THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE FIRST EAST WEST BLUES FEST A HUGE SUCESS!
WE NOW LOOK TO 2026!
The ethos of East West Blues Fest is light hearted! But with purpose.
There’s a boring rumour that the music communities of the East and West of Scotland don’t mingle, have rivalries. It’s bollocks. Secondarily, the bands playing generally aren’t on the typical Blues-Rock circuit that has become popular in recent years. The festival aims to avoid rock based bands, only to offer an alternative for lovers of acoustic and electric blues, original R’N’B, and the rootsier genres around it. Nothing against the blues-rock – just a desire to keep boogie, R’N’B, jump, shuffle and swing, alive in Scotland!
🎫 TICKETS 🎫
The line up for 2026!
THE JENSEN INTERCEPTORS
Electric blues with a fine 6 piece from the Borders, several of which you’ll know from the “B’N’T” jam at the end of last years festival. Appropriate to headline, as the band are fronted by “Scotland’s very own Paul Butterfield”, (Butterfield Blues Band’s classic album: “East West”), Gary Martin is the absolute business with a harmonica. Snake Hips O’Donnell an aficionado of the ’50s boogie piano and slide guitar. They will be joined by special friends, to be announced.
THE DEKE MCGEE BAND
Glasgow band fronted by Sax Maestro McGee. Deke has performed around the world at Jazz and Blues Festivals from Montreal to Paris. He’s recorded, supported and shared stages with the likes of Buddy Guy, Joe Walsh, Lazy Lester, Otis Grand, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band and lost Glasgow legend, Big George. You will recognise the exceptional Duncan Kennedy on guitar, of ‘Al Brown & The Bluelighters’
THE JAMES OLIVER BAND
Our rockabilly and roll import from Wales! Due to multiple requests to put James back on the Drygate stage, and the fact that every festival needs a wild wizard, JOB are joining 2026. Walter Trout has been singing the praises of this “committed and true student of the guitar, who can play many styles to the highest standard”. Drummers have also united in the demand for Mark Kemlo, and I couldn’t agree more.
NICOLE SMITT & JED POTTS
Smitt & Potts bring warm and wonderful Country Blues, from Edinburgh. Nicole, quoted regularly as Edinburgh’s Queen of The Blues, has the most exquisite voice. Potts is a very tasty electric player of rhythm, riffs and lead. In this duo, you’re treated to gorgeous harmony and vocal trade offs. Such naturals and ‘stage mates’, It can feel like you’re witnessing a 70 year friendship with access to a time machine.