Augustibluus opens in Haapsalu with 35 concerts

The 32nd edition of Augustibluus, the Baltic region’s largest blues festival, began in Haapsalu on Friday, Estonian public broadcaster ERR reported.

The three-day festival brings thousands of people to the city during the first weekend of August. Performers from 11 countries will appear on nine stages, with 35 concerts scheduled in total.

The first day featured both modern and traditional blues from six countries. The main stage at Haapsalu’s bishop’s castle hosted delta blues and rock musician Eric Sardinas and the a cappella group Estonian Voices.

Performers from the United States included Skyler Saufley, who plays 1940s and 1950s West Coast and jump blues, and Mike Wheeler, a member of the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame. The Danish-Irish act Trainman Blues was also among the performers.

Alongside the main concerts in the castle courtyard, the festival programme includes events at venues across Haapsalu. Music will also be heard at the railway station, the dance pavilion on Haapsalu promenade, the cultural centre, the cathedral, and several cafés, pubs and terraces.