The Arenal Blues Festival celebrated its third edition by the sea on Spain’s majestic Levantine coast, consolidating itself as a young yet promising event within the national blues scene. The festival takes place in Fabia, a town near Alicante and Valencia, and is distinguished by its seaside stage, offering a unique atmosphere for blues enthusiasts.
A Festival with Its Own Identity
The event was born thanks to organizers who, after attending other festivals in Cazorla, decided to create their own proposal on the Mediterranean coast. Since its inception, the Arenal Blues Festival has placed special emphasis on musical originality: participating bands must present mainly original compositions, while covers must be highly reinterpreted. Talent and artistic trajectory are also key criteria for selection.
Three Days of Music by the Sea
This year’s program unfolded over three days:
- Friday, April 1: The festival opened with a performance by María Carbonell, a young blues and jazz singer already recognized with awards in Spain. In the evening, the Granada Blues Band delivered a powerful show with their horn section, keyboards, and guitars, followed by Noah and the Hell Brinker, winners of the Blues Challenge two years ago, with a style reminiscent of Led Zeppelin.
- Saturday, April 2: The day was dedicated to emerging talents. Bands such as The Apréntice and Lazy Town showcased their freshness and skill. At night, A Contra Blues took the spotlight with an innovative proposal that stood out both for its music and its name.
- Sunday, April 3: The festival’s grand finale featured Anne & The Blues Diggers.
April 3: Anne & The Blues Diggers
The closing act was entrusted to the blues and soul band Anne & The Blues Diggers, who presented their new album Hard Lucky Woman with an original repertoire that captivated the audience. Organizers highlighted the band’s strength and quality, affirming they were the ideal choice to conclude the event. Their midday performance on Sunday was met with enthusiasm and solidified the group as one of the most powerful and promising acts in today’s blues scene.
A Space to Discover and Grow
The Arenal Blues Festival not only offers concerts but also serves as a platform for bands to present their albums and original projects. This year’s edition reaffirmed its commitment to authentic music and to promoting artists who bring freshness to the genre.
With only three editions so far, the festival is already shaping up to be an essential event for blues fans in Spain, combining tradition, innovation, and a privileged setting on the Mediterranean coast.