Oodles of cool, blues-associated things going on - something for everyone.
Dont just come to the 10th Dereham Blues Festival ...
Be part of it!
The DBF Community Blues Explosion has generously been supported by Dereham Town Council, the Geoffrey Watling Charity & the Norfolk Blues Society.
The aim is to build on the success of the annual Dereham Blues Festival by introducing community activities with an appeal to a wider age range with greater inclusivity.
Blues music developed from within a community. It sustained the people of that community through the trials and hardships of an oppressed existence with determination and indeed humour, often aimed at the lighter side of life.
The legacy of that music continues to sustain communities in spirit, in soul and in togetherness.
Lauren Dove’s Blues and Soul Choir weekly rehearsed sessions
Lauren is a professional voice coach and has run very successful choir workshops in and around the county. She is also part of the very popular local band, Dove and Boweevil.
4 rehearsals will work towards being able to perform four songs in at least two locations in the town on the main Saturday afternoon as part the wider Dereham Blues Festival.
The sessions are on each Wednesday of the four weeks leading up to Dereham Blues Festival and are open to all who fancy adding their voice to the beating blues heart of Norfolk.
WHEN
Sessions on Weds 12 , 19 , 26 June and 3 July at 7:00pm
WHERE
All sessions, at Church House, Church Street, Dereham
COST
Each session £5
Lauren Dove’s Blues and Soul Choir Beginners Workshop
Learn the basics of choral singing, the rhythms and tropes of blues and soul music and the harmonies that make the sound so special. Specially arranged for beginners, this session will guide you gently into the wonderfully enjoyable world of singing in company.
Lauren is a professional voice coach and has run very successful choir workshops in and around the county. She is also part of the very popular local band, Dove and Boweevil.
WHEN
Saturday 13 July at 10:00am
WHERE
Church House, Church Street, Dereham
COST
Just £2
An Audience with Mississippi MacDonald
Interviewed by Ross Stewart
In this light hearted informative chat about blues music, local 19 year old rising star Ross Stewart interviews and plays with one of Norfolk Blues Society’s patrons who is currently making waves over the pond
“Mississippi MacDonald represents the next generation of great guitarists who hail from the UK... wholly authentic, he’s earned the right to claim the name” Living Blues, USA
WHEN
Friday 12 July at 7pm to 8:45pm
WHERE
Orion Cinema, Dereham Market Place
COST
Just £3.50
The Story of the Blues
Presented by Terry Bunting
Local blues guru and guitar hero Terry Bunting delivers a fascinating take on how, where and why blues music is so enduring and why it still influences contemporary and popular music today
WHEN
Saturday 13 July at 11am to 12pm
WHERE
Dereham Baptist Church
COST
Just £3.50
Cigar Box Guitar Making Workshop
An opportunity to make your very own cigar box guitar, led by Eric of Odd Box Guitars.
All materials and tools are provided, and you get to keep your instrument!
WHEN
Saturday 13 July 12pm to 5pm
WHERE
Dereham Men's Shed
(Next to the Memorial Hall)
COST
£35
West African Drumming Workshops
Eight one hour opportunities over the Festival weekend to have a go at this uplifting and invigorating experience, led by Unbeatable Energy.
All are welcome - reserve your place by booking below, or take your chance for spaces on the day
WHEN
Sat 13 & Sun 14 July, 11am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm & 4pm, subject to availability
WHERE
Morrisons Car Park
COST
Just £3 (adults) & £2 (Under 12's)