2023 ARTISTS
Yaron Ben Ami
Yaron Ben-Ami picked up his first instrument at the age of six and has never strayed far away from it since. He encountered the blues in his early teens and was drawn to a sense of lonesomeness and emotional expression that reminded him of the Israeli Russian songs that he had grown up with.
The understanding that blues is above all an oral tradition and a vocal artform informs his singing as well as his writing and accompaniment. Yaron presents emotionally charged delivery of these messages in his gravel strewn voice accompanied by his idiosyncratic and often percussive guitar playing.
Robbie Hill Band
Within his native Scotland, Robbie Hill had acquired a reputation as a promising young blues artist with
a deep level of understanding of the blues. For several years he had been playing up and down the UK, completing his music studies and soaking up the influences of as many of the blues greats he could see.
One of these, Otis Grand, advised Hill that it was time to expand his horizons if he was serious about his
music. Grands suggestion was to head for Finland. Hill heeded his mentor and set out for Scandinavia with little more than a backpack and a guitar. It didn’t take long for Hill to encounter some superb blues musicians, and has since gained a reputation as one of the most skilled and talented interpreters of the blues of his generation, playing with many legends such as Taildragger Jones.
DDT Jazz Band
DDT Jazzband or Downtown Dixie Tigers have since 1958 been one of Finland's most important heralds of New Orleans jazz music styles such as swing, blues and Dixieland. The orchestra is Finland’s oldest and most well-known in its genre.
On its latest album, DDT Plays The Blues, the band explores different kinds of blues ranging from the traditional 12-bar New Orleans blues, through Chicago-style shuffle blues to the 1950’s style jump blues.
The line-up of DDT Jazzband has remained very stable throughout the decades. With the exception of the trumpeter and the drummer, even the youngest members have been with the band for well over 30 years.
In 2023 DDT Jazzband celebrates its 65th anniversary with a tour and grand anniversary concert at Helsinki’s Savoy Theatre. DDT Jazzband has seen anniversaries come and go, but always remains true to the swing and the joy of playing jazz. Come and hear authentic roots music played with more than 250 years of joint experience!
Stef Rosen
Stef Rosen is a guitar player and singer from Berlin, Germany. He is considered one of the most innovative and genuine blues players that have emerged in Europe in the recent decades. His way of composing, playing and arranging is inspired by the soulful electric blues from the 70s, as well as the old acoustic blues from the late 20s.
He looks at the tradition of this music with a personal and respectful attitude. He has performed in blues clubs, festivals and blues dance events all around the World, from New York to Moscow, as a solo artist and with bands.
In 2017 he joined a European tour with Tony Coleman, who has been drummer for many blues legends as Albert King, Albert Collins, Etta James, Ruth Brown, and for the king of the Blues himself: B.B. King, for more than 20 years.
His latest recordings received enthusiastic reviews from all around Europe and by the international blues dancing scene.
In 2019, the record “Soul Mining”, produced by RBB Kulturadio Berlin, has been nominated in Germany for “Album of the Year”, next to giants of the blues scene as John Mayall, Watermelon Slim, Joe Bonamassa and Walter Trout.
He also works as sound engineer and producer, at the Fuzznote Studio in Berlin.
In 2020 he won the “Album of the Year” award for his mixing and mastering work on Ginger Blues record “Unknowable journey”.
His new album “Soulify” has been released in February 2022 for Timezone Records, and it has been nominated for “Best album”
2023 DJs
Liraz Shveka
As a music educator, introducing new music to people isn't just her passion but also a profession. Lirazs' deep understanding of music clearly shines through in every set she plays, making her one of Europes' most appreciated and sought after Blues DJs.
As a dancer, Liraz knows what makes people move and is always looking for those interesting and beautiful tunes that will inspire the dancers on the floor. From slow and intimate to the soulful, powerful and energized, Liraz will ensure that the floor is always filled with both dancing and emotion.
Anna Price
Anna started DJing blues in London in 2014, and is regularly found behind the decks in London as well as making frequent appearances to DJ at blues festivals internationally. One of the things she loves about blues music is the breadth, diversity and the wide range of emotions the songs convey. With her broad tastes, you can expect a range of blues styles in Anna’s sets, and it’s likely you’ll hear some classic female blues, some jazzy numbers, and a few funky and Latin tracks somewhere in the mix! As a professional geek in her day job, Anna loves delving into the history and culture that shaped the music.
Photo: Kristin Ladström
Dara Anderbard
Dara likes his music like he likes his whiskey: aged and mellow. He was born under a bad sign in Holland and has danced, taught, and DJed all over Europe.
Infamous on the blues & swing dance circuit for his outstanding DJ skills, Dara meticulously researches new music, discovers rare treasures, and delights in serving up the new favourite song you've never heard.
With Dara, every set is like New Year's Eve, absolute bangers from sundown to sunup.
Dara will also be available for private dance classes
Kenneth Shipp
Kenneth has been spinning tunes for well over a decade, creating breakdance mixes from his dad's vinyl collection to DJing hip hop / break competitions in college. After falling in love with blues in 2014, he’s spent the past few years learning and diving into the wide variety of blues styles and history. Kenneth aims to get you grooving and moving every time you step out onto the dance floor. He loves playing with your faves while also showcasing the soul/blues legends from his hometown of Nashville and his new home of St. Louis.
Kenneth will also be available for private dance classes.
Photo: Ben Hejkal