Artists

Here are the artists appearing at the festival in 2023 with links to their websites where available, together with the times and venues for their gigs. A quick peek at each venue is available by clicking the venue names.

After Hours Band

Where Blues meets Rock! Formed in 1989 by guitarist Steve Tansley and after a number of line-up changes he was joined 23 years ago by 'guitar slinger' Dave Crane Their complimentary guitar styles, are scorching! The rhythm section boasts Harry Collins on Bass and Dave 'Nobby' Sparrow on Drums with the new addition of Kenny Philpot on keyboards. Individually and collectively the band has played alongside many top international pop, rock, and country acts.

Sat 9:00~11:00pm
The Cherry Tree

Andy Grant Band

Incendiary guitar playing, bluesy vocals, and funky grooves characterise the music of the Andy Grant Band. Think classic rock-era rock 3 piece mixed with a 21st-century edge- add a dash of slide guitar and you're getting close to this rootsy blend of blues, soul, and rock.

Sat 9:00~10:30pm
The Red Lion

Sun 1:00~3:00pm
The Bull

Sun 4:00~6:00pm
The Gemini

Anna Davies & The Sinnermen

Soulful, funky this female-fronted blues band from South Wales is influenced by Etta James, Janis Joplin, Koko Taylor, Freddie King, ZZ Top, SRV, Buddy Guy & many more. Featured on BBC Radio and Blues in Britain as 'emerging talent' on the UK blues scene they released their debut EP 'Silver Lining' in Feb 2023, and have 3 singles streaming on all services receiving global radio play. (see website for links and more glowing reviews).

Sun 2:00~4:00pm
The George Hotel

Sun 7:00~9:00pm
The Red Lion

Back Porch

With their foot-stomping, danceable rhythms and a lot of fun to boot, Back Porch will make you laugh, cry and tap your feet! It's a stripped-down line-up of harp, washboard, and guitars - just some mates sitting on a back porch, playing the blues.

Sun 4:00~6:00pm
The Red Lion

Bill Bennett

Bill lives in Nuneaton. His first public performance was at Ellenor Fenn Garden last year which went down really well; he has a strong full voice and plays his own guitar accompaniment.

Sat 1:40~2:00pm
Ellenor Fenn Gardens

Checkmate Kings

We just love playing live and our set includes our interpretations of classics from across the ages, from the Juke Joints of the Mississippi Delta to the mean streets of Chicago via the British Blues Explosion. Music to soothe your soul, move your body and expand your mind!

Sat 1:00~2:00pm
The Cherry Tree

Sat 5:00~6:00pm
The Red Lion

Sat 7:00~8:00pm
The Kings Head

Chris Moorhouse - Chris 'n Dan

Chris Moorhouse plays bluesy covers and original songs with an individual angle on the blues. Chris is manfully backed by the big-on-the-local scene blues pianist Dan Earp. There'll be guitar and piano solos aplenty.

Sat 3:40~4:00pm
Ellenor Fenn Gardens

Cold Sweat

Attitude and emotion are 'Cold Sweat'. Seasoned lead and rhythm guitarist, Andy displays respect for the wide variety of blues greats who influence him. The five-piece band consists of Dennis Robbins( key, Peter Thompson (bass), Stan Clouting (Drums), and Simon Lovick (Vocals). They play rhythm 'n' blues, boogie, and, rock 'n' roll, from classics to originals guaranteed to keep you listening on and off the dance floor. This local band is in demand regionally and never fails to satisfy a blues hungry audience.

Sat 3:00~4:00pm
The Bull

Sat 7:00~8:00pm
The Railway Tavern

Danielle Nicole

Hailing from Kansas City is the brilliant Danielle Nicole and her band. Winner of 8 international blues awards, and Grammy nominated for her latest album. With a rocking, nitty gritty blues style of her own, she is a spectacular catch for the festival. For a taste of the band, you can see her on YouTube or catch her on Spotify.

