musician): "They captured these guys at the right moment. The mixes are phenomenal."
• Bob Spalding (The Ventures): "This album contains all the elements that make surf music such a unique and timeless genre."
• Elliot Easton (The Cars): "Seeing The Chantays, The Surfaris, Davie Allan, and others live was unforgettable — a memory I’ll always treasure. These sounds transport you back to a simpler, sun-soaked time of cars, girls, beaches, and, of course, surf music."​

​Legends of Surf Guitar is more than just a concert album — it’s a living tribute to the sounds that continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. Featuring rare, powerhouse performances by some of surf music’s most iconic figures, this historic release is a must-have for anyone who loves the spirit, style, and pure fun of classic surf guitar.

Produced by: Mark Linett and John Blair
Recorded by: Mark Linett and Elliot Easton at the Lighthouse Café, Hermosa Beach, CA
Mixed by: Mark Linett at Your Place Or Mine Recording, Glendale, CA
Release Date: July 4, 2025

A portion of the original event’s proceeds benefited KMAX Radio and the Surfrider Foundation.

​In a career built on constant reinvention, Joe Bonamassa is ready to embark on his boldest chapter yet. The blues-rock icon has just announced Breakthrough — his most daring and genre-defying studio album to date.

Crafted across multiple continents and fueled by global inspiration, Breakthrough showcases Bonamassa at his most adventurous. The album pulses with fiery guitar solos, emotionally charged storytelling, groove-laden arrangements, and fearless stylistic exploration. Produced by longtime collaborator Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, The Black Crowes, Journey), Breakthrough was brought to life through sessions in Greece, Egypt, Nashville, and Los Angeles, weaving together a rich sonic tapestry that effortlessly moves from funky blues and Texas swing to acoustic ballads and swaggering hard rock.

"I believe Breakthrough represents a pivotal moment in Joe’s musical journey," says Shirley. "While the signature guitar mastery is still very much present, this album puts a spotlight on the songs themselves. Every time Joe records, he taps into a vast jukebox of styles in his mind. Here, he takes listeners on a true musical odyssey—from Little Feat-style funk to raw Texas swing, from hard-hitting rock to intimate, singer-songwriter moments."

Leading the charge is the powerful title track, "Breakthrough", co-written with Grammy-winning collaborator Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd). The soaring anthem captures the heart of the album: a celebration of growth, resilience, and letting go of what holds us back. With gritty, impassioned vocals, searing guitar lines, and lush instrumentation, "Breakthrough" signals a bold new era for Bonamassa.

The announcement follows the recent buzz surrounding Bonamassa’s singles “Still Walking With Me” and “Shake This Ground,” each offering a glimpse into the expansive spirit of the full album. From the moody introspection of "Shake This Ground" to the soulful warmth of "Still Walking With Me," Bonamassa continues to push the boundaries of his sound—anchored, as always, by his electrifying guitar work and emotional depth.
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With Breakthrough, Joe Bonamassa once again proves he’s not just standing still—he’s forging ahead, fearless and inspired.
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Tracks:
01. Breakthrough
02. Trigger Finger
03. I’ll Take The Blame
04. Drive By The Exit Sign
05. Broken Record
06. Shake This Ground
07. Still Walking With Me
08. Life After Dark
09. You Don’t Own Me
10. Pain’s On Me

Website: 
jbonamassa.com

​Renowned for their roles as “standard-bearers in the genre-bending world of folk, blues, soul, and Americana” (Billboard), Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ have consistently delivered music that speaks directly to the heart—and to the times. Today, the legendary duo returns with “My Darling My Dear,” an original track that radiates warmth, love, and togetherness, offering a message of hope in challenging times.

“Feel the spirit, warmth, and love in this message,” says Taj Mahal, whose enduring artistry has led SPIN to call him “a national treasure.” The new song continues his and Keb’ Mo’s long-standing commitment to uplifting listeners through music that bridges generations and genres.
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At the center of “My Darling My Dear” is the unshakable importance of family and community. Reflecting this spirit, the track was co-written not only by Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’, but also by their sons—Ahmen Mahal and K. Roosevelt—alongside acclaimed singer-songwriter Colin Linden (Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris). The result is a heartfelt collaboration that draws strength from its multi-generational voices and universal message.
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“My Darling My Dear” is the third advance track from the highly anticipated new album Room On The Porch, following the previously released title track—featuring two-time GRAMMY ‘Song of the Year’ nominee Ruby Amanfu—and the electrifying blues cut “Junkyard Dog.” The upcoming album marks Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’s first full-length collaboration since their GRAMMY-winning 2017 release TajMo, which took them from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (alongside Jon Batiste) to Marc Maron’s WTF podcast and ultimately the GRAMMY stage, where they earned Best Contemporary Blues Album honors.

