B.B. King (born Riley B. King, September 16, 1925 – May 14, 2015) was a legendary American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, widely regarded as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time. His distinctive guitar tone and deeply emotional vocals set the gold standard for electric blues. King’s favorite instrument was his Gibson guitar, affectionately named Lucille. Over the course of his long and prolific career, he recorded more than 40 albums and performed thousands of concerts. B.B. King was a towering ambassador of the blues, whose influence reached far beyond the genre—into jazz, rock, and even pop music.

As a heartfelt tribute to the King of the Blues, Augustibluus will present a major musical project featuring an impressive lineup of acclaimed vocalists and top-tier instrumentalists from both Estonia and abroad. Among the performers are Dave Benton, Emil Rutiku, Mikk Dede, Teele Viira, and many more.

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Few artists embody the spirit of modern blues and soul quite like Curtis Salgado. With a voice as powerful as it is expressive, and a harmonica style rooted in raw emotion and masterful technique, Salgado has spent over four decades captivating audiences across the globe. As Billboard puts it: “Inspired, powerful R&B showcases Salgado’s exceptional range and muscular, soulful vocals.”

Born in Everett, Washington, and raised in Eugene, Oregon, Curtis Salgado’s early musical path was shaped by legends like Otis Redding, Little Walter, and B.B. King. But he quickly forged his own distinctive style — a seamless fusion of blues, soul, R&B, gospel and funk. His performances brim with passion, grit, and an unshakeable authenticity that connects instantly with audiences.

Curtis’s career launched into the spotlight when he became the inspiration for John Belushi’s character in The Blues Brothers. As the lead vocalist for The Nighthawks, he toured with the Robert Cray Band and later fronted Roomful of Blues and Santana. Over the years, he has collaborated with industry greats such as Steve Miller, Taj Mahal, Charlie Musselwhite, and Bonnie Raitt.

Salgado is a three-time winner of the prestigious B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award and has earned 11 Blues Music Awards in total, making him one of the most decorated artists in contemporary blues. His solo discography includes over a dozen critically acclaimed albums, the latest of which, Fine By Me (2024), continues to highlight his unparalleled vocal delivery and lyrical sharpness. The album blends groove-heavy originals with heartfelt ballads and soul-soaked storytelling.

Whether he’s commanding the stage with a ten-piece band or delivering an intimate solo performance, Curtis Salgado gives everything he’s got. His concerts are more than shows — they’re experiences. Deeply human, emotionally raw, and often laced with humor, Salgado’s performances resonate long after the final note has faded.

Curtis Salgado doesn’t just sing the blues — he lives them. And every time he steps on stage, he reminds us why this music matters.

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Few artists embody the spirit of modern blues and soul quite like Curtis Salgado. With a voice as powerful as it is expressive, and a harmonica style rooted in raw emotion and masterful technique, Salgado has spent over four decades captivating audiences across the globe. As Billboard puts it: “Inspired, powerful R&B showcases Salgado’s exceptional range and muscular, soulful vocals.”

Born in Everett, Washington, and raised in Eugene, Oregon, Curtis Salgado’s early musical path was shaped by legends like Otis Redding, Little Walter, and B.B. King. But he quickly forged his own distinctive style — a seamless fusion of blues, soul, R&B, gospel and funk. His performances brim with passion, grit, and an unshakeable authenticity that connects instantly with audiences.

Curtis’s career launched into the spotlight when he became the inspiration for John Belushi’s character in The Blues Brothers. As the lead vocalist for The Nighthawks, he toured with the Robert Cray Band and later fronted Roomful of Blues and Santana. Over the years, he has collaborated with industry greats such as Steve Miller, Taj Mahal, Charlie Musselwhite, and Bonnie Raitt.

Salgado is a three-time winner of the prestigious B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award and has earned 11 Blues Music Awards in total, making him one of the most decorated artists in contemporary blues. His solo discography includes over a dozen critically acclaimed albums, the latest of which, Fine By Me (2024), continues to highlight his unparalleled vocal delivery and lyrical sharpness. The album blends groove-heavy originals with heartfelt ballads and soul-soaked storytelling.

Whether he’s commanding the stage with a ten-piece band or delivering an intimate solo performance, Curtis Salgado gives everything he’s got. His concerts are more than shows — they’re experiences. Deeply human, emotionally raw, and often laced with humor, Salgado’s performances resonate long after the final note has faded.

Curtis Salgado doesn’t just sing the blues — he lives them. And every time he steps on stage, he reminds us why this music matters.

