Festival director Irek Dudek announced the lineup at a Wednesday press conference, calling Copeland a socially engaged, uncompromising and authentic artist. He said her distinctive vibrato initially “irritated” him, but decided “that’s what sets her apart,” adding she would be the “finishing touch” to a festival that “always shows the diversity in blues.”
The main stage will also host Eric Sardinas—known for high-energy shows—and Tommy Castro with The Painkillers. “Tommy Castro plays guitar phenomenally and sings very well,” Dudek said. “He says he goes into the studio only when he has something new to say.” Dudek himself will give a solo harmonica set on the main stage.
Music begins at noon on the side stage with Caroline & The Lucky Ones, Koher, Krem, Rusty Pine and Vibe Brothers Band. From 3:00 pm, the main stage features L. R. Phoenix, Free Blues Band, Stonage Full Of Sun, Coffee Experiment and Adam Kulisz Blues Session. The final concert on the main stage starts at 6:00 pm.
Family activities will run alongside the shows. Entry is free for children under 15, while accompanying adults must hold tickets.
The festival will also include a Harley-Davidson motorcycle display staged by the Free Chapter Silesia association, a guitar exhibition and a presentation on different strands of the blues.
First held in 1981 with concerts in Katowice clubs Akant, Kwadraty, Medyk, Puls and Wahadło, Rawa Blues grew in stature over the decades, attracting leading blues artists from around the world. It is described as Poland’s largest and most popular blues festival.
(jh)
Source: PAP, Rawa Blues Festival