With the BID run Newcastle-under-Lyme Jazz and Blues festival in full swing in Newcastle-under-Lyme, we asked our event programmer Steve Barnes, one of the team behind Nantwich Jazz and Blues to give us his Top 5 acts to catch over the free 3 day bank holiday festival.
Elvis Fontenot and the Sugarbees
Turning traditional Cajun and zydeco music, eclectic covers and original songs into their own trademark high-energy Swamp’n’Roll we have Elvis Fontenot and the Sugarbees. These guys have been said to give “An Explosion Of Manic Cajun And Punk–Zydeco Energy”.
Artisan Tap on Sunday 28th – 19:30
Almaz
Husband and wife duo Joanne & Barny; Almaz is described as ‘two live guitars, one stunning voice’. Now a jazz festival favourites after being discovered busking at Nantwich Jazz Festival in 2018, Almaz was Invited to the Introducing Stage the very next day. The duo are now firm favourites given spots in various venues in the 2019 Festival and 2022 seeing them support Joanne’s Icon and Headliner Ruby Turner on the Main Stage.
Cappello Lounge on Saturday 27th – 17:00
Flo and Bart
For chilled out vibes, Flo and Bart are a Quirky duo bringing laid-back but engaging music to Newcastle. The pair were discovered at a songwriter’s evening and have been gigging ever since.
Little Vic, Saturday 27th – 16:00
Tree Katz
The ever-popular Tree Katz, no stranger to the town, will kick off the afternoon at 14:00 at . They are said to be ‘The best Jazz and Blues has to offer.’ We are looking forward to seeing these crazy Katz perform not once but twice, also playing at Artisan Tap on Sunday 28th 16:00
Brampton Museum, Saturday 27th – 14:00
Artisan Tap, Sunday 28th – 16:00
Good Fellas Blues Band
These guys have been working on their material, comprising songs from influential artists such as Eric Clapton & the Blues Breakers, Fleetwood Mac, and more fiery and passionate acts such as Gary Moore. Get your dancing shoes ready as they’ll be getting you up and out of your seats for a Sunday evening to remember.
The Clubhouse, Sunday 28th – 19:00
For full line up for the festival weekend or to learn more about the venues involved, visit newcastlejazzandblues.com
