York Blues Festival returns in April 2027 with a full day of live blues at The Crescent Community Venue. This year’s line-up brings together some of the most exciting blues, roots and rhythm & blues acts from across the UK.
Band line‑up correct at the time of publication. Artists may be subject to change without notice.
The Bands
Rigid Soul
Rigid Soul are a Glasgow blues‑rock band with a bold mix of blues, jazz, funk and psychedelia. Fronted by guitarist and vocalist Kyle Hood, they built their name through energetic live performances and a debut album captured live in the studio. Their line-up of guitar, drums, bass, sax and keys gives them a standout sound. They bring fresh Scottish energy to this year’s York Blues Fest.
The Della Grants
The Della Grants are a powerhouse blues‑rock band from Leicester with a sound that blends blues, roots, soul and Americana into something fresh and unmistakably their own. Fronted by guitarist and vocalist Max Manning, they’ve built a strong reputation through tight musicianship, heartfelt songwriting and a live show that hits with real weight. Their mix of guitars, harmonica, keys and a driving rhythm section gives them a rich, full sound that stands out on any stage.
The Too Bad Jims
The Too Bad Jims play raw, hypnotic Hill Country blues inspired by RL Burnside and Junior Kimbrough, built on driving riffs, deep rhythms and that unmistakable North Mississippi stomp. They lock into trance‑like patterns that feel both primal and modern, creating a huge sound from a stripped‑back setup. Their live shows are gritty, earthy and intensely rhythmic, capturing the Hill Country tradition with real authenticity. They bring one of the most compelling and hard‑hitting blues sets on the UK circuit to this year’s York Blues Fest.
Alex Hamilton Band
Alex Hamilton has been a recognised name on the British blues scene for more than a decade, earning early attention as a gifted young guitarist before developing a mature, tasteful style often compared to players like Robben Ford and Matt Schofield. His debut album won the Scottish New Music Award when he was just eighteen, and his later releases have picked up multiple nominations including several British Blues Awards.
DC Blues
DC Blues deliver straight‑ahead, gritty blues with a confident, old‑school feel that has earned them multiple award nominations and a strong reputation across the UK scene. Fronted by vocalist and harmonica player Paul Winn with Ben Darwin on bass, the band also features Lloyd Massingham on guitar and Rob McNeil on drums. DC Blues remain one of the region’s most reliable, high‑energy live acts, bringing a powerful set shaped by long experience and a deep connection to the local blues community.
The Deke McGee Band
Mark “Deke” McGee picked up the saxophone at thirteen after hearing Clifford Scott on Bill Doggett’s Honky Tonk, and quickly immersed himself in the sound of the great Swing and Rhythm and Blues horn players of the era. His deep study of players like Arnett Cobb, Illinois Jacquet, Lee Allen, Sil Austin, Red Prysock and King Curtis shaped the powerful style he’s known for today. As a sideman he has performed at major jazz and blues festivals across Europe and North America, recording and sharing stages with artists including Buddy Guy, Joe Walsh, Hamish Stuart, Lazy Lester, Sugar Blue, Otis Grand, George Melly, The Fratellis, Band of Friends, The Nimmo Brothers and many more.
The Neil Sadler Band
The Neil Sadler Band deliver a powerful mix of blues and roots music shaped by Neil’s expressive guitar work, strong songwriting and decades of experience on the UK scene. Sadler has long been respected as a musician, producer and mentor, and his band bring a confident, polished sound built on feel, clarity and musicianship. Their live set is dynamic, soulful and full of character, showcasing a group of players who know exactly how to lift a room. They arrive at York Blues Fest with a standout show that reflects Neil’s long career and his reputation as one of the most reliable and engaging performers on the circuit.