The 13th UK Boogie Woogie Festival

It's very nearly that time of year when our little market town of Sturminster Newton comes alive to the foot-stomping music of the 13th UK Boogie Woogie Festival. This year the festival, which features amazing artists and fantastic dance in a truly wonderful Dorset setting, takes place from Friday 7th July through to Sunday 9th July. And furthermore Harts of Stur are delighted to be one of the main sponsors for the weekend.

UK Boogie Woogie Festival background

In 2005 the UK Boogie Woogie Festival was conceived in the small village of Fontmell Magna when a bunch of like-minded individuals with a combined love of live music and boogie woogie brought together artists from the UK and Europe. Under the guiding hand of Julian Phillips and the festival committee the festival has grown and grown and now hosts some of the finest boogie woogie players from around the world. There are host of other activities and workshops which you can get involved in during the festival. How about a boogie woogie masterclass with Lasse Jensen? Or dance workshops with Jelly Germain and Caroline Podetti? Another much sought after event is Big John Carter's Flavours of Boogie Woogie.

Venues throughout the town

One of the unique things about this festival is its diverse range of venues. As well as making use of the excellent facilities at the Exchange and Stour View Centre, many of the town's pubs and cafes also become temporary venues over the weekend. So, from mill to market place and tavern to tea house, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a glass of something refreshing whilst listening to some great music. It's also a great way to discover more of our wonderful little town. And it's always worth keeping your eyes and ears peeled for impromptu sessions that can pop up anywhere! The weather looks like it's going to behave too (fingers crossed!). Here are some details on the headliners...

Henri Herbert

The phenomenon that is Henri Herbert is one of the world's most sought after boogie woogie players. He's now blazing his own trail after being longtime pianist for the mighty Jim Jones Revue. Born in France and raised in the UK, Henri has racked up an impressive 14 million hits on YouTube. He's also enjoyed tours of the UK, France, Spain, Holland, USA and Canada. Furthermore he has supported Richard Hawley and released two EPs to critical acclaim. He has a new live album set for release in November 2017.

Christian Bleiming

Christianwill be making his debut appearance at this festival. He is a regular on German TV and radio, in particular the talk show Theatrecafe Live. Christian has toured extensively throughout Europe with artists including Big Joe Duskin, Chuck Berry and Axel Zwingenberger. He was bestowed the 'Pinetop Award' in 2015 for his contribution to blues and boogie woogie piano.

Nirek Mokar

Nicknamed the Boogie Woogie Kid, Nirek from France is just 14 years old. Not that you would guess that if you were listening to his playing. His amazing ear for the music and an intuition for tempo is fuelled by a constant desire to learn and develop into an even better player. In his short career he has already rubbed shoulders with the likes of Axel Zwingenberger, Big John Carter and Frank Muschalle. He's also played at the prestigious Boogie Woogie Speakeasy in Paris.

Mike Denham

Mikewas one of the original artists at the first UK Boogie Woogie Festival. His playing covers the early days of ragtime and blues through to the Great American Songbook. He's duetted with Humphrey Littleton on his hit 'Bad Penny Blues' and is also a regular performer at jazz festivals and venues throughout the UK.

Hamish Maxwell

Hamishis a blues singer very much in the mould of Big Joe Turner and has performed with many legends of the international music scene during his distinguished career. A festival and club favourite, Hamish first appeared at the boogie woogie festival back in 2011.

Neville Dickie

Neville honed his musical talent playing while playing in working men's clubs. Since then an illustrious career has included many broadcasts for the BBC, nine albums and over 40 CDs. He is one of the world's leading exponents of Harlem stride piano and was recently presented with the prestigious New York Alexandria Bay service to Jazz Award. Now in his 80th year, he's showing no sign of slowing down!

Find out more about the UK Boogie Woogie Festival

A full line up of artists, events, venues and ticket prices is available at www.ukboogiewoogiefestival.co.uk. If you're visiting Sturminster for the UK Boogie Woogie Festival, make sure to pay Harts of Stur a visit and say hello. We are just down the road from the Exchange on Station Road, just beyond the traffic lights. We're open all day Friday and Saturday. Click here for a map