‘NIGHT OF THE BLUESMEN’ – Darwen Library Theatre; Sunday 12th June 2022
In the absence of the Manchester Blues and Roots event in 2022 due to biennial break, the Library Theatre presents ‘Night of the Bluesmen’ reflecting all aspects and eras of the genre. Featuring Bluesman Mike Francis and Dai Thomas plus special guests, the journey runs from pre WW2 right to the present day and also takes a look into the future of this much loved music genre.
Headliner Bluesman Mike Francis was recently involved with a national project to broaden audience engagement for the Blues genre and as a former finalist himself, became UK events coordinator for the European Blues Awards 2016 -18. Since 2015 Mike has also co-organised Manchester Blues Festival and having first toured Europe decades ago has performed at International Blues Music Day Croatia, Guitar Festival of Great Britain, BBC 6 Music Festival, Acoustic Festival GB and hosted ’30 Years of Colne’ at Great British R&B Festival 2019. He also guested for award winning guitarist Erja Lyytinen on her 2019 European tour and is an ambassador for a brand of UK made 12 string guitars. His latest album ‘New Era Blues’ is set for a late Summer 2022 release.
Now based in Salford, Dai Thomas specialises in Blues & Old Timey from the Acoustic Era (roughly before WW2), playing on a battery of fine old instruments in a multitude of styles. His live performances are powerful and spectacular and his obvious passion for the music continues to delight his audiences far and wide. Dai has featured on many recordings including the international bestseller ‘No Such Place’ by David Byrne protégé Jim White and his own release ‘Songs from the Ragged Backside of the American Dream’ is currently available.
