29. Rawa Blues Festival

A year before the jubileee, organisers attracted a few thousand blues fans preparing the interesting line – up. Some of them arrived to „Spodek” because of tradition, the others – because of  the variety of music attractions.

The Off Stage audience voted for the duo Małgosia Werbińska & Błażej Pawlina. As usually, the festival was accompanied by the Cultural Pot, where we could see the paintings made by the students of Art Academy in Katowice, took part in some lectures about the roots of American blues or in the special art happening.

The Main Stage offered a lot interesting music. The energetic set was presented by HooDoo Band, who blended soul, blues and funky in the one pot. Amazing versions of Tadeusz Nalepa classic tunes played Jacek Jaguś with his J.J. Band. A lot of courage had Paweł Szymański, who appeared just after Hoo Doo Band concert but his quiet, acoustic set was kindly accepted by the audience. 

Another individual approach to blues showed Grzegorz Kapołka and his trio. It was   blues with jazzy touch. Even the orthodox fans received their proposition very well. On the other hand, Karolina Cygonek sang with a large combo including brass section and two lead guitarists. 

The Finnish group L.R. Phoenix and Mr. Mo’ Hell created the magic atmosphere of country blues, not far away from R.L. Burnside tunes. Next, a few thousand blues fans had a great time during the 25th anniversary show of Shakin’ Dudi, this time Irek Dudek and his band presented the orchestral versions of well – known hits. The mixture of neoswing, rock & roll and punk rock had only one negative thing – it lasted too short. 

The first of American stars Eden Brent sang on her own, playing the piano. She had a real hard task to enter the stage straight after the art explosion of Irek Dudek, but her unique style, personality and the power of her music enchanted the audience in „Spodek”. 

A lot of fans had great expectations, waiting for Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers show and they weren't disappointed. Piazza presented himself not only as the leader of the incredible band, the composer, the vocalist and the great harmonica player but – together with his wife, the pianist Honey Piazza and the rest of the group, galvanized spectators into common action.

Straight from the land of jump blues, Eric Sardinas took fans back to 21st century.  It was the grande finale of this edition of Rawa. The American guitarist presented the blues standards with great solos, that caught the fans. 

The most perseverants of them continued the blues marathon at several clubs, where impressive jam session happened. Eden Brent played... the guitar, the desire for playing also expressed  Kirk Fletcher, Irek Dudek and other musicians.