Big Rivers, Center Dordrecht (1998)
The festival started in 1998 with a few rhythm and blues bands on a stage by the river. Now Big Rivers has grown into a large-scale, professional and multi-day event. Big Rivers is characterised by its diversity. This is reflected in the programming, but also certainly in the visitors. There is something for everyone to experience during the festival or at the various side events.
For three days in July, the historic city centre of Dordrecht is transformed into one big music festival. With more than 150 acts on 10 different stages, there is always something to experience. No wonder that more than 140,000 visitors find their way to the city every year.
Asser Bluesdagen, last weekend of January, Assen (1987)
The Asser Bluesdagen has a rich history dating back to 1987. The event was founded at the time by the Asser pub owner Jaap Geerts, colleagues and musicians Martin van der Velde and the legendary blues singer Harry Muskee. What once started as a small-scale initiative has grown into an annual celebration that has now secured a permanent place in the cultural heart of Assen.
Nowadays the festival is organized by a dedicated team, including Jan Postma, Marco Lemstra, Barry and Reinder who ensure an impressive line-up every year. Thanks to their efforts, the magic of the blues remains alive and well in Assen.
The Blues Festival turns the city center into a vibrant blues paradise over several days. Cafes, shops and other locations are transformed into intimate stages, where both Dutch talent and international artists perform. The program offers a wide mix of styles, from traditional delta blues to contemporary variants, and exudes a cozy, city atmosphere. Of course, this goes hand in hand with the hospitality of the local catering industry.
Keerpunt Blues, Spijkerboor
Since 1991, Willem Dijkema has given café 't Keerpunt a major role as a music center: "We are proud of what we have built here, from a small village café to a place where music is central," says Dijkema.
In recent years, many music genres have passed by, from blues to Americana. "We want to continue to bring music, so that there is always something to do for our guests. It is important that we are not just a café, but a cultural place where people feel welcome.
Now 't Keerpunt is still a lively cultural stage and also has a multi-day festival with Americana and of course a good dose of blues.
Hoogeveen Blues Festival, De Tamboer Hoogeveen (2006)
In 2006, the blues festival started in Theater De Tamboer in Hoogveen in several halls and spaces in order to offer a wide variety of blues formations. The festival was a resounding success from the start, partly due to the good programming. The theater building is ideal for enjoying the performances in a friendly atmosphere. From 2024, the surface was expanded with an extension to the garden.
IJsseljazz, Gorsel (2006)
The best free music festival in East Netherlands!
IJsselJazz is an annual music festival in the Dutch town of Gorssel, which has taken place every second weekend in September since 2006. The music festival has gained national fame in recent years and attracts around 10,000 music lovers. Every year, the IJsselJazz Foundation presents a selection of artists from (inter)national soil from various stages in the village. The festival is freely accessible.
IJsselJazz is a one-day festival organized by volunteers from the IJsseljazz Foundation and made possible by many sponsors from the region. The festival is held in Gorssel, right in the village. There are three stages: the Main Stage on the Hoofdstraat, where jazz and soul bands perform. Parallel to the main stage program, performances by blues and rock bands will take place on Nijverheidsplein. The third stage, the talent stage, is located behind Museum More.