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Take six European unmistakable spearheads of rockin ́ blues artists who have steamrolled all corners of the European blues scene for over twenty years and put them all together in one band.

Take THESE six seasoned artists, and put them in the same band, and you get a dedicated group who want something MORE, and that in a relatively short time proved this – with everyone in the group contributing to a hefty lovechild of an album produced by Budda Guedes – creating an insanely tight, precise and entertaining band that truly will excite the audience with

its mixture of blues, jump, boogie and rock ́n roll!

With members from Portugal, Spain, Norway, Poland and Italy – you get an eclectic mix of culture, but also a pretty unstoppable stream of musical ideas, storytelling and general outlook on life – well anchored within the traditions of them ol ́ blues!

Innovative and with respect for traditions, something new, with a keen eye on the Old Masters.

The members of Blues Against the Machine holds accolades as Winners of the European Blues Challenge, Blues Top Awards, national Blues Awards – and find themselves headlining blues festivals all over Europe.

Blues Against The Machine are:

BUDDA GUEDES (PT) –Vocals, Guitar
ERIC SLIM ZAHL (NO) – Vocals, Guitar
DANNY DEL TORO (ES) – Harmonica, Backing Vocals
BART SZOPINSKI (PL) – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
VASCO MOURA (PT) – Bass, Backing Vocals
NIK TACCORI (IT) – Drums, Backing Vocals

Lexsoul Dancemachine is a six-piece powerhouse of energy from Estonia, known for their relentless groove that has been moving dancefloors since 2013. Their music draws raw inspiration from the dusty funk of the 70s and the melodic soul of the 60s, creating an emotional and irresistible blend of funk and soul.

The band has released four studio albums and performed countless sweaty shows both at home and abroad.

In May 2025, Lexsoul Dancemachine will release their latest studio album, “Lex is More”, a deep expedition into their funk roots. The album is already being teased with two fresh singles: “True Soul” and “It’s Over.”

At Augustibluus, Lexsoul Dancemachine will perform in an extended special lineup, featuring Estonian music legend Ivo Linna. The set will include tracks from the upcoming album, fan-favorite hits, and a few surprises with their special guest.

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The band SERVITI (Sideways), consisting of Marleen Elisabeth Must (bass), Raul Sööt (keyboards, tenor saxophone), Martin Jürman (guitars), Pearu Pindre (guitars), Aron Talu (drums), and Toomas Rull (vocals), has timed their world premiere performance to take place at the Haapsalu Blues Festival. At the same event, the band will also present their debut album, titled after their namesake track “Serviti”.

SERVITI performs blues-inspired rock music, mostly in Estonian, stylistically following in the footsteps of the legendary Estonian group Ultima Thule – whose repertoire is also featured in SERVITI’s live set.

Although the band was originally formed years ago, the name SERVITI was only chosen in 2024 after a long search for a fitting Estonian-language title. The name was inspired by a remarkable discovery: in 2024, an unmarked cassette was found deep in the archives of Estonian Radio. On it was a forgotten song with lyrics by Jüri Leesment, written in 1989, shortly after he had penned the texts for the five iconic patriotic songs of the Singing Revolution. This particular piece, originally titled “Ajahambaid agaramad” (“More Vigorous Than the Tooth of Time”), had music composed by Alo Mattiisen and was performed by Ivo Linna, but for unknown reasons, it was never publicly released.

With Leesment’s recent revisions, the song has now been retitled “Serviti”, referencing a line from Estonia’s national epic Kalevipoeg and reinterpreted by the band in their own style – 40 years later.

“When the bringer of freedom was asked to appear
Only then, only then, the winds grew warm
But when colder gusts came from the EAST
Sideways, sideways – advised the hedgehogs.”

With this rediscovered piece, now turned into a powerful musical statement, SERVITI serves the opening shot – and the game is on.

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Maurice John Vaughn is a highly respected American blues musician who represents classic Chicago blues in its most authentic form. A versatile artist – vocalist, guitarist, saxophonist, and composer – Vaughn’s career spans several decades. He has collaborated with renowned artists such as Luther Allison, Son Seals, and A.C. Reed, and has been a longtime recording artist with Alligator Records, releasing both solo albums and contributing to various projects under the label.

At Augustibluus, Vaughn will perform in collaboration with the Finnish band Highway, whose members are seasoned and well-known figures in the Finnish blues scene. Together, they will deliver a powerful and heartfelt performance rooted in the tradition of Chicago blues, enriched by Nordic precision and musical sensibility.

