6–6.30pm
Elsie is a great emerging talent on the UK blues scene as a singer-songwriter and guitarist. She sings and plays acoustic country blues, ragtime and jazz on her trusty National Resonator. Praised for her authentic yet unique take on early blues and jazz she draws inspiration from legendary female blues artists such as Memphis Minnie and Bessie Smith. She has recently formed her own all-women blues trio with double bassist Francesca Nnoka Shaw and drummer Carmen Ruiz Vicente.
Elsie’s performance is part of IGF’s La Leona, celebrating women music creators and performers supported by the PRS Foundation Talent Development Network.
‘Elsie Franklin is the most natural blues singer I’ve heard in years, her guitar playing is pretty damn good too, uncluttered and tasteful, she really understands the genre – she’s the whole package’ Dave Kelly
6.45–7.15pm
Thomas Heppell is a finalist in no less than three categories at the 2025 UK Blues Awards. He gained national airplay on the BBC Introducing Planet Rock, as well as appearing on a range of independent Blues stations. He is redefining the blues for a new era. Blending the soul of blues, the raw energy of Rock & Roll, and the finesse of jazz, Thomas captivates audiences—whether commanding the stage solo or driving the groove with his powerhouse trio. A force to be reckoned with in the British blues scene, he brings passion, originality and amazing skill to every performance.
7.30–8pm
Dani is an international touring and recording artist on the VizzTone label. Called the ‘British Blues Belle’ she was Best Female Vocalist at the 2015 British Blues Awards. She performs the blues from a female perspective that resonates across cultures and continents. From the iconic stage of London’s Royal Albert Hall to the heart of Kenyan slum communities, Dani Wilde’s musical journey spans several continents, winning hearts everywhere she goes. For 15 years, this British blues singer-songwriter has woven her sound through the landscapes of Europe, America, Canada, and Africa. Beyond her musical achievements, Dani is a passionate humanitarian, dedicated to supporting “Moving Mountains” and Toto Love Children’s Home in Kenya, raising vital funds and awareness for children in Embu.
‘Dani Wilde is a modern-day British Blues Phenomenon… her album Live at Brighton Road is a treat for the eyes and ears… the overall effect is Breathtaking’ Blues Blast Magazine
8.15–8.45pm
Paul Garner is one of the most accomplished and distinctive electric blues and rock guitarists working in the UK. He performs with his own progressive blues trio as well as appearing as lead guitarist with a number of high-profile bands such as Larry ‘Mud’ Morganfield’s – Muddy Waters’ son- and West Weston’s Bluesonics. He plays the most original and electrifying new blues music you’ll hear anywhere!
“Rivetingly good…!” Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2
“I am a huge fan of Paul Garner’s guitar work… outrageously creative” Mike Vernon, record producer
“One of my blues albums of the year…. Great material too.” Blues & Soul magazine
9–9.45pm
UK Blues Awards habitué Chris Corcoran references the big sound of 40s and 50s R&B and Jump Blues. Touring the UK and Europe with his trio and 6 piece band he is acclaimed as one of the country’s finest and most distinctive blues musicians. His 3 albums Inferno, Coolerator and Blues Guitar Grooves were all awarded best instrumental album by Blues Junction Productions, the influential US Blues magazine. He is an Ambassador for the International Guitar Foundation’s (IGF) Outreach Programme and a much sought after workshop tutor at IGF’s Bath Guitar Festival and Summer School where he teaches the Vintage Electric Blues course. His book Chromatic Blues Guitar Soloing (published by Guitar Vivo) is a must for all aspiring blues players.
Blues is an international phenomenon, and its stars now come from all over the world, so, it is no surprise that one of the most exciting emerging talents is Basque Country’s Iker Piris. This electrifying guitarist has already released 4 highly acclaimed albums, both solo and featuring his band, Iker Piris & his Dual Electras. His latest, titled Electra consists completely of original songs and features guests like the harp players Greg Izor and Nico Wayne Toussaint as well as pianist Víctor Puertas. The album has been released on El Toro Records.
‘It is great to hear a new generation of music purveyors of the roots of the blues. Iker Piris is just that. Carry the torch high and don’t back down music is what you will hear. Stinging guitar and raw vocals are sure to please’ Kid Ramos
Chris and Iker have developed a unique and successful partnership, steeped in Rhythm and Blues. Over the last couple of years, they have worked together across Spain from Santander to Madrid. This is their debut London performance together.
