32. Hamburger Blues Celebration

32nd HAMBURG BLUES CELEBRATION 

Abi Wallenstein & BluesCulture    

Muddy What?

When Abi Wallenstein and Steve Baker decided in 1993 to organize a joint event with rotating special guests under the banner “Blues Celebration” at the Fabrik in Hamburg, they had no idea that they were laying the foundation for a success story that continues to this day—one synonymous with good vibes and excellent music. The event has since become a sort of family celebration for Hamburg’s blues community and consistently creates a fantastic atmosphere. The 32nd Blues Celebration will feature the Munich-based trio Muddy What? as guests—an exciting young band that’s shaking up the European blues scene with their refreshingly energetic approach.

THE ARTISTS

ABI WALLENSTEIN is something of a fixed star in the European blues firmament. For over 50 years, he has been winning the hearts of blues fans with his warm charisma and has already achieved cult-like fame. His unique fingerpicking style is a fascinating blend of Delta blues and rock elements—powerful, rhythmic, and full of joy. At his side in the iconic BluesCulture lineup is British harmonica maestro STEVE BAKER. With his unique sound, which draws on the blues tradition and combines elements of country, folk, rock, and jazz, he creates an exciting and distinctive fusion that is funky, melodic, and elegant. MARTIN RÖTTGER also contributes to the rhythmic cohesion with his nuanced grooves, as well as the occasional highly acclaimed solo excursion. Like no other, he knows how to confidently support Wallenstein’s idiosyncratic grooves. This year, BluesCulture is actively supported by JEFF WALKER on bass and YOGI JOCKUSCH on percussion.

MUDDY WHAT? The Munich-based trio centered around the charismatic siblings Ina and Fabian Spang is young, wild, and has now risen to the forefront of the new blues movement. With virtuoso guitarist and mandolinist Ina at the forefront, Fabian’s powerful vocals, and a lot of passion, they create an electrifying live energy that took them all the way to the semifinals of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2022. Mississippi Delta vibes and pure stage presence captivate the audience from the very first second. The Spang siblings impressively demonstrate that modern blues music is alive, passionate, and inspiring. Anyone who experiences them live isn’t in for a nostalgic show, but rather a performance full of heart, groove, and goosebump-inducing moments. 

The program kicks off with Muddy What? before the expanded lineup of Abi Wallenstein & BluesCulture takes the stage. The evening is rounded out with a closing session featuring all the performers, which consistently delivers new highlights and brings musicians and audience together in the exhilarating euphoria of a true blues celebration.