Wed 9:00~10:30pm
Dereham Memorial Hall

Dove & Boweevil

Soaring vocals from Lauren Dove and raw, gritty guitar from Mark 'Boweevil' Howes provide a sumptuous set of Americana , vintage soul ans Stax influenced material.

Sat 2:00~3:00pm
The George Hotel

Sat 4:00~5:00pm
Ellenor Fenn Gardens

Egypt

Egypt is a UK blues rock three piece band formed in 1987 by: Eric Chipulina - guitar and vocals, Alan Fish - bass and vocals, Peter Correa on drums. All three are former members of legendary progressive blues outfit The Groundhogs, and have featured on several albums and toured throughout the UK and Europe over many years. Alan's credentials also include playing with members of Welsh heavy rock pioneers Budgie in the band Tredegar, two albums for ex-Bo Diddley harp player Billy Boy Arnold, and a European tour for Chuck Berry among other things.

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
The Cherry Tree

Fourplay

Established in 1989 Fourplay is one of the long-standing bands in the area. They are the epitome of the three-piece quartet playing a selection of guitar-based blues tunes that err on the rockier side of the tracks. Think George Thorogood and the Destroyers and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. They are guaranteed to get you up and dancing or at the very least stomping your feet.

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
The Railway Tavern

Generation III

Generation III is a classic rock and blues cover trio formed in Fakenham, playing music from the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, and many more.

Sat 2:00~3:00pm
Arnie's

Sat 6:00~7:00pm
The Cock

Goldrusha

Formed in 2016 in Norwich, this popular five-piece blues band is a regular at the festival. Fronted by the soulful vocals of Jade Grand, with stirring guitar and stonking rhythm to keep you busy on the dance floor.

Sun 4:00~6:00pm
The Bull

Graham Ball

Although Graham plays bass guitar with The Part Time Blues Band and has for many years, he also has his roots in acoustic music as a singer songwriter, performing an eclectic mix of originals and covers.

Sat 1:20~1:40pm
Ellenor Fenn Gardens

Greg Brice

Back when Greg Brice played the tough audiences of pubs, and clubs of the West Midlands, within a few bars he'd have them hanging on his every note and word. Either his fingerpicking style guitar or strident electric slide connects in the raw and immediate way that only proper roots music can. Greg's clear-as-a-bell voice delivers original numbers that capture the imagination. Greg Brice is a proper talent.

Sat 8:00~9:00pm
The Red Lion

Henry Baker

Henry is a well-respected local performer who has hosted the Norfolk Blues Society jam sessions. Giving powerful renditions of everything from delta slide blues to jump jivin' dancefloor fillers his excellent guitar licks and gritty voice are augmented by his passion for music performance.

Sat 2:00~3:00pm
The Red Lion

Hot Cold Ground

Four-piece that have been belting out rocking rhythm and blues since 2009 and show no signs of stopping. Classic blues tunes you know, and some catchy original numbers about cheese, local roads, and the perils of songwriting. Daniel - Guitar/Vocals; Trevor - Guitar; Dave - Bass; Richard - Drums.

Sat 3:00~4:00pm
The Red Lion

Sat 5:00~6:00pm
The Cherry Tree

Sat 7:00~8:00pm
The Bull

Hotsmoke & Danger

High-octane three-piece blues band, playing more unusual tracks as well as some new versions of early blues and our own original blues material. Ex-members of the electric blues machine deliver low-swamp Mississippi right through to twisting, turning, rip-roaring in your face 12 bar blues.

Thu 9:00~11:00pm
The Kings Head

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
The Red Lion

Jamie O'Hara

Local lass, starting out. Guitar & vocals to brighten your day. And you can get a pint from her behind the bar at the Cock afterwards.

Sat 1:00~1:20pm
Ellenor Fenn Gardens

Jed Potts & the Hillman Hunters

Jed Potts & the Hillman Hunters have been supplying only the deepest of grooves and the rudest of shuffles since 2008. The trio is touring in support of their new album Swashbucklin' which is all about general musical rascality.