Co-produced by the duo, Room On The Porch features more original co-written material between Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ than ever before—underscoring their deepening creative bond and enduring influence on the blues and Americana landscape.
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In celebration of the album’s release next month, Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ will reunite onstage for their acclaimed TajMo live show, hitting over a dozen cities across the U.S. The tour kicks off with a special appearance at the Grand Ole Opry on May 23, where they’ll be joined by Ruby Amanfu as part of the Opry’s ongoing 100th anniversary celebrations. The pair’s first headline show together in seven years will follow on May 28 at New York’s Town Hall, launching a run of performances sure to be as powerful and heartfelt as the music itself.

There’s only one accordion player whose legacy could inspire a centennial tribute featuring icons like The Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, Taj Mahal, and Steve Earle: the legendary King of Zydeco, Clifton Chenier. Bursting onto the scene in 1955 with his breakout hit “Eh, 'tite Fille,” Chenier revolutionized Louisiana Creole music by fusing blues, R&B, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. From the dancehalls of the Deep South to airwaves around the world, his music lit up the globe until his passing in 1987.

Now, as Chenier’s 100th birthday approaches, Valcour Records is honoring his towering influence with A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, a 14-track celebration of his legacy featuring performances from the aforementioned stars and many more. Produced by GRAMMY-winner Steve Berlin of Los Lobos and Valcour founder Joel Savoy—of Cajun music’s “First Family”—the album is set for release on June 27.

The first single, released today, is a soulful take on Chenier’s 1969 zydeco version of “Release Me.” It features Americana icon Lucinda Williams, Swamp Pop Hall of Famer Tommy McLain, and modern zydeco torchbearer Keith Frank on accordion. Williams and McLain deliver a smoldering duet that stays true to Chenier’s slower, sultry groove—originally adapted from Eddie Miller and His Oklahomans’ 1950 country tune “Release Me (And Let Me Love Again).”

Producer C.C. Adcock steered this new version firmly into Chenier’s territory with a lush, triplet-time Swamp Pop rhythm and an all-star Lafayette band. “We wanted it to feel like it came straight out of a vintage South Louisiana dancehall,” says Adcock. “With Keith Frank’s Clifton-inspired accordion, Steve Riley’s bluesy fiddle, and Dickie Landry’s soulful sax solo, it paints a perfect bayou picture. I could see Lu and Tommy skating hand-in-hand at a 1966 Opelousas roller rink… maybe even Clifton manning the snack bar.”

The result is a heartfelt, groove-soaked tribute—setting the tone for the rest of the album as an authentic homage to a true legend.

Fans can stream or purchase “Release Me” now, and pre-order A Tribute to the King of Zydeco ahead of its June 27 release.
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In tandem with the album, Valcour Records has partnered with the Chenier family estate and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to launch the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship, celebrating the King of Zydeco’s 100th birthday in 2025. The scholarship, housed at UL Lafayette’s College of the Arts, will support students studying Traditional Music, with a focus on zydeco accordion. All proceeds from the tribute album will benefit this scholarship fund.
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​On Friday, May 2, a very special Clifton Chenier Centennial show will be held at the Fais Do-Do stage at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Featuring the “Dockside Allstars,” the house band from A Tribute to the King—including Roddie Romero, Eric Adcock, Derek Huston, Lee Allen Zeno, Jermaine Prejean, and Sherelle Chenier Mouton—as well as special guests C.J. Chenier, Sonny Landreth, Marcia Ball, and Curley Taylor, the 5:50 pm set may also include a surprise guest performance or two.
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Tribute to the King Tracklist:
“Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” - The Rolling Stones and Steve Riley
“Easy Easy Baby” - Charley Crockett and Nathan Williams, Sr.
“Hey ‘Tite Fille” - Taj Mahal and Keith Frank
“Release Me” - Lucinda Williams, Tommy McClain, and Keith Frank
“Just Like A Woman” - Steve Earle and Anthony Dopsie
“I'm On The Wonder” - Jon Cleary and Curley Taylor
“My Soul” - Jimmie Vaughan, Johnny Nicholas, and Steve Riley
“Hot Rod” - David Hidalgo and CJ Chenier
“Tout Le Temps En Temps” - Shannon McNally, Keith Frank, and Molly Tuttle
“Ay Ai Ai” - Ruben Ramos with Los Texmaniacs and Augie Meyers
“I May Be Wrong” - Marcia Ball and Geno Delafose
“I'm Coming Home” - CJ Chenier and Sonny Landreth
“You Used To Call Me” - John Hiatt and Roddie Romero
“Why Did You Go Last Night” - Kam Franklin, A. J. Haynes, and Roddie Romero

