The Warta River Blues Festival, managed by two well-known figures in the blues scene, Maciej Błażej Kręc and Piotr Kończal, has all the makings of becoming a staple on Poznań's festival scene. The organisers aim for this musical marathon to be "a sharing of energy that lifts musicians to their highest level while sweeping the audience into a metaphysical world shaped by a unique atmosphere and raw emotions expressed through live sound." And since blues comes in many shapes and sizes, each day of the festival promises to adopt its own distinct theme.
To kick things off, Acoustic Thursday will offer an intimate warm-up session. The evening's first performance will be a concert by Jacek Siciark, a vocalist from the Tricity area and resident of Blues Club Gdynia, accompanied by Minsk-based pianist and organist Konstantin Goryachiy. It is worth noting that Goryachiy has worked with the likes of Sławek Uniatowski and Gregory Porter. As a duo, they guarantee a subtle, yet deeply emotive blues sound infused with jazz influences that enrich their performance.
That same evening, Eric "Slim" Zahl - a renowned Norwegian guitarist and winner of the 2016 European Blues Challenge - will take the stage. Known for his energetic and passionate shows, he will be teaming up, especially for this occasion, with a Poznań legend - bluesman Maciej Sobczak from Hot Water, as well as pianist and Hammond organist Bartek Szopiński.
The following night brings Hot Blues Night - a feast for fans of electric blues. This exhilarating evening will be powered by the band Lucky Troubles, featuring guitarists Kuba Andrzejewski and Maciej Zdanowicz, along with drummer Andrzej Kownacki. They will be joined by vocalist Magda "Magic" Piskorczyk and harmonica virtuoso Michał Kielak, known for his spellbinding solos. Together, they'll do their best to get the crowd moving.
Another highlight of the night will be a special performance by the band Blue Stuff, who are expected to pay tribute to the legendary film The Blues Brothers. This Poznań-based ensemble-closely tied to Klub Muchos and Zbigniew Górny's orchestra-is set to put on an unforgettable show under the watchful eye of their charismatic leader, Piotr Kończal.
On Saturday, make sure to head back to Muchos for the festival's final evening: Boogie Night, promised to be "an explosion of high-energy sounds in the spirit of timeless boogie-woogie."
Two acts will take the stage, both masters of the genre. Kicking off the night is Boogie Chilli, making a long-awaited return with a lineup familiar from the previously mentioned Hot Water. Expect them to fire up the party with their Hooker-style grooves and bluesy riffs from decades past. To top it all off, they will be joined by guitarist Robert Kordylewski.
Following them, Boogie Boys will take over-a band that hardly needs an introduction for any blues aficionado. Since their band formation in Poznań in 2002, they have toured across Europe and the US, sharing stages with legends like Al Copley, Ana Popović, Dana Gillespie, Eric Burdon, Johnny Rawles, and MoFo Party Band.
From the very first edition of the Warta River Blues Festival, it is clear that this event has the potential to become a defining part of Poznań's blues scene. Its organisers are aiming high: "Just like the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, which takes over the iconic Beale Street every year, we'd love to see our festival grow-adding new club venues along ul. Nowowiejskiego, leading up to Plac Wolności, where Muchos is based. But for that to happen, we need you to show up at this year's edition. Your presence will be a true litmus test of whether Poznań's audience, and blues fans from across Poland, want and need a festival of this sort?", say Maciej Błażej Kręc and Piotr Kończal.
So, let's come together and celebrate the blues-there won't be a better opportunity anytime soon!
author: Sebastian Gabryel
translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski
- Warta River Blues Festival 2025
- Klub Muchos, 27-29 March
- Tickets and passes: PLN 60-150 muchos.pl
© Wydawnictwo Miejskie Posnania 2025