Mumbai, Feb 17: The 14th edition of the Mahindra Blues Festival transformed Mehboob Studios into a musical pilgrimage on February 14 and 15, bringing together blues lovers from across the country for two unforgettable days of powerful performances, storytelling, and cross-cultural collaborations.
Reaffirming its stature as Asia’s largest gathering of blues enthusiasts, the festival celebrated the genre’s enduring legacy and evolving spirit through a stellar lineup of global and Indian artists.
Day One: A Celebration of Legacy and Raw Expression
Opening day saw the return of acclaimed British guitarist Matt Schofield after fifteen years. Joined by organist Jonny Henderson and drummer Evan Jenkins, Schofield delivered a funk and swing-infused set, highlighted by a spirited riff-off with Indian guitarist Arinjoy Sarkar.
Making their debut at the festival, The Altered Five Blues Band energized the audience with frontman Jeff Taylor’s soulful vocals and a tribute to blues legend Robert Johnson.
Big Blues Band Hunt winners Grace n’ The Cliches showcased a dynamic repertoire blending soul, jazz, and Southern rock influences rooted in contemporary blues traditions.
Closing the evening, Grammy-nominated artist Shemekia Copeland captivated the crowd with her electrifying blend of electric blues, Americana, roots, and soul—reaffirming her reputation as the ‘Queen of Blues’.
The evening also saw the presence of notable personalities including Aamir Khan, Mithila Palkar, Vir Das, and Ishitta Arun, underscoring the festival’s position as one of Mumbai’s premier cultural events.
Day Two: Modern Torchbearers and Iconic Tributes
Indian blues-rock act Blackstratblues opened the second day with a set ranging from folksy melodies to high-energy rock intensity.
Rising Louisiana artist D.K. Harrell had the crowd cheering with his gospel-infused vocals and expressive blues guitar work, marking him as one of the genre’s most promising modern voices.
The festival’s ongoing ‘Blues In School’ initiative continued with performances by Kanakia Beatz Crew & The Nanhi Kali Choir, who delivered spirited renditions of Dancing in the Street and Respect, introducing young audiences to the richness of blues heritage.
The grand finale featured Grammy-winning guitarist Eric Gales, whose theatrical entry and blazing guitar riffs paid homage to legends such as Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. His electrifying performance celebrated perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of music.
The iconic All-Star Jam brought together artists across generations and geographies for a power-packed conclusion, embodying the blues as a living, breathing art form that unites, uplifts, and inspires.
Looking Ahead
With its 14th edition, the Mahindra Blues Festival once again demonstrated how music transcends borders, generations, and cultures. As anticipation builds for its next chapter, the festival continues to stand as a beacon for blues in Asia—honoring its roots while nurturing its future.