February 19, 2018 · Team HG
The tenth edition of the Blues Tour Groningen features a record number of sixteen stages in hospitality venues in Groningen's city center. No fewer than five cafes joined the event this year, and one establishment has decided to rejoin after a short period of absence. The Blues Tour Groningen 2018 takes place on Saturday, February 24, and all locations are free for visitors starting at 9:00 PM.
Organizer Joris van Berkel is pleased with the growing interest from both the participating companies and the visitors who come to Groningen from far and wide to listen to their favorite music. The musical event has established its name. "Via email and Facebook Bands from home and abroad sign up by the dozens to play in Groningen. This enables us to make a fine selection that enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy.
Van Berkel cannot fail to mention that the Blues Tour Groningen started cautiously ten years ago and was then an initiative of enthusiasts Wim Angerman and Wim Entzinger. Entzinger had to leave the organization a few years ago due to a busy work schedule and made way for Van Berkel in the organization. Last year was dramatic due to the sudden passing of Wim Angerman who has the honor of having been the driving force behind the nine previous editions of the event.
“We have,” says Van Berkel, “asked the participating bands to perform a small tribute to Wim Angerman on stage around eleven o'clock on Saturday evening, at their own discretion. The Blues Cowboys with Lou Leeuw have already agreed to play the special song The Man with the Black Hat as a tribute to Wim Angerman. The song was composed by Lou Leeuw last year and played at Wim's memorial service.”
After ten years, Van Berkel cannot estimate how many blues enthusiasts come to the city center of Groningen to listen to their favorite music. "There must be thousands, because all the cafes where the music is being played are packed, and at the same time, many enthusiasts are still on their way, walking or cycling, to visit the various stages. Especially for this tenth edition, we have released a T-shirt with our logo that can be ordered online and is for sale on Saturday evening in City Café Pronk at the Fish Market.”
Information about the sixteen stages and the bands playing there can be found on the website. bluestourgroningen.nlA special supplement is available on the website for smartphone users, where the route through the city center to the sixteen locations can be easily found.