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
The Cock

Sat 1:00~2:00pm
The Gemini

Sat 4:00~5:00pm
The Railway Tavern

Sat 9:00~11:00pm
The Kings Head

Joe Goes Green

Joe Goes Green is John Green and Stefan Joe Langford Wasyliw. The Norfolk-based duo has been playing the blues together for over 12 years. A few years ago they self-penned an eclectic album Divided which demonstrated a great variety of styles and influence. In 2020 they released the album 'Walking Man' of original blues-rock songs, highlighting Stefan's recognised talent with the guitar. Influences of Hendrix, Jeff Healey, Freddie King, John Mayer, SRV, and Gary Moore.

Sat 4:00~5:00pm
The George Hotel

Sat 6:00~7:00pm
The Red Lion

Sun 1:00~3:00pm
The Gemini

Katie O'Malley

Vocalist Katie O'Malley and her hip-swaying Americana band describe their sound as a mix of Americana, Blues, Soul & Rock. Their 70's inspired music ranges from melodic to gritty guitar and gravelly vocals, - Think Janis Joplin with a modern rootsy rock feel. Katie and her band have played up and down the UK at Festivals, received radio play from BBC Introducing and Planet Rock Radio, supported Beth Rowley and Jill Andrews on their UK tours and her music has been featured in the no. 1 hit Netflix film Kissing Booth 2.

Sat 2:00~3:00pm
The Railway Tavern

Sat 5:00~6:00pm
The Kings Head

Sat 9:00~11:00pm
The Bull

Lou & the Tall Boys

Featuring on bass the amazing Mr Martin York, on guitar the wonderful Mr Trevor Staff with Louisa Sadler on lead vocals and guitar. They will be playing their own unique mix of originals and covers.

Fri 6:00~8:00pm
The Cock

Luke Arnold

A guru of the local blues scene. Spine chillin' harp riffs and bourbon-drenched vocals draw you in as Luke's eccentric delivery of his own original acoustic blues numbers just ooze into the atmosphere.

Sun 5:00~6:00pm
The George Hotel

Miller•Crossan

Miller•Crossan is a Scottish-based blues roots trio that excels in fingerpicked acoustic/slide guitars, harmonica, and percussion. The band melds a tinge of the west coast with their unique harmony-laden slant to blues classics and their original driving roots material. Vetrans of Fynefest, Girvan Folk Festival, Crabble Corn Mill Festival in Dover, Hogmanays on Iona, the Callander Jazz & Blues Festival, and they once entertained motorists whilst stuck in a traffic jam on the M25. A must see for festival goers.

Sat 3:00~4:00pm
The Kings Head

Sat 6:00~7:00pm
Arnie's

Sat 9:00~11:00pm
DC's Bar

Sun 5:00~7:00pm
Toftwood Social Club

Mississippi MacDonald

London-based, three-times British Blues Awards nominee on a heartfelt, successful quest to blend classic blues and soul. 'He clearly knows a thing or two about the blues' -- Norman Darwen, Blues In The South.

Sat 2:00~3:00pm
Ellenor Fenn Gardens

Sat 4:00~5:00pm
The Red Lion

Sat 8:00~9:00pm
The George Hotel

Moonshine Coyote

Using mostly hand-built cigar box guitars and custom-made instruments, Moonshine Coyote's unique sound draws influences from traditional blues and Americana. Four vocalists, cajon, bass, lap steel, cigar box, and resonator guitars create a diverse soundscape for the band's original songs, and occasional covers done differently. Influenced by the raw blues of Memphis Minnie, Muddy Waters, and Big Mama Thornton and more contemporary acts like The Dead South, their authentic American style looks and feel blend a wealth of band members' experience into a perfect performance of bluesman-ship

Sat 1:00~2:00pm
The George Hotel

Sat 3:00~4:00pm
The Gemini

Sat 5:00~6:00pm
The Bull

Sat 7:00~8:00pm
DC's Bar

Out of the Ashes

Engaging and entertaining rhythm and blues, female lead vocal, 3 backing vocals with dance routines (yes really!), keys, two guitars, drums, bass, and saxophone. Full-on blues entertainment!

