Mijas – Ain't Nothin’ But… Blues Festival 4 – 6 July

Think of Andalucía’s picture postcard white villages and the one that’s probably the most likely to spring to mind first is Mijas. Winding cobbled streets, historic churches, pots of geraniums clinging to wrought iron balconies… Mijas epitomises Andalusian traditions to perfection. Famed for its donkey taxis and oval-shaped bull ring – the streets were too narrow for a circular one – this endearingly sleepy and laid-back corner of the Costa del Sol also plays host on 4 – 6 July this year to the 8^th annual Ain’t Nothin’ But… Blues Festival with a fabulous line-up of musicians from Spain, Europe and the US…

The coolest of cool vibes kick off on Friday, 4 July with Scotland’s Robin Robertson Band’s heady combination of blues, jazz and R&B; followed by the UK’s Jerimiah Marques & The Blue Aces who will be playing their signature fusion of 50s Chicago blues and reggae. Next up, and coincidentally taking place on Independence Day, 75-year-old US blues veteran Jimmy Thomas – who has worked alongside superstars such as the unforgettable Ike and Tina Turner – will be gigging with Blues Eternity, accompanied by bass player Mark Olbrich; before legendary guitarist Bob Margolin – formerly a member of the Muddy Waters band – takes to the stage accompanied by Spain’s The Tota Blues Band.

What a night, huh? And there’s plenty more to follow…

On Saturday 5 July, the concerts get underway with the Mama Paula Band and the Lito Blues Band – both home-grown talented groups from Málaga – followed in turn by West Weston’s Bluesonics from the UK; the Chicago Blues with genre veterans John Primer and Bob Stroger; and Málaga’s own The Gangberries.

The Blues Festival comes to a close on Sunday 6 July with Georgia Koka & T. Blues Mob, formed in the 90s and who have toured the world; a second chance to see both West Weston’s Bluesonics and Jerimiah Marques & The Blue Aces; plus Gladys Rockin G & Tres Gatos who hail from Córdoba.

A joint collaboration between London’s Ain’t Nothin’ But… Blues Bar and the Mijas Town Hall’s Foreigners Department, it comes as no surprise that, year after year, the Mijas Blues Festival attracts thousands of music-lovers from around the world. Sensational music and great company in an atmospheric setting. What more could you ask for? Oh, yes… and it’s all for free!

The open-air Blues Festival takes place at the Plaza Virgen de la Peña right in the heart of Mijas Pueblo. It starts each night at 7pm and goes on until late. But best to get there early to grab a good seat!