Chicago Blues, steamy shuffles, lots of swing!
Family Style (from close to Milano) were formed in 1994 by guitarist Marco Limido together with his brother Franco (recorded with Robert Palmer) on vocals and harmonica, cousin Davide Bianchi on bass and Stefani ‘Pretty Baby’ Avenali on drums. The secret of their success is their phenomenal live performances. Whether performing original material or sensitively interpreting the work of others, they reach out to their audiences who never fail to return the embrace. Currently on their 10th anniversary tour all over Europe including, of course.... Castlebar - Italian Blues deluxe!!

A loud, feral stomp - raw and raucousFitz [metal-bodied resonator guitar] stomps his foot and sings the blues with a physical presence and power that remind listeners of past blues greats. He can stir up an audience with his wild, frantic interpretations of early Delta blues classics and self-penned songs. Backed by his longtime drummer, Itchy, together they sound like they’re beating their instruments to within an inch of their lives. Thanks to their telepathic rapport, the duo build their performances through a series of frenzied crescendos. One of the most popular bands of last year’s festival, Castlebar anxiously awaits their return.

Heady, emotional and a dark night of the soul.
Since releasing the critically acclaimed ‘Broken Blues’, this Dublin troubadour has been blazing a trail with his high octane blend of blues, soul and jazz that has drawn comparisons with Tom Waits and Nick Cave. Blood stained ballads, tales of love, death and late nights, delivered with a voice like a steam train at full tilt, and backed by a fiery trio capable of either inducing pin-dropping silence or blowing the wattage off a PA, this isthe real deal. It's astounding that someone so young has produced something so old- hat, which can easily contend with the ever growing elite of international singer/songwriters.

Boogie, Jazz ‘n Blues. An exciting Boogie/Blues/Jazz trio that use extensive 3-part vocal harmonies, led by Debbie Jones [vocals / guitar / piano] with Justin Randall [piano / vocals] and Gary Barber [drums / vocals]. They have performed all over the UK, and recently supported George Melly and Digby Fairweather. Tipitina were formed by classically trained pianist Justin [Detonators, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys], who was billed as the next Jools Holland. Debbie’s great passions are for jazz and gospel. Drummer Gary has spent 10 years with various jazz/soul acts, musicals, recording sessions and recently a gospel orchestra as well as a US tour.

Ireland’s finest acoustic blues export
Will’s unique Blues guitar style shows influences from a mixture of Blues, Country, Celtic, Eastern and Rock music - Howlin’Wolf, The Pretty Things, Robert Johnson, Bob Dylan and the ‘Stones. Born in Mayo, but now based in England, he taught himself guitar from the age of ten and has toured extensively worldwide. Wherever he plays, he amazes his audience with his own compositions and new arrangements of traditional songs. He not only plays guitar but banjo and harmonica as welland sings with a voice reminiscent of the early American Blues singers. Considered to be one of the foremost slide guitar players in Europe today.

Badbelly and Mungo O’Connor.
Tom Hanway, aka Badbelly, a high-energy entertainer, walks the interweaving paths of the country bluesman, folk troubadour, backwoods banjo picker and studio session man - an original who talks the talk and walks the walk. Inspirations include Robert Johnson, Rev. Gary Davis, Big Bill Broonzy and Jorma Kaukonen. He has recorded on many albums, has several of his own and has played with the who’s who list of blues, country and roots musicians. Badbelly and Mike “Mungo” O’Connor (harmonica / vocals) perform together firing up audiences with their country blues and jubilee gospel songs in the tradition of Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry.

The King of Hokum.
He wears a ragged black suit and a preachin' hat, makes tunes about singing dodo birds, hollers like a 1920's tent show blues shouter, plays guitar like a demon, and mutters to himself onstage. The legendary king of hokum blues, C.W. Stoneking, is a true entertainer who relies on musicianship, stagecraft, and performance to invoke the spirit of 1920's Southern blues in his original hokum style.
Stoneking on his trusty steel- bodied dobro and tenor banjo, coupled with his tremendous vocal and instrumental style, draws inspiration from influences that include; pre-war blues, dark old hillbilly, old jazz, prison work songs New Orleans swing and plantation work songs, vaudevillian novelty tunes and 1920's calypso.

