In August every year something stirs in the agricultural quiet of the sleepy Limousin countryside, deep in rural France. Something possibly alien to the setting, something incongruous, but most of all something wonderful.
The Le Bluis Blues festival erupts in a multi day feast of the Blues. The music is authentic and loud, performed by international artists. The enthusiastic crowd is drawn from across ages groups and nationalities. There are bikers, expats, farm workers, city dwellers, goths, children and dogs all united by a love of the music and determined to bop and shout the night away. Naturally, as it is a French event, there is a bar and food available.
It happens every year during August. The organisation is excellent, it all runs like a metronome. By dint of hard work and the support of local government organisations, local communes and, above all, a large team of volunteers, the events happen with a precision which might be envied by many larger and more commercial festivals.
Traditionally (it’s being going for 13 years now) the first two days of the festival are held in different communes within a 15 km radius of Le Buis. This year Thursday’s event was in the pretty village of Breuilaufa: Fridays was at Nantiat. The climax of the week occurs in Le Buis itself. Incredibly, Thursday and Friday are free of charge, with a 10 euro entry fee is levied Le Buis attendees. Great value.
The pattern in each location is the same. The central square is requisitioned for the event, a substantial stage erected and a high quality sound and lighting setup installed. Catering facilities are set out with covered eating areas.
The organisers like to encourage new talent and have the ambition of keeping interest in the blues music alive.
Laurent Bourdier, president of the Buis Blues Festival comments
“It is on stage that every musician discovers himself and reveals himself. Throughout the festival, we are trying to spotlight as yet unknown groups. We have made some real musical discoveries, there are people who have been gone on to other French festivals after having come to our place for the first time,” says.
The 55,000 euros budget is well spent, bringing bands and artists from America as well as all over Europe.
If you’re in the area in 2019 be sure to get along to at least one of the dates. You’ll not regret it.