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

Friday 30th July 2010

THE CROWN PUB

142/152 Cricklewood Broadway

Cricklewood

LONDON NW2 3ED

020 8452 4175

FREE ADMISSION

Saturday 31st July 2010

JAZZ AFTER DARK

9, Greek Street

Soho

London W1D 4DQ

£10/£15

020 7734 0545

Sunday 1st August 2010

The Dignity

363, Regents Park Road

Finchley Central

London N3 1DH

FREE ADMISSION

020 8349 1453

Click here for a full listing.