My first introduction to blues music was an episode of
The Simpsons, when Lisa played the saxophone with Bleeding Gums Murphy. For years after that I thought 'the blues [wasn't] about feeling better. It [was] about making other people feel worse.' That just goes to show my limited understanding of the genre. Although the blues is traditionally a way of expressing feelings of melancholy and depression, it can also be uplifting, especially when elements of jazz are thrown in.
Whichever type you're into, the
BlueFest will have something to cure what ails you. The four day festival at the Royal Albert Hall is from the 29th October - 1st November, and will have both day and night performances. There will be a special exhibit by
North American guitars, who will be showcasing the finest collection of handmade acoustic and electronic guitars. Also on display will be a number of rock and roll artefacts from artists such as Eric Clapton, The Stones, BB King, Muddy Waters and many more.
During the day, tickets are just £10 for adults and free for kids. Feel free to wander from room to room and drop-in for Q&A sessions, and performances from singers such as Ray Gelato, who is as cool as ice (cream), and Georgie Fame, who's claim to his last name was made in 1968 with "The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde".
Evening concerts range from £25-£150 depending on seating and which show you go to. These include Bobby Womack, Van Morrison, Chris Rea, and An All Star Tribute to Bobby Bland.