Every summer since 2003, Barcelona comes alive with raw, soulful blues—and this year is the same. Founded in 2003 under the original name “Festival de Blues de Nou Barris,” today’s Barcelona Blues Festival is organized by the non-profit group Capibola (also known as the Barcelona Blues Society). Their mission is to bring blues to the widest audience, free of charge, while promoting social outreach—like concerts in hospitals and senior centers, literature contests, masterclasses, picnics, and more.
The 23rd edition of the festival will happen July 4 and 5 in the Nou Barris district.
Full Schedule of the Barcelona Blues Festival
BARCELONA BLUES FESTIVAL DAY 1 Friday, July 4 – Nou Barris District Courtyard 20:00-
Oscar Hita Quartet
Oscar Hita is a Barcelona-based drummer and percussionist noted for his work in New Orleans–style jazz and blues. The festival’s website calls him its “personal bet” on young local blues talent . He leads the Oscar Hita Quartet, a brass-band project blending New Orleans jazz, funk and blues . Hita began studying drums as a child (at age 8) and trained at Barcelona’s Blues School . He has since played professionally with many blues, swing and rock bands in Barcelona, appearing in top jazz and blues venues and festivals . He teaches drums and musicality at BlueMove Barcelona. INSTAGRAM
Maria Carbonell Blues Mood
María Carbonell is the lead vocalist and bandleader of Maria Carbonell Blues Mood, an emerging Spanish blues/R&B/soul group. The band is known for its energetic homage to classic African-American music (blues, soul and R&B), driven by Carbonell’s passionate, high-energy vocals . Maria Carbonell Blues Mood won the Barcelona Blues Society’s “Best Emerging Band” contest in 2024 . They perform a mix of timeless blues/soul standards and original compositions, and Carbonell has been highlighted for her “elegant tribute” to the blues/R&B tradition . INSTAGRAM
Kid Carlos Band
Sevillian guitarist Carlos “Kid Carlos” Moreno is a blues-rock musician who leads the Kid Carlos Band. The quartet plays a blend of classic blues-rock and original compositions, drawing on influences from jazz, rock and funk . Kid Carlos (guitar/vocals) is joined by bandmates on vocals, bass and drums, creating a high-energy stage show. In 2018 the band released Cannonball, a tribute album to Texas blues great Freddie King . They have since toured major Spanish blues festivals and even represented Spain at the 2024 European Blues Challenge. INSTAGRAM
BARCELONA BLUES FESTIVAL DAY 2 Saturday, July 5 – Nou Barris District Courtyard 20:30 —
Johnny Burgin & His Spanish Friends
Johnny Burgin is an American Chicago blues guitarist, singer and songwriter. Based in the U.S., he came up in the 1990s Chicago blues scene and is known for a “loose, organic” guitar style . He is a Delmark recording artist with several albums to his credit. Burgin has built a reputation as “one of the hardest touring and well recognized traditional Chicago blues guitarists and singers” , headlining blues clubs and festivals across North America and Europe. Over his career he has recorded and performed with blues legends and won praise for his raw yet soulful playing . WEBSITE
Tófol Martínez Blues Band
Tòfol Martínez is a Spanish blues guitarist, singer and songwriter (from Catalonia). He is the frontman of the Tòfol Martínez Blues Band, which