From 20. 3. to 31. 5.

The “Vienna Blues Spring” celebrates with top musicians

Star-studded crowd in the capital: numerous top stars from Austria and abroad have announced their attendance at the 20th anniversary edition of the "Vienna Blues Spring".

(Bild: Cizek, Nemanja Djordjevic, Jax Hollow, Ola Queen, Aigars Lapsa, Ben Poole, Krone KREATIV)

More than ever before, the 20th anniversary of the "Vienna Blues Spring" spans from the roots to the musical present of the blues - thanks to the many domestic and foreign musicians from all age groups. The program, which runs until 31 May, is also impressive this year.

There is Moritz Gamper, for example, 29 years young, from South Tyrol, globetrotter and now at home in Vienna. He has gathered impressions everywhere, played his way through all genres and has now arrived at delta blues! Gamper will be playing in a duo with Gottfried Gfrerer on May 17 at Mozarthaus Vienna. Kofi Baker is also legendary. He played drums with his father Ginger Baker when he was six and still does today. At 55, he and his band present the program "Cream Faith" (on 20 March at Reigen). In other words, the songs from the legendary English blues-rock era that has shaped generations from the late 1960s to the present day. Ginger Baker, co-founder of Cream, also played at Reigen on January 29, 1992. It is clear that Kofi Baker's program also includes the classics of Blind Faith. After all, his daddy also played in this supergroup, as did Eric Clapton.

Top national conglomerate
Speaking of Clapton, blues specialist Hermann Posch can't get past him this year either. That's why he will be performing "Clapton Unplugged" at Haus der Musik on April 6, together with Jimi Dolezal (guitar, vocals), Franz Haselsteiner (accordion, percussion), Andy Senn (drums) & Joe Neunteufel (bass). At the already classic Mojo Blues Gala at Theater Akzent on March 24, Otto Lechner is one of the special guests on Erik Trauner's list. It is important to him to be on stage with the exceptional musician who made the accordion socially acceptable again. Other guests: pianist and singer Daniel Ecklbauer & drummer Michael Strasser as a duo and Texan Paul Chuey on tenor sax.

Hans Theessink joins the Reigen on May 27 for an exclusive reunion concert: For the first time in 25 years, he will be playing with Blue Groove again. In the original line-up, with Jon Sass, Dorretta Carter & Alee Thelfa. The project began at the end of the 1980s when Theessink and the young tuba player Sass met by chance at the baggage counter at Schwechat airport after a trip to New Orleans. At the time, Sass had an engagement with Matthias Rüegg's Vienna Art Orchestra, the beginning of a wonderful friendship between the bluesman and the jazz musician.

Reunion of legends
Sass was first involved in Theessink's "Baby Wants To Boogie" album, and for the next project "Johnny & The Devil", Hans invited drummer, percussionist and vocalist Alee Thelfa from Grenada and British jazz and soul singer Dorretta Carter to join him - and the legendary core line-up of Hans Theessink & Blue Groove was born, followed by countless acclaimed tours across Europe and the USA. Until the band scattered to the four winds again. So it's high time for this reunion. After the traditional Open House Blues Session on March 19, the next highlight will follow Kofi Baker on March 21: last year, Sari Schorr conquered the top of the US charts together with Robin Trower with the album "Joyful Sky".

Herby's Hornets will delight on March 28. Not least because Herby Dunkel will be bringing Ariana McManus and Lilli Kern to the Reigen stage. Dance fans should make a note of the weekend: On March 30, there will be a double concert with Lea's Shuffle Gangsters & Juke Joint Royals. Jeff Beck fans, on the other hand, will be delighted on April 3: Michael Lee Firkins, Stu Hamm & Chad Wackerman invite you to a tribute concert. The Viennes Ladies will put on a great show on April 5, while the Ruf Blues Cavaran will be stopping off at Hadikgasse 62 on April 23, with Alastair Greene, Eric Johanson & Katarina Pejak on board and on stage at 2024.

The electric guitar roars
In May, fans of the electric guitar will get their money's worth. Electric Guitarlands has become a classic format in this genre-2024 Joel Hoekstra, Nick Johnston, Florian Ophale & Angel Vivaldi are programmed (May 11). Matt Schofield (in a trio on May 15) will also be making a big splash, as will Rob Tognoni - the Australian-born musician will be picking up his electric guitar on May 25. The 20th "Vienna Blues Springs" will conclude on May 31 with another exceptional guitarist, Marvin Scondo.

Tickets and further information
At www.viennabluesspring.at or at www.reigen.at you will find all information about the 20th "Vienna Blues Spring", which takes place from March 20 to May 31. There you will also find all the other, mostly isolated highlights at the various other locations in the city.