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Blackburn Brothers on paljude auhindadega pärjatud Kanada bänd, mille tuumik koosneb kolmest vennast: Duane (vokaal/klahvpillid), Brooke (kitarr/vokaal) ja Cory (trummid), keda saadavad Neil Braithwaite (tenorsaksofon), Ted Peters (tromboon) ja Andrew Stewart (bass).

Blackburn Brothersi looming on stiilipuhas, kuid siiski omanäoline segu bluusi, funki, jazzi ja souli elementidest. Nende viimane album “SoulFunkn’BLUES” (ilmus 2023. aasta septembris) on pälvinud rahvusvahelist tunnustust – see nomineeriti 2024. aasta JUNO auhinnale kui Aasta Bluusialbum, sai kolm nominatsiooni 2024. aasta American Blues Music Awardsil (sh Aasta Album, Soul Bluusialbum ja Aasta Lugu) ning püstitas rekordi üheksa nominatsiooniga Maple Blues Awardsil, sealhulgas kategooriates Aasta Esitaja ja Aasta Elektribluusi Esitaja. Lisaks võitis album 2024. aasta Blues Blast Awardsil tiitli Aasta Soul-Bluusi Album.

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Krissy Matthews on noor ja särav Briti kitarrivirtuoos.
Tal on isikupärane stiil ja oma kõla ning võluv oskus ennast mitte üleliia tõsiselt võtta.

Juba 12-aastaselt jagas ta lava Briti bluusi ristiisa John Mayalliga, sai karjäärinõu B.B. Kingilt, ja 15-aastaselt oli viimane muusik, kes legendaarse Jeff Healeyga Ühendkuningriigis lavale astus koos. Krissy on andnud tuhandeid kontserte USAs, Hiinas ja Euroopas ning jaganud lava nimedega nagu Toto, Graveyard, Joe Bonamassa, Gregg Allman, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Beth Hart ja Joe Satriani. 2021. aastal sõlmis ta lepingu maineka Saksa plaadifirma Ruf Recordsiga, mille alt ilmus kriitikute poolt kõrgelt hinnatud album Pizza Man Blues.

The Viking Blues Bandi moodustavad tuntud Norra muusikud trummar Kåre Amundsen ja bassimängija Trond Hansen.

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For the past 3 decades, Swedish bluesman Bottleneck John has toured extensively in Scandinavia and Europe from Norwegian Lofoten in the north to Tropea in southern Italy.  Also tours in America and the blues homelands around Mississippi with gigs at clubs and festivals there, including the legendary King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, Arkansas!

BJ shares his passion for blues, hokum and spirituals with roots deep down in the Delta of the 1920s/30s.

Music that is intense, raw and fast-paced but also laid-back and emotional!

A journey through time with songs by legends such as BB King, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Son House and Blind Willie Johnson, but also his own material in this traditional genre.

With almost 7 million views on YouTube and a number of released albums, BJ’s blues has reached a global audience and received praise in the media around the world, some quotes here:

“.. It doesn’t matter what corner of the planet the artist comes from, you either have a blues soul or you don’t. This man has one in spades..” – Greg Szalony, Blues Blast Magazine, USA.

“.. No doubt, one of the finest Acoustic Blues artists around..” – John Vermilyea, Blues Underground Network, Canada.

“.. The Van Gogh of European bluesmen..” – Roy Bainton, Blues Matters Magazine, UK.

“.. Has to be some of the finest that Swedish blues can present when it comes to soulful and beautiful vocals..” – Freddy Toressen, Blues News, Norway.

“.. The spirit of blind Willie Johnson and Son House must surely be watching over Johan..” –  Brian Harman, Blues Art Journal.

“.. Eliasson has made his mark as one of today’s most poignant voices in the genre..”  – Frank Matheis, thecountryblues.com, USA.

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Knucklebone Oscar is Finland’s representation of pure ultra wild rock ‘n’ roll. Known for entertaining, energetic performances and guitar pyrotechniques -Oscar is a wild beast! An expressive singer and an explosive guitar player with a hard hitting band to match. The music is a mixture of Little Richard, James Brown, BB King and rockabilly with a speedy Scandinavian blues-twist.

Oscar has been finetuning his show and original rock ’n’ roll for years. Countless tours in Europe, China, Russia and in USA. Ten studio albums, a documentary movie, Finland’s representation in Blues Wold Championships in Memphis, USA. Burlesque shows, Lazer blues and sweaty gospel, Oscar has done and seen it all. A consummate Entertainer with showmanship to spare.

