Tel Aviv Blues Festival 2017

After a bigger and better second edition of the massive Tel Aviv Blues Frestival, Nobody’s Fault Productions will be turning Tel Aviv into blues central for the third summer in a row. Stay tuned for updates on all the local and international talent that’ll be playing at the festival.

Last year’s first ever Tel Aviv Blues Festival saw 40 concerts in 4 days by artists from Israel and the US, including Buddy Guy, Sharon Lewis, Full Trunk, The Blues Rebels and many more.

Next up: The Tel Aviv Blues Festival Winter Edition

Some of the highlights were one-man band Lightin Malcolm bringing the Delta Blues sound straight from Mississippi and 83-year-old “newcomer” Leo “Bud” Welch, who released his first album ever in 2014 at the age of 81 — both making their first appearances in Israel.

The Tel Aviv Blues Festival is also a chance to get to know Israel’s homegrown blues scene. Last year, bands like Full Trunk, Lucille Crew, the Blues Rebels, as well as solo artists Ronen Green, Itay Pearl, Yaron Ben Ami and many others played discounted or free shows as part of the festival. 

Tel Aviv Blues Festival 2016 Highlights

The schedule is out, and we’ve handpicked some of the concerts we’re most excited for at Tel Aviv Blues Festival 2016.

Buddy Guy (SOLD OUT!)

An absolute legend and one of the greatest guitar players of all time, Buddy Guy has been a major influence for the greatest guitar players of the last generation, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and many others. His live show is simply electric, even at the age of 79. It’s a little bit of a trek from Tel Aviv to the show in Caesarea, but the amphitheater there is absolutely magical, so don’t miss it.

Where: Caesarea Amphitheater, Caesarea (50 km from Tel Aviv-Yafo)
When: July 13, 2016
Tickets: Buy now!

OSOG with Ronnie Peterson

Absolutely one of the most unique sounds on the scene right now, OSOG combines blues, folk, country and so many more roots and rock sounds, you won’t want to miss this massive show with Ronnie Peterson.

Where: The Zone, 13 Ha-Rekhev Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: July 14, 2016 at 8:00 pm
Cost: 55 NIS
Tickets: Buy now! (Hebrew)

Full Trunk

Drawing on the sounds of the 1960’s and 70’s, Full Trunk has become one of Israel’s most popular blues bands and even represented Israel in the seminal International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2014.

Where: Ozen Bar, 48 King George Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: July 14, 2016 at 10:00 pm
Cost: 55-60 NIS
Tickets: Buy now! (Hebrew)

The Gimzu Blues Band

Another Israeli band with an original sound, the Gimzu Blues Band combines blues, rock and Israeli folk to write thoughtful songs inspired by a vast array of topics.

Where: Bar Giyora, 4 Bar Giora Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: July 14, 2016 at 8:00 pm
Cost: 30 NIS (ish)
Tickets: At the door only

The Betty Bears

All the way from that place called Jerusalem, the Betty Bears are bringin’ that Dixieland swing to the Tel Aviv Blues Festival, so dust off your spats, grab a cocktail and get ready to dance.

Where: Bascula, 72 Harakevet Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: July 14, 2016 at 8:30 pm
Cost: 55-70 NIS
Tickets: Buy now! (Hebrew)

The Boom Boom Boys

Rhythm + Blues = The Boom Boom Boys. It’s a can’t miss for fans of the original rhythm and blues sound.

Where: Hostel 51, 51 Yehuda Halevi Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: July 14, 2016 at 9:30 pm
Cost: Free

Lost Highways

What is Mediterranean country blues? We’re not qualified to tell you, but assure you that it’s mind-blowing. If you want to know, don’t miss Lost Highways at the Tel Aviv Blues Festival.

Where: The Container, Jaffa Port, Tel Aviv-Jaffa
When: July 14, 2016 at 9:00 pm
Cost: Free

Sharon Lewis featuring SOBO

This veteran vocalist from Chicago was born to belt the blues.

Where: Mike’s Place, 86 Herbert Samuel Promenade, Tel Aviv-Jaffa
When:  July 15, 2016 at 10:00 pm
Cost: Free

Svetlana Shmulian with Eli & the Chocolate Factory

One of NY’s premiere swing vocalists joins Israel’s favorite trad jazz bands for one night only.

Where: The Zone, 13 Harechev Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: July 15, 2016 at 2:00 pm
Cost: 50 NIS
Tickets: Buy now! (Hebrew)

The Paz Band Pop-up Concert

This one’s not for blues purists, but it should be a fun time as The Paz Band rocks out at Dizengoff Center during the weekly ethnic food fair.

Where: House of Marley, Dizengoff Center, Building A, 2nd floor, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: July 15, 2016 at 2:00 pm
Cost: Free

The Blues Rebels with Danny Shushan

This one is simply a classic blues rock sound that’ll have you recalling the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughn. If nothing else, stick around for their moving cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.”

Where: Ozen Bar, 48 King George Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: July 15, 2016 at 10:00 pm
Cost: 40-50 NIS
Tickets: Buy now! (Hebrew)

Israel Blues Society Electric Jam

A good ol’ fashion daytime blues jam — the perfect excuse for some afternoon beers

Where: Mike’s Place, 86 Herbert Samuel Promenad, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: July 15, 2016 at 2:00 pm
Cost: Free

Salty Dogs & Jelly Rolls

An evening of sexy blues…

Where: Levontin 7, 7 Levontin Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: July 15, 2016 at 9:30 pm
Cost: 38 NIS
Tickets: Buy now! (Hebrew)

SheRock

Bringing the sounds of blues and rock like only the ladies can

Where: Mike’s Place, 86 Herbert Samuel Promenad, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: July 16, 2016 at 3:00 pm
Cost: Free

Dani Dorchin with the Ramirez Brothers

Local blues man Danny Dorchin usually likes to do it all himself as a one-man band, but his second album is so big that he had to enlist the help of some friends.

Where: The Zone, 13 Harechev Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: July 16, 2016 at 8:30 pm
Cost: 50 NIS
Tickets: Buy now!

Electric Guitar Cult

Five of Israel’s finest electric guitarists on 1 stage

Where: Zappa Tel Aviv, 24 Raoul Wallenberg Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: July 16, 2016 at 9:00 pm
Cost: 155 NIS
Tickets: Buy now! (Hebrew)

Electric Blue

Possibly the down and dirtiest blues rock sound in Israel — listen for yourself…

Where: The Container, Jaffa Port, Tel Aviv-Yafo
When: July 16, 2016 at 9:00 pm
Cost: Free

Details

Where: Venues around Tel Aviv-Yafo and Caesarea
When: July 2017
Cost: Varies by show
Tickets: TBA
Info: Tel Aviv Blues Festival Official Website (Hebrew)

Photos: Courtesy of TLV Blues Festival