Blues Week returns to The University of Northampton

The popular Blues Week is being held at The University of Northampton’s Sunley Conference Centre for the seventh year in a row - from Sunday 31 July to Friday 5 August.

The event, aimed at Blues enthusiasts who want to come together for a week of master classes, promises the very best in Blues guitar, harmonica, keyboards and vocals tuition.

This is an event designed to offer Blues fans a chance to really broaden their skills and knowledge and to enjoy doing this with like minded people, in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Michael Roach, founder of the European Blues Association and Director of Blues Week 2011

Classes are for people of all levels. Beginner classes are for those who have little or no knowledge of their instrument.  The intermediate and advanced classes are for those who already play to varying degrees of proficiency and are ready to learn new tunes, techniques and styles. 

The evening activities throughout the week will include staff-led concerts, a student concert and nightly jam sessions. 

Internationally acclaimed Blues singers and musicians from around the world will be leading the tuition, including:

• Del Rey, a great guitarist and Blues queen whose playing combines country Blues, stride piano, classic jazz and hillbilly boogie styles.
• Wizz Jones, a guitarist who learned from the likes of Davy Graham and Long John Baldry while playing in the coffee bars of London's Soho during the late 1950's.
• Sonny Black, guitarist, who plays fingerstyle blues, ragtime and country. 
• Rick Franklin, from Washington, D.C., has been playing and singing the Blues at local and international festivals and community events, as well as various clubs and cafes, both in and around the DC area since 1981.  
• Michael Roach, the founder and Director of Blues Week, who recently released his sixth album, Innocent Child.
• Michael Messer, a slide guitar master, who recently released two internationally acclaimed instructional DVDs.  In 2008, he launched his own range of resonator guitars. 
• Homesick Mac, who has been teaching slide guitar at Blues Week for 6 years.  His enthusiasm and energy is unrivalled.
• Joe Filisko, one of the world's most respected teachers, players and authorities on the diatonic Blues harmonica. 
• Grant Dermody, a harmonica player and singer known for his rich tone, tasteful solos, and solid rhythmic playing. 
• Danny McCormack, Musical Director for Tony Christie and Peter Grant, who also plays piano with legendary songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Roy Wood.

I am delighted that Euro Blues Promotions Ltd have once again chosen Sunley Conference Centre as the home of Blues Week for another year. Sunley's versatility as a venue already means we attract customers from across the spectrum, holding business conferences to weddings and parties. Blues Week is a vibrant and very welcome addition to that portfolio.

John Jones, Managing Director of The University of Northampton Enterprises Ltd

Blues Week registration prices start from £125 for the day. Prices for the whole week are £410 for the off-campus option or £625 if you would like accommodation on campus. All prices include all classes, activities and lunch.