“The Blues are the roots, the rest are the fruits” - Willie Dixon. Yes the Blues is the foundation that has influenced so many British bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Oasis, The Stone Roses and on… So it’s about time Manchester had a Blues festival!


Will Tang Clan

The 1st Manchester Blues Festival will be held on Sunday 20th October 2024 at the Carlton Club, Manchester.

This friendly community venue welcomes everyone, and there will be something for the whole family, food, drinks and music workshops during the afternoon, then in the evening a bumper show of performers playing the Blues and beyond - hosted by Manchester’s very own Will Tang Clan band.

Music is for all, so we’re making tickets pay as you feel (from free)
Thanks for supporting grassroots music!

Line up:

Workshops (3:30-6pm)
Blues harmonica with Clive and Will
Dave’s School of Rock
Blues and beyond with the Will Tang Clan Band

Gary Husband (6-8pm)
Workshop & performance (separate ticket required)

Will Tang Clan & Friends (8-11.30pm)
Oscar Ogden, Paolo Fushchi, Stizz Sings, Martin Connor, Elliot (Elz) Patrick, Thom Fripp, Yemi Bolatiwa, Jenna G and more!



Gary Husband is an internationally renowned drummer and keyboardist and has been a member of bands John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Allan Houldsworth, Level 42, Jack Bruce and Gary Moore.

He has also performed, recorded or toured with Chick Corea, Jeff Beck, Robin Trower, Randy Brecker, Soft Machine, Al Jarreau, George Martin, Quincy Jones, Andy Summers, Mike Stern, Jack DeJohnette, Robben Ford, Wayne Krantz, Jan Hammer among others.

In addition he is a drum clinician who has shared stages with the likes of Omar Hakim, Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Colaiuta, Terry Bozzio, David Garibaldi, Dave Weckl, Jojo Mayer, Richard Spaven, Antonio Sanchez and Simon Phillips.

As a session player he has backed rock and pop acts such as Mike + The Mechanics, Andy Bell, Will Downing, Alexander O'Neal, John Farnham, Swing Out Sister, Mica Paris and Spandau Ballet. 

“A musician whom I have known and admired for many years, not only for his wizardry at the piano, but also for his artistry at the drums! Gary is no ordinary musician: full of invention and surprises, modulations and inversions of melodic, harmonic and rhythmic content abound. Immense musical talent.”
JOHN McLAUGHLIN

Workshop tickets are also valid for general admission to the festival.