Le Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival 2026
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Le Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival 2026
La Halle, Centre culturel Gérard Philipe et bars pour les offs
Place d'Armes - 62100 CALAIS
La Halle, Centre culturel Gérard Philipe et bars pour les offs
Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival 2026: an exceptional 20th anniversary edition in Calais
In April 2026, the Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival in Calais celebrates its 20th edition, a major milestone for this unmissable event north of Paris. From April 2nd to 26th, 2026, the BSBF will offer an exceptional lineup blending contemporary blues, soul, gospel, rhythm and blues, Americana, swing, and local talent. This anniversary edition will bring together international artists who have made their mark on the festival's history and highly anticipated new voices. Tickets go on sale Saturday, November 29th, and the event promises to attract blues enthusiasts from across the Hauts-de-France region and beyond.
The Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival (BSBF) celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026, confirming its status as a blues reference north of Paris.
To celebrate this anniversary, the edition will be exceptional:
– iconic artists invited back,
– long-awaited groups,
– a more female-focused program,
– and a greater focus on local musicians, particularly within the framework of the Off Festival.
With a variety of styles — soul, Chicago blues, gospel, R'n'B, Americana, contemporary blues or swing — this 2026 edition promises a rare artistic richness and a true journey to the heart of African-American music.
Dawn Tyler Watson: April 02, 2026
A true whirlwind of blues and soul, a singer with incandescent charisma and a veritable force of nature, Dawn Tyler Watson ignites the stage with her powerful voice and breathtaking dynamism. Accompanied by the formidable Ben Racine Band, she blends blues, soul, jazz, gospel, and rock with rare ease: vibrant vocals, driving rhythms, and dazzling horns.
Without a doubt, Dawn Tyler Watson has established herself as one of the great voices of contemporary blues. A true journey to the heart of the blues, filled with fervor and emotion, to kick off this 20th edition!
©City of Calais Matthew Skoller and Chicago Wind: April 24, 2026
The winds of Chicago rise with power, bringing us an exceptional encounter on stage. Harmonica player, singer, and producer Matthew Skoller joins forces with the captivating Precious Taylor to create one of the most enchanting groups on the current blues scene.
The niece of the legendary Koko Taylor, Precious grew up immersed in the blues: her powerful and soulful voice celebrates her roots. Alongside Tom Holland (guitar), Johnny Iguana (keyboards), Felton Crews (bass), and Pookey Stix (drums), they form Chicago Wind.
©City of Calais Kaz Hawkins Quintet: April 25, 2026
To celebrate this twentieth edition, the festival welcomes back an artist who made a lasting impression!
During her memorable performance at BSBF 2022, Kaz Hawkins left us speechless. The Northern Irish singer, now based in France, returns with her quintet for a concert that promises to be as intense as it is moving.
Incandescent voice, magnetic presence and contagious energy: Kaz Hawkins brilliantly blends blues, soul, jazz and rock in a profoundly human, vibrant and generous show.
©City of Calais Linda Lee Hopkins: April 26, 2026
A key figure in contemporary gospel and blues in Europe, Linda Lee Hopkins is one of those voices that leaves no one indifferent.
Originally from North Carolina, she grew up surrounded by family gospel choirs before making her mark on American stages, then settling in Paris in the early 90s. From Bob Sinclar to Ben l'Oncle Soul, from Ray Charles to Nino Ferrer, her voice has transcended eras, accompanying the greatest artists, driven by a perpetual renewal that constantly rekindles its flame.
©City of Calais To accompany the big headliners of the Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival 2026, several artists will punctuate the evenings and welcome the public to the Halle.
Friday, April 24Secret Garden and The Dusty Man will open and set the rhythm for the evening with their unique worlds.
Saturday, April 25Julianne Joe will take over between concerts.
Sunday, April 26The festival will conclude with the energy of Little Devils.
All these musical events contribute fully to the warm and immersive atmosphere of the festival, combining discovery, closeness and a passion for the blues.
The Beautiful Swamp Blues: The Off
Alongside its main program, the Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival 2026 offers an unmissable Off program that brings the rhythm of the blues to Calais. Free concerts and friendly atmospheres take over the city's bars and cultural venues, inviting the public to discover the richness and diversity of this music.
The Beautiful Swamp Blues Off program extends the festival experience through moments of connection and sharing, accessible to all. A true highlight rooted in local life, it helps make the festival a unifying, open event, fully integrated into the city.
Everything about the Off