Sun 2:00~4:00pm
Toftwood Social Club

Paul Tinkler's Part Time Blues Band

Paul has toured Germany and apeared in and around the London venues, playing with such names as Chris Barber and The Kinks bass player Jim Rodford. He has also been the front man for 'John Slaughter's Blues Band' and the 'CC Blues Band'. These days, as well as being available for private engagements, Norfolk based Paul can be regularly seen performing with his Part Time Blues Band in popular East Anglian music venues.

Sun 7:00~9:00pm
The George Hotel

Roadhouse

With a new line up this solid rocky blues band have been building on their success at Cambridge and Daxtonbury festivals and storming the Skegness National Festival of Rock and Blues in 2020. Now with plenty of new and original stuff being played the Roadhouse is going to be lifting the roof off in Dereham.

Thu 9:00~11:00pm
The Red Lion

Rockavox

Established in 2012, RockavoX is an independent rock choir offering it’s own unique spin on well-known rock and pop tracks of the past 70 years! Based in Dereham and Swaffham and part of the J.D.T. Music Academy, RockavoX performs at venues and gigs across Norfolk, raising money for charities and supporting the academy’s Big Build Project. We’re thrilled to be supporting the Dereham Blues Festival this year!

Wed 6:30~7:15pm
Dereham Memorial Hall

Sat 3:10~3:40pm
Ellenor Fenn Gardens

Ross Stewart

Kicking off the festival is our very own home grown star of the future, Ross Stewart. Ross was born in Scotland, and now lives in Long Stratton and has become a highly respected member of the local blues scene. For one so young Ross plays the blues from his soul and never fails to leave his audience wowed by his stunning guitar playing and mellifluous voice.

Wed 7:30~8:30pm
Dereham Memorial Hall

Ruby 'n Bailey

Ruby is from Toftwood and is just 13 years old. She has been playing piano for about two years and is interested in playing blues whilst her bass playing friend Bailey comes from New Zealand – she also plays sax.

Sat 3:00~3:10pm
Ellenor Fenn Gardens

Santiago & The Soulmovers

Bringing the vibrant energy of Argentina to regular appearances in the London music scene, Santiago had previously released three albums and played on stages across Argentina. He joined Mo Blues, touring all around Latin America before embarking on his solo career that led to performances in Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Mexico, Ecuador, and Brazil. Having made London his base, Santiago worked on new music in 2021 with producer Wayne Proctor (AA Williams, Lynne Jackaman, Ben Poole) and co-writer Oli Brown. The material provides a heady mix of Blues Rock, Soul, and Nashville vibes.

Sat 3:00~5:00pm
Toftwood Social Club

Sat 9:00~11:00pm
The Railway Tavern

Shinkicker

Hailing from Nottingham and comprising of drums (Pete Pearson), bass (Candy Holmes) and guitarist/singer (Simon Holmes), Shinkicker's repertoire all comes from the music of Irish Blues Rock Legend, Rory Gallagher. The band has been together and performing, mainly at festivals, for over 10 years. We don't play a note for note rendition of the albums preferring to play an appreciation of Rory's style.
Last year Shinkicker were a last minute stand in for the final night of The Rory Gallagher Festival in Nantwich - following which we were picked up by the agency running the event.

Sat 3:00~4:00pm
The Cherry Tree

Sat 10:00pm~midnight
Arnie's

Stoli Gibson and the Pearl Onions

Four-piece blues-rock band from Kings Lynn, delivering no-frills, mean and dirty, guitar-driven blues (as well as a few drops of something slightly gentler). So buckle up boys and girls and get ready to be shaken and stirred.

