19. Rawa Blues Festival

„Chicago – Katowice Bridge” – that was the basic motto of that edition of Rawa Blues.  That solid bridge was constructed by 13 artists. They were warmly welcomed at the airport by the Polish group Junior Blues Band, with the 11 - year old drummer and the evergreen „Sweet Home Chicago”. 

Young Polish bluesmen also started The Main Stage of the festival. Later played:       Nadmiar, duo Jan Izbiński & Piotr Kałużny, the Silesian group Cree, the combo made of students – Jazz Department All Stars, the special project of Skrzek brothers and  Shakin’ Dudi as the leader of his swingin' orchestra. One of attractions of his show was also the special performance of 50 jive and rock'n'roll professional dancers.

Next, the stage was conquered by American guests. Chicago Blues Stars with  Aron Burton as the leader and the great guitarist Jimmy Burns. The long concert gave Hoo Doo Man’s Band with Albert Castiglia. After the warm – up filled with blues standards such as „Black Cat Bone” and „Help Me”, they joined the vocalist Sandra Hall. The final performance belonged to John Primer who created the unique atmosphere playing with harmonica player Steve Bell. John Primer also played with Sandra Hall, jamming together. 

The journalists wrote: For nine hours everything on The Main Stage hypnotized as never before. The emotions were the highest ones in ‘Chicago part’, what goes without saying, because it was the first opportunity to hear the traditional blues in such big dose.