Friday February 14th
In Her Honor
‘In Her Honour’ pays tribute to the female side of blues history. This brand new band tells the story of women’s position in and relationships with the blues, in all its aspects. What the blues means to her, and what she in turn means for the blues. From the feistiness of Ruth Brown to the melancholy of Nina Simone. With Fedia Holail Mohamed and Naomi Sijmons on vocals, Lotte Dijkstra on double bass, Marijke Hellemans on guitar, Heleen Andriessen on piano, Natan Goessens on drums and Ruben van Cauwenberghe on harmonica.
In Her Honor was established on the initiative of Katrien Greven and premiered at Boulevard Blues in Oct ’24.
Saturday February 15th
The International Big City Blues All Stars
This year we pull out all the stops! We present to you an international all star band, with musicians who are all band leaders and individually recognized as experts and leading names in the jazz, blues and roots world. This project has been put together especially for Big City Blues. And what’s more: Saturday night will feature a gospel set. Meet Carole Alston on vocals, Jan Korinek on hammond and vocals, Ian Siegal on guitar and vocals, Yves Fernandez on trumpet, Tom Callens on reeds and vocals, and Oliver Lipensky on drums.
Carole Alston is an acclaimed jazz, blues and gospel vocalist from the USA who is now living in Vienna, Austria. She takes pride in sharing her heritage, fully aware of the fact that it had not been for Bessie Smith, Alberta Hunter, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horn, Ethel Waters and so many, many others (who paved the way for female jazz vocalists – present and future) there would be much less appreciation for the genre. It is an honour to have Carole Alston with us at Big City Blues!
Jan Korinek is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer based in Prague, Czech Republic. His biggest passion is blues music and genres connected to the Blues – Soul music, Gospel, Funk and Jazz. His main instrument is the Hammond Organ. Over twenty years of touring, recording and surviving in the music business ensure that his soul has stories to tell filled with the blues as well as humor.
Ian Siegal needs no introduction. He has been called “Britain’s finest blues singer”. As a guitarist, singer, songwriter, bandleader and recording artist, he is well known in the international blues and americana scene. His raspy voice and raw guitar sounds are so unique that he has been described as a “national treasure”.
Yves Fernandez is a seasoned trumpet player who works with national and international stars. As alter ego Monsieur Fernand and part of the Hot Lips trio, he translates his love for music, be it New Orleans or Calypso, with skill and humor. And perhaps we will see and hear more of him on Sunday…
It is a big pleasure to have Tom Callens again at Big City Blues. Well-established in the Belgian jazz world and beyond, Tom plays the saxophone, clarinet and flute as nobody else can. He is famous for his work with Lester’s Blues, and dancers in Belgian cannot get enough from his recordings as well as live presence during jams, concerts and festivals.
Oliver Lipenksy is based in Prague, regularly working with Jan Korinek in multiple settings. He plays with great artists such as Chanda Rule and Ashley Slater, and he has his own trio band. A grooving percussionist whose blues beats will unite this new all stars band!
Sunday February 16th
We have a reputation to keep up so you’d better keep your Sunday night and Monday morning free! We organize an all-night party at two of our favorite venues in the heart of the city of Ghent: Cafe Damberd and Missy Sippy Blues & Roots Bar.
Feddy and the Fabulous @ Missy Sippy
Feddy and the Fabulous bring the timeless sound of the ’50s back to life with an irresistible mix of Rhythm & Blues, popcorn, and New Orleans soul. Inspired by legends like Ruth Brown, Sugar Pie DeSanto, and Irma Thomas, this band captures the essence of this music’s golden era.
With frontwoman Fedia Holail on vocals and a solid rhythm section consisting of Bernd Coene on drums and Filip Vandebril on double bass, the band delivers a unique groove. Matti Mahony adds his vintage guitar sound, while Ilja De Neve infuses every note on the piano with that unmistakable New Orleans feel. The brass section, featuring Yves Fernandez (trumpet) and Marc De Maeseneer (sax), adds the finishing touch with soulful solos and fiery riffs.
Feddy and the Fabulous creates an electrifying live experience that transports you to the dance halls of the past, where rhythm and soul are always in the air. They will be joined by guest musicians Carole Alston (vocals), Jan Korinek (hammond organ) and Charlley Ward (guitar and vocals) for even more fire on stage!
Olivier Vander Bauwede & Ian Siegal @ Damberd
Olivier Vander Bauwede (harmonica and vocals) has been with Big City Blues for many editions! Born and raised in Ghent, Oliver has built an impressive career in the blues scene, collaborating with many artists on record and live. He is an active contributor to the local community, organizing jam sessions at the Missy Sippy Blues & Roots club and performing with his band Paradise Stompers at lindy hop and blues dance events.
We’re stoked to welcome him back, this time in duo with Ian Siegal, a British singer and guitarist who needs no introduction (see above if you do!).
We invite Jan Korinek and Carole Alston as guests on stage. Read more about them above, or see them in action in this video.
DJs
to be announced