Augustibluus brings blues fans back to Haapsalu

Haapsalu has once again filled with blues fans as the three-day Augustibluus festival gets under way, ERR reported. The event is the 32nd blues festival held in the Estonian town.

Festival organiser Raul Ukareda said this year’s programme features artists from 11 countries, around 40 concerts and about 10 stages across Haapsalu.

The main performers include legendary American guitarist Eric Sardinas, British star Toby Lee and Swedish multi-instrumentalist Gunhild Carling, Ukareda said.

Ukareda added that artists performing at the festival for the first time were impressed by the location and the castle ruins, while praising the enthusiastic audience.

American guitarist and singer Mike Wheeler is performing at Augustibluus for the first time. He said blues was special to him because he had listened to it since he was about five years old.

“Blues talks about everyday life, and that is what makes it special,” Wheeler said.

Visitors Aivar and Inga, who have attended the festival several times, said Haapsalu itself was one of the event’s distinctive features. Visitor Laine, attending for about the sixth time, also praised the festival’s atmosphere and audience.