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Besides making good music, the 2006 Bluesfest International London may have also made history.
“This weekend, we’ve witnessed the rebirth of the blues in this city,” said Brian Mortimer, general manager of the festival, which last night ended its three-day, outdoor run at the corner of King and Clarence.
“It’s been a phenomenal success, both artistically and financially,” added Mortimer, who estimated attendance for the event’s seventh annual edition would hit 12,000.
That easily would top last year’s total of 8,000 and double the 6,000-person turnout recorded in 2004.
It could also mean a potential $50,000 profit for the $245,000 music fest, which has suffered deficits totalling $80,000 in the last two years.
Mortimer credited the top-flight talent on this year’s 16-act entertainment slate for drawing the larger crowds.
One performer with that star power was yesterday’s headliner, Robin Trower, a former lead guitarist with the British supergroup Procol Harum.
A solo artist since the early 1970s, the veteran virtuoso soon showed his London audience why he’s often compared to immortal guitar icon Jimi Hendrix.
Another impressive entry on last night’s bill was Detroit Women, an all-star, Motor City ensemble that engrossed festival-goers last year. The group, led by its founder/Grammy nominee Kate Hart, displayed an expansive repertory, embracing blues, R&B, swing, Chicago shuffle, Texas romp and traditional gospel tunes.
Joining the Detroit Women for their soulful set was popular local blues artist Cheryl Lescom.
Earlier in the day, the Groove Hogs made a return visit to Bluesfest and reaffirmed their “party band that delivers fun” label.
The nine-person Green Bay, Wisc. group’s key elements remain lead vocalist Adam Douglas and a kick-brass, four-horn section.