Sun 2:00~4:00pm
DC's Bar

Stone Pony

Stone Pony has played at almost every DBF to date and is a long-established Norfolk Band. Andy Graham is on guitar vocals and his son Jake Graham is on drums. The trio prides itself on musicianship and a versatile jamming approach to playing.

Thu 9:00~11:00pm
The Cherry Tree

Stormy-T and Bluesman's Lane

Stormy-T and Bluesman's Lane are a four-piece band from Hastings. Playing traditional Jump and Swing Blues, retro R'n'B, and Classic Blues tunes from the 1930s to the 2000s, and have recently released our debut originals album entitled Drinkin' & Swingin'

Fri 6:00~8:00pm
The Kings Head

The Barefoot Doctors

The Barefoot Doctors are a super-blues, rock, funk band with legendary drummer Jeff Rich (Status Quo) Jon Sykes, bass (The Pineapple Thief) Myke Clifford, sax, flute and vocals, keyboard wizard, Art Toper, Chris Newman, guitar (Climax Blues Band) fronted by consummate blues songstress Stella Hensley. What's not to like?

Fri 7:00~9:00pm
Dereham Golf Club

The Cruisers

We are a quartet of experienced musicians who play blues and blues rock from across the decades. We have performed at the Dereham Blues Festival since its inception and are proud to be invited back in 2023.

Sat 1:00~2:00pm
The Red Lion

Sat 4:00~5:00pm
Arnie's

The Devil's Cadillac Blues Band

Rocky Rhythm n Blues band with veteran blues performers and local artists: Christian Lovick on vocals, Glenn Medler on Drums, Richard Banks on Bass, and Nathan Codling on Guitar. Blues as blues can get.

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
Arnie's

The Guevaras Blues Band

The Guevaras Blues Band is steeped in authentic, good time, Juke-Joint blues music, delivering electric blues of R.L Burnside, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Leo Bud Welch. As well as penning their own compositions influenced by the flat Norfolk Delta landscape, their music has hypnotic dance rhythms, driven by homemade slide guitars, bass, and percussive elements, that can include drum, Cajon, and stomp boxes. All designed to keep your hands clapping and your feet tapping.

Sat 4:00~5:00pm
The Cock

Sat 8:00~9:00pm
Arnie's

The Harp and Blues Company

Now in his band the Harp and Blues Company, virtuoso Harp player John provides a platform for the sizzling sounds from his highly talented son and young guitarist Jake Watcham. The pair are well known on the local blues scene and have been packing out local blues bars and clubs in recent years with their authentic and entertaining Chicago-style blues. They have been guest hosts of Norfolk Blues Society's jam sessions. chicago style blues.

Sat 5:00~6:00pm
The Gemini

Sat 7:00~8:00pm
The George Hotel

The Ministry of Mojo

An experienced and dynamic 5- piece Chicago Blues Band, regularly gigging Essex & Suffolk, Blues powered by shuffle & swing, an antidote to complexity, offered to the brethren of Mojo!

Sat 2:00~3:00pm
DC's Bar

Sat 5:00~6:00pm
The George Hotel

The Rhythm Travellers

An electro acoustic duo playing songs from the full spectrum of Blues music. Rootsy to the core, this pair is a firm favourite at UK blues festivals. Julie's mellifluous voice is both soulful and arresting whilst the enigmatic Bob provides moody complimentary bass lines

Sat 12:00~1:00pm
Ellenor Fenn Gardens

Sat 6:00~7:00pm
The George Hotel

The Ryk Mead Band

A welcome return to Dereham Blues Festival is The Ryk Mead Band. Created in 2014 to forge his own way, Ryk decided to step out of the shadows as a side man to some of the greats he has played with. His trio walks a line between pure improvisation and set arrangements attracting such comments as 'Classy Performers', 'The best of British Blues/ Rock' (Jazz London Radio)', 'Always a pleasure to hear Ryk play - talented chap! (Chris Griffiths Live music photographer) The 100 Club'

Sat 1:00~2:00pm
The Kings Head

Sat 7:00~8:00pm
The Cherry Tree

Sat 11:30pm~1:00am
The Red Lion

The Shunters Company

The Shunters Company is a five-piece raw urban blues band born out of the Norfolk Blues Society's own house band. These guys have all paid their blues dues. Expect hard-hitting, high-energy driving rhythm, haunting smoke stack harp, and evocative tracks delivered with mid-Atlantic attitude...