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Lazymen Blues Band is a Finnish blues trio based in Tampere, consisting of experienced musicians. The trio is led by singer-guitarist Riku Jokinen. The band also features bassist Sami Sarsama and drummer Vesa Salovius.

The members began their journey together in the fall of 2022. The trio plays rootsy guitar music with a tight groove and modern approach – own songs and selected covers from Hendrix to Gary Clark Jr. The band has already been seen at blues festivals such as Saari-, Ruska-, Satama-, and Raumablues in Finland. Expect guaranteed live energy, groove, and tight playing.

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Kalle Tikas has been active on the music scene since the early 1990s, performing blues and progressive rock. In the early 2000s, he became involved in various free improvisation and experimental music projects, as well as composing music for contemporary theatre productions.

In 2015, Tikas formed the avant-blues duo Ringhold with avant-garde vocalist Eleonora Kampe, bringing a fresh and unconventional approach to the electric blues genre. His first solo album, “Strange Box”, was released in 2024, followed by new original work featured on the international compilation “An Anthology of Contemporary Solo Guitar” in 2025.

At Augustibluus, Kalle Tikas will perform in his distinctive fingerpicking style on both a modified electric guitar and an acoustic resonator guitar.

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Red Zeppelin is a group of Led Zeppelin aficionados that’s mission is to give the rock audiences a similar ecstatic vibe that the mighty Zep offered in 1968-1980.

Vocals – Kristi Täheste (No More Fridays, Metamorfoos}
Guitar – Grigori Rõžuk (Bourbon Sugar, Rubundi, WingWave, No More Fridays)
Keys, harmonica – Mart Vestli (Metamorfoos)
Bass – Meelis Niine (Bourbon Sugar, Külmking, WingWave)
Drums – Elvis Jakobson (Tarvo Valm Band, Ska Faktor, WingWave)

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The duo Kelli Uustani & Ain Agan is a refined and delicate musical collaboration between two beloved Estonian artists. Their partnership began quite recently and somewhat serendipitously, following a chance performance that revealed an unexpectedly deep musical synergy. After that first concert, it quickly became clear that their ideas, creative flow, and shared musical sensibility aligned in a way that made every rehearsal and joint appearance feel both joyful and effortless.

Their connection has since evolved into a full-fledged repertoire of thoughtfully arranged music—works that speak to both artists on a personal level and resonate beautifully with audiences. For Augustibluus, the duo is joined by special guest Robert Nõmmann, whose fluid, elegant playing style adds a fresh dimension to their sound.

Kelli Uustani is a distinctive and warm-voiced singer, songwriter, actress, and storyteller who has gradually shifted from musical theatre toward jazz, soul, blues, and improvisational music. Her sound moves gracefully between rich jazz textures and tasteful pop, with touches of musical theatre flair. Critics have compared her style to Caecilie Norby, Eva Cassidy, and Barbra Streisand. One of her strongest tools is her lyrical depth—her songs aim to connect emotionally and linger in the listener’s heart.

Ain Agan is one of Estonia’s most active and respected jazz guitarists and composers. He is the founder and artistic director of the Viljandi Guitar Festival, a founding member of the Estonian Dream Big Band, and a key figure in numerous acclaimed projects, including Eesti Keeled, the international quartet Agan-Viinikainen-Mälgand-Kallio, and his own AgAin Group. He also helps preserve and promote the legacy of his late friend Riho Sibul through the non-profit Kuukitarr.

Robert Nõmmann is a talented young bassist from Tallinn, known from bands such as Titoks, Alfa Collective, and more recently, as the bassist for Alika’s live band. He began playing double bass at the age of six and earned his bachelor’s degree from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in 2022. He has also studied under world-renowned bassist Anders Jormin in Gothenburg. To date, Robert has performed not only across Estonia but also in over 20 countries. His mentors include Ara Yaralyan, Csuhaj-Barna Tibor, and many others.

The concert “Minu Aeg / My Time” is inspired by the spontaneous moments that arise between the three musicians in the “here and now.” While the songs are composed and arranged, each performance brings something new—an unrepeatable moment of creativity and connection. It’s a dialogue between the trio and the audience. The program features original compositions, jazz standards, and, of course, the blues. There will also be selections from Riho Sibul’srepertoire. The song “Minu Aeg” is the opening track of Kelli Uustani’s debut album.

