Blues is folk music - it's music that comes from US, the folk, rather than THEM, the corporate suppliers of 'entertainment' - and the real enemy is the idea that music is no longer something that we DO, but something that we BUY.

In 2004 I saw on a national blues magazine website a statement that they do not list live gigs because they felt that their efforts would be better spent elsewhere. This site was established in opposition to that idea. The most important thing we do here is list gigs and encourage the live playing of blues music.

London has a wealth of all shades of blues talent and is uniquely placed to be a worldwide center of blues. That it is not, and that many international blues artists will tour all over Europe and not come to London, is something we need to change. The change will come not by banging on about how great it was round at Alexis Korners house in 1962 (even if it was), but by celebrating and nurturing the blues scene here and now.

If you play blues then get involved and help us to help you by telling us what you're up to. If you just love blues, then get out and support your local musicians and venues. Try going outside your comfort zone now and again too - you might find something unexpected that'll change your life for the better.

Looking forward to seeing you at a gig soon.

Cheers,

Rick Webb, Editor of Blues In London

Saturday 30th August 2008

The Old Explorer

23 Great Castle Street

Oxford Circus

London W1G 0JA

FREE

020 7491 0467

Friday 5th September 2008

PRIVATE BOOKING

Tuesday 9th September 2008

PRIVATE BOOKING

Click here for a full listing.