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Album produced by Steve Berlin and Joel Savoy with Executive Producer John Leopold. “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” and “Release Me” produced by C.C. Adcock.
About Valcour Records: Louisiane. Musique. Culture. Founded in 2006, Valcour Records is an independent Louisiana music label based in Eunice. We partner with musicians, artists, and artisans to bring you music and cultural content you won’t find anywhere else. Showcasing on the world stage the extraordinary talents born from the rich and diverse cultures of Louisiana.  
A Tribute to the King of Zydeco is funded through the generous support of Lafayette Travel, Rex Foundation, Gia Maione Prima Foundation, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Jeffrey & Lester Price, Steve Zieff & Elaine Leitner, Ray Flores/Pink Trailer Productions, Love of People, and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development.

​Southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd have announced the upcoming release of Celebrating 50 Years – Live at the Ryman, a powerful live album commemorating five decades of their storied career. The album, set for release on June 27, 2025, carries profound emotional weight as it features the final recorded performance of founding guitarist Gary Rossington, who passed away the following year.

Captured at the historic Ryman Auditorium, the album captures the band’s electrifying stage presence and signature blend of blues-infused hard rock and Southern swagger. More than just a milestone, it serves as a heartfelt tribute to Rossington’s legacy and the enduring impact of Lynyrd Skynyrd on American music.

Adding to the album’s significance are standout guest performances from a diverse lineup of artists including Jelly Roll, Marcus King, John Osborne (The Brothers Osborne), Brent Smith (Shinedown), and Donnie Van Zant (Van Zant & .38 Special).

With more than 28 million records sold in the U.S. alone, and enshrinement in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to inspire generations of fans while standing as a defining voice of Southern rock. From their early days in Jacksonville to national acclaim, through unimaginable tragedy and triumphant rebirth, the band’s legacy is cemented in both the annals of music history and the hearts of millions.

Formed in 1964 as My Backyard, the group evolved into Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1968 with an original lineup that included Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Larry Junstrom, and Bob Burns. Their groundbreaking 1973 debut introduced a bold fusion of blues, country, and hard rock — a sound immortalized by enduring anthems like “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.”

In 1977, at the height of their success, tragedy struck when a plane crash claimed the lives of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backing vocalist Cassie Gaines, sending shockwaves through the music world. Despite the devastating loss, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music endured.

The band reunited in 1987, with Johnny Van Zant — Ronnie’s younger brother — stepping in as lead vocalist. Over the years, the lineup evolved, with guitarist Rickey Medlocke rejoining in 1996, helping to carry the torch while staying true to the band’s roots.
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Though Rossington’s passing in 2023 marked the close of a foundational chapter, Celebrating 50 Years – Live at the Ryman stands as a resonant tribute to his legacy and a powerful reminder of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s indelible place in rock history.

​Beide heren koesteren een diepe band met de heilige weide van Blues Peer en zijn dan ook vereerd om samen de eerste festivaldag af te sluiten met een selectie van hun favoriete platen. Niet zomaar een afterparty, maar een muzikale clash van werelden, stijlen en generaties.

“Ik geef Ben een stoomcursus deejayen,” zegt Claes met een knipoog. “Het lijkt op het eerste gezicht wat knoppen en schuiven, maar timing, platenkeuze en een paar goeie truuken van de foor zijn essentieel om alle benen aan het dansen te krijgen.”

Het is niet de eerste keer dat ze samen het podium delen. In 2017 brachten ze al een techno meets mondharmonica-experiment op de grote weide van Pukkelpop. Verwarring en verwondering alom. Acht jaar later gaan ze opnieuw in duet, maar dit keer met blues, rock, soul en groove als leidraad. Geen gadgets, geen gimmicks — gewoon twee muziekliefhebbers die een verhaal vertellen.

​“Zoals elke bluesman heb ik heel wat jaren geleden mijn ziel verkocht aan Blues Peer,” zegt Lambrechts. “Ik heb er grote namen mogen ontmoeten zoals Chuck Berry, BB King, Jerry Lee Lewis en Van Morrison. Dus met zoveel plezier in mijn hart wil ik daar samen met mijn goede vriend Goldfox spelen.” bluespeer.

​Zowel Claes als Lambrechts zijn geen onbekenden voor het festival. Kristof Claes sloot Blues Peer eerder af onder zijn alias Sanseveria Sound System. Ben Lambrechts stond er twee keer met zijn band Blues Lee, was meermaals presentator en verscheen als gastmuzikant bij Boogie Boy. Nu kruisen ze voor het eerst de decks in een gedeelde set — puur en op gevoel.

Zaterdag 7 juni 2025 – Blues Peer Afterparty. Verwacht: warme riffs, dansbare grooves, onverwachte parels en een gezonde scheut persoonlijkheid.