Here’s the latest from The Blues Festival of Wales as it gears for this year’s event commencing on the 27th April 2012 ……

“The Blues Festival of Wales is in the sleepy Swansea Valley village of Upper Cwmtwrch at the end of April after last years ‘trial run’ at the former ‘Taffys Tash festival site in Upper Cwmtwrch.

The festival is all systems go this year on April 27-28-29 at the reformed old rail line arts site now called THE GREEN VALLEY ARTS.

A huge push for local tourism already, as already ticket holders are booked in B n B throughout the valley and the campsite in Cwmtwrch is full.

The local public houses in Upper Cwmtwrch and The Swan in Ystalefera are hosting blues acts from all over UK throughout the weekend. The cream of Wales blues artists will be on show.

Friday 27th. April sees The Blues Steelers from the Rhonda, Andrew Bazeley, Josie Lloyd, Jolly Jock and The Big Fibbers on the solar powered Dome Stage;

On Saturday 28th April we will have one of the hottest and original acts on the circuit, BabaJack. 

The innovative percussion from Becky Tate, who uses a combination of an African Hand Drum, Djembe and the Cajon (spanisg for box) on which she sits with aplomb, combines her great voice with its vibrancy that Trevor Steger on guitar (including winebox guitars made by Trevor) and Marc Miletitch (double bass) build on to create the babaJack sound.  The set is a mix of self penned number including strong tracks from their much anticipated third album Rooster, and their own arrangements of traditional blues from Sleepy John Estes, Blind Willie Johnson et al.  BabaJack manage to conjure the Deep South traditional music. The use of the African drum also brings deep African rhythms evocative of heat and raw emotions of slavery taking the blues back to its roots.  The great lyrics, including use of biblical references. combined in a way that reminded me of early Led Zeppelin.  This band has a rootsy style that is drenched in the essence of the blues.  What a fantastic sound they create. Not to be missed.

They are followed by the Grammy award nominee and Appalachian mountain blues talker, Jerry Harmon kicking off his European tour of 2012.  A great scoop for the event.

Earlier in the day we will see The Luke Doherty Band, Blues Train, Guy Maile, Slide Boy Roy, Blues Traffic and Matt Woosey

The Sunday evening spot sees top bluesman and the Celtic Connections ‘live artist of the year, ‘ Tensheds, appear. His dramatic rise to the attention of the music hierarchy has seen him achieve music writers awards as ‘ best unsigned artists 2010, ‘ best festival live performer 2011’ and best blues lick’ 2011.

The day will start off with Sisters in Grease, Sicknote Steve, Pat Grover & The Hawks, Afternoon in Paris and Stainless Steve

The brand new ‘ Big Lodge tipi will be a permanent feature at the green valley site throughout the year and will feature solo and duo acts throughout the weekend.

A great day or weekend out in the new Green Valley project.

Only £!0 tickets…. and Friday evening is free for locals”

More info HERE.