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Porkuni Bluusbänd originated as a friendly project band formed by musicians performing at the Porkuni Bluus Festival, a blues gathering that has taken place in Porkuni, Lääne-Virumaa for the past ten years. As the name suggests, the band is closely tied to the festival and has grown organically over time. Renowned and talented musicians have joined its ranks, and today the band consists of 12 permanent members and one alternate.

The group performs both well-known and lesser-known blues tracks, spicing up their repertoire with selections from other genres as well.

Line-up:

Raivo Narits – keyboards (RADAR)
Arvo Stoltsen – saxophone (LAINE)
Tony Kolesnik – vocals (SPEED FREE)
Enn Vei – harmonica, vocals (Tartu Blues Club)
Sven Randoja – guitar, vocals (SPEED FREE)
Margaret Kodusaar – vocals
Ain Kõiv – guitar
Peep Pihlak – saxophone, bass (OKASPENDEL, SPEED FREE)
Rannu Eimla – percussion (REKONTRA)
Ivo Etti – bass (EWERT AND THE TWO DRAGONS)
Argo Toomel – bass (alternate member)
Emil Rutiku – vocals
Eigo Laur – vocals, guitar

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Jantso Jokelin is a blues artist, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter based in Helsinki, Finland. His music is deeply rooted in acoustic blues and folk traditions, which he aims to refresh through original compositions, thoughtful poetry, and at times daring stylistic experiments like beatboxing and influences from various musical traditions from around the world. Jokelin released a full-length solo album last year titled “Spark of Luck” that has gathered international recognition in the roots music community. He has a special passion for diatonic and chromatic harmonicas as well as resonator and slide guitars. Jokelin was recently awarded a special prize for his solo artistry in the 2025 European Blues Challenge held in Split, Croatia. He has also earned a 3rd prize at the 2009 World Harmonica Competition in Germany.

“Although Jantso Jokelin is a singer, guitar and harmonica player from Finland, his knowledge of the most traditional dark blues, folk and American country music make him an expert singer and songwriter who can rub shoulders with the most outstanding performers of the style.”

– Vicente Zúmel, La Hora del Blues (SPAIN)

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Legendary guitar genius Jimi Hendrix would have turned 82 on November 27.

For devoted Hendrix fans Raul Ukareda, Raul Vaigla, and Andrus Lillepea, this date is one of the most important events in world history—and they can’t imagine letting it pass without celebrating it each year with a special tribute performance.

Raul Ukareda is a lifelong blues enthusiast, the artistic director of Augustibluus, and one of Estonia’s most renowned blues guitarists. He describes his musical vision as “a deep longing and hope for something elusive.” His playing is always passionate and focused, making him a sought-after collaborator in numerous Estonian bands. His greatest success has come with the band Compromise Blue, with whom he performed at prestigious festivals across Europe and the U.S. in the early 1990s.

Raul Vaigla is the archetype of Estonian bass player. A recipient of the Order of the White Star, he has taught countless other renowned bass players and played in nearly every legendary Estonian band, including Ultima Thule, Radar, and VSP Projekt, to name a few.

Andrus Lillepea is arguably Estonia’s hardest-hitting, most dynamic drummer—and undoubtedly the coolest looking dude behind the kit.

Line-up:

Raul Ukareda – guitar
Raul Vaigla – bass
Andrus Lillepea – drums
+ surprise guest appearances are more than likely.

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“Juke”, the harmonica instrumental released by Little Walter in 1952, spent an impressive eight weeks at number one on the charts and had a significant impact on the popularity—and price—of harmonicas worldwide.

The Little Walter Tribute Band pays homage to this blues harmonica legend, featuring:

Alar Kriisa (vocals & harmonica),
Enn Vei (vocals & harmonica),
Vilho Meier (guitar),
Ermo Leuska (guitar),
Sergo Sorrok (bass), and
Priit Kald (drums).

The band Vello Jurtom & AllJam has been active for 8 years. Vello Jurtom describes the group’s journey:

“Together with guitarist Jaak Arula, bassist Igor Trunin, and drummer Mark Shagall, we initially explored a wide range of jazz standards, pop tunes, and even some bossa novas. Over the years, new members have joined, and with them, our repertoire has evolved. The current lineup features Argo Toomel on bass, Kalle Klein on alto sax, and our newest addition, Indrek Tiisel on harmonica.”

As an instrumental group without any vocals, the saxophone and harmonica bring a colorful variety of textures and musical possibilities.

At Augustibluus in Haapsalu, the band promises to deliver a lively set of funk and blues.

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