We are delighted to welcome for the first time to RVJBF a blues band of notable quality - 'DC Blues' based in York and Newcastle. Tight musicianship and a big sound with - harmonica, Hammond, guitar, bass and drums. This event kicks off a great weekend programme at the Rose & Crown! 

Reviews:
Blues Matters - The Great British Rock & Blues Festival, Skegness - Jan 2023
The opening act on the Blues Matters stage was Yorkshire band DC Blues, a hard hitting 5 piece band led by the mercurial frontman Paul Winn on harmonica, his vocal delivery throughout this set was very good and the rhythm section of Ben Darwin and drummer Paul Thompson really shone through.  Add to this the guitar artistry of Lloyd Massingham and the chemistry flows in this blues intoxicated laboratory.  Steve Brandon on keys was the icing on this slick and enjoyable performance, mixing blues styles and reinterpreting such standards as "Who Do You Love" & "Somebody Loan Me A Dime" with a funky slow sexy feel.

Website Link: https://www.dcbluesband.com/

Mojo Rising will be bringing you a range of Chicago Blues classics. Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Little Walter, the Three Kings, Jimmy Reed, Otis Rush and more. Come on in and Let the Good Times Roll!

Another  first time act appearing at RVJBF. 'Bridgewater Blues Band' are a four piece blues band established in 2008. Expect blues classics by Jimmy Reed, Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Junior Wells, Sonny Boy Williamson, BB King, Albert King, Howlin' Wolf, John Mayall, Eric Clapton and more. 

Triptik bring their soulful, R&B, disco party vibes back to RVJBF after causing a bit of a stir last year! Good times at the Rose & Crown for sure!

Organ drenched funky goodness......if you're hurting for some Meters and Booker T flavoured grooves then look no further than The Metermen from Lancaster. Featuring- David Shooter (bass), Gordon Walker (organ), Paul Graves (guitar) and Ben McCabe (drums). Another first time appearance at RVJBF. 

Exploring the blues with Hammond organ, harmonica, guitar, bass & drums and 150+ years of experience. Lead by James Mackie the organ player with The Selecter and then Madness during the 80's/90's, James shares the stage with Ben Ruth (vocals/harmonica), Rob Livesey (bass), James Barrott (drums) and Niels Rasmusson (guitar). This is what we call a proper blues band! 

The Merkins make their RVJBF debut at the Rose & Crown and bring their 'good time' vibes to the venue on Sunday night. Featuring a host of quality musicians from the likes of - The Hiding Magpies, Atomic Rooster and Fruitless Forest! Popular tunes that groove are on the menu! 

Shug Spencer - bass
Karl Francis - drums
Dan Arnold - guitar
Jack Herbert - keys & vocals