Undeniable Talent.
Shawn’s ability to combine undeniable playing, singing, writing, and recording, coupled with heartfelt emotion, has earned him the slot as one of the most compelling new artists on today’s roots music scene. His music has featured on many films and TV productions including ‘Dawson’s Creek’.  He was asked to play lead in the Waylon Jennings band for the record breaking 1996 ‘Lollapalooza Tour’.
He is joined by the legendary Bob Gross on bass - one of those musicians who's been there, done it and had the t-shirt before t-shirts were thought of. He has played with Albert King and for 10 years with Delany Bramlett of Delany and Bonnie fame. His has been the life of a player. Both musicians have captivated Castlebar festival goers in previous years.

The Swing Commanders, UK

Exhilarating Western Swing & Blues.
Showman extraordinaire, Peter O'Reilly [The Winchesters], leads this excellent band on vocals and guitar with charisma and magnetic stage presence. Co-founder colleague, Jesse Winter [The Winchesters], creates that essential country feel on lead guitar and lap steel, harp and vocal harmony. Former classical violin soloist, Gaynor Sutcliffe [violin, vocals, piano accordion] uses her wide range of musical experience and expertise to bring her own unique slant to the band’s latin, swing and country styles. The very talented Patrick Fitzsimons is on drums and the big guy with the even bigger double bass has a big voice! Also joining the Commanders for the festival are the Laverne Sisters - a close harmony trio of girls who complement the whole experience. Both musically and visually the Swing Commanders are superb with a high-energy programme completely  different from the norm. Prepare for a great  knees-up!

CD & Record Fair, sponsored by CRC FM.
From Abba to Zappa! Vinyl, CD’s, Videos and Tapes at sensible prices. Large collection of Early Jazz and Blues. Rare American releases/60’s/ Folk, Irish and American / British Rock - Pink Floyd, Hendrix, Stones, Beatles, L.P.s & singles. Punk, C & W. Progressive rock, big Traditional Irish collection.
www.robberyrecords.co.uk

Blues Ball

The Blues Ball - double bill (Sun. Adm e15).
1st band (The Blues Band) on 11pm sharp,
followed by the Swing Commanders.

The Blues Band

From 12-bar boogies to delicate rootsy soul - five internationally renowned blues musicians
Formed in 1979 the band are today acknowledged throughout Europe and beyond as being amongst the very finest purveyors of rhythm & blues.

They have inspired numerous other blues bands and have remained a constant, increasingly popular fixture. They have real feel for their music, for their audience and for each other. Playing with maturity and passion is second nature. Their pedigree explains why ...
Noted BBC presenter Paul Jones [Vocals & Harmonica] and Tom McGuinness [Guitar & Vocals] were both founder members of the great Manfred Mann; McGuinness later formed McGuinness-Flint while Garry Fletcher [Bass & Vocals] played with Mark Knopfler in The Notting Hill Billies. Dave Kelly [Guitar, Slide Guitar & Vocals], with his late, great sister, Jo-Ann, introduced a whole generation to the early blues greats. Rob Townsend [Drums] was a member of the sucessful band Family and toured with legendary guitarist Duane Eddy and Memphis Slim.

The Swing Commanders & The Laverne Sisters

Exhilarating Western Swing & Blues.
Showman extraordinaire, Peter O'Reilly [The Winchesters], leads this excellent band on vocals and guitar with charisma and magnetic stage presence. Co-founder colleague, Jesse Winter [The Winchesters], creates that essential country feel on lead guitar and lap steel, harp and vocal harmony. Former classical violin soloist, Gaynor Sutcliffe [violin, vocals, piano accordion] uses her wide range of musical experience and expertise to bring her own unique slant to the band’s latin, swing and country styles. The very talented Patrick Fitzsimons is on drums and the big guy with the even bigger double bass has a big voice! Also joining the Commanders for the festival are the Laverne Sisters - a close harmony trio of girls who complement the whole experience. Both musically and visually the Swing Commanders are superb with a high-energy programme completely  different from the norm. Prepare for a great  knees-up!