Fri 8:30~10:30pm
Dereham Cricket Club

Sat 2:00~3:00pm
The Cock

Sat 9:00~11:00pm
The George Hotel

The Simon Whitney Band

The Simon Whitney Band is steeped in blues from this side of the Diss side of the Railway track to the Ooze Delta and back. Seasoned regular pub gig performers stomp rock and jive their way through standards and classics. If you like it hot you got it.

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
The Bull

The Syndicators, led by Dave Thomas

Traditional blues with a sophisticated edge. Dave Thomas is a through-and-through bluesman known for his dedication to the blues on both sides of the Atlantic - Norfolk is proud he is based here

Thu 9:00~11:00pm
The Cock

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
The George Hotel

The Thomas Heppell Band

Thomas Heppell is a Berkshire-based musician who performs Blues, Rock & Roll and Jazz covers, alongside his own compositions. In 2023, he sold out his debut London show at Sound Lounge Sutton. He has been nominated for 3 UK Blues Awards - Young Blues Artist, Emerging Blues Artist, and Acoustic Blues Artist 2023 (UK Blues Federation). In 2022, Thomas supported Anton du Beke, Robin Bibi, and Mike Mayfield, and performed at top blues venues in the UK. His debut EP 'Be My Home' has recently been played on Jazz FM (Blues and Boogie - David Freeman) and Blues Radio UK (Richard Dunning - Chairman of Blues UK Federation). The future is looking very bright for Thomas with several prominent blues festivals and a slot supporting Catfish coming up

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
The Kings Head

Sun 12:00~2:00pm
The Cock

The Tricks

The Tricks are Luke Arnold, Mark Howes, Jo Bernard & Daniel Reynolds. They play blues and R'n'B classics with free abandon, aptly described as organised chaos. The song is the roadmap and the band is the car taking detours wherever they feel like it. Hang on to your seat and join them for a ride into a blues adventure. Who knows where you might end up?

Thu 9:00~11:00pm
The Bull

Sat 3:00~4:00pm
The George Hotel

Sat 7:00~8:00pm
The Red Lion

Sat 10:00pm~midnight
The Cock

Uncalled Four

Uncalled Four are all old enough to know better, and yet young enough to play old-school Rhythm & Blues with a spring in the step and a twinkle in the eye. And that's R&B of the broadest church with a twist of blues, a twang of country, and a trace of Americana. A couple of original tunes jostle side by side with classics from BB King, Ray Charles, Georgie Fame, Bonnie Raitt, Stephen Bruton, Ry Cooder, and many more.

Sun 7:00~9:00pm
The Cock

Unfinished Business

Unfinished Business formed in 2005 and focus as authentically as possible on blues classics, British artists from the 60's and 70's, as well as contemporary players, priding themselves on delivering an excellent sound.

Sat 1:00~2:00pm
The Bull

Sat 4:00~5:00pm
DC's Bar

Sat 8:00~9:00pm
The Cock

Used Blues

Having performed at festivals and music venues on both sides of the border, by popular demand, Glasgow-based Rhythm n' Blues outfit USED BLUES bring their brand of a good time, foot stompin' tunes back to Dereham yet again. The name says it all ... the songs aren't new, but that doesn't mean there's nothing original about this band! From the 1940s tunes of Louis Jordan to the contemporary songs of Gary Clark Jr via Tom Waits, Buddy Guy et al, this band delivers!

Sat 12:00~1:00pm
The Cock

Sat 3:00~5:00pm
The Coachmakers

Sat 7:00~8:00pm
The Gemini

Sun 1:00~3:00pm
The Red Lion