For years, blues festival Keeping the blues alive was a concept in Vlierden. After the event disappeared, the blues will return on Sunday 22 September with the new festival Bikkel Blues in Café Zaal Thijssen.
A restart of the blues in Zaal Thijssen was made possible by: Mies Sleegers; Martin Brouwers; Leo Gabriëls; and Johan Philipsen.
With trembling knees is an exaggeration, but the 4 (Leo, Mies, Martin and Johan) still found it exciting to take on such a blues event. There were certainly positive ingredients in advance: the location, the sound, the artists, the attention from the press and the mega-shares via social media.
Fortunately, it turned out well in the Thijssen hall on this warm, sunny September 22nd. The hall was filled with enthusiastic blues lovers who could also enjoy both bands that were in full swing. With the blues harp as a “blushing” center.
Both Big Ritch & The Blacksmith Company and Giles Robson and Special Band made it a wonderful afternoon with their, often sensitive, songs. All praise for the boundless efforts of the musicians.
Well, given this result, the next one is already planned:
Sunday 8 December 2024 with Doghouse Sam & his Magnatones and David Ronaldo & the Dice.
Truly Belgian top musicians in Vlierden.
The organization also hopes and goes for a long-term continuation of the Bikkel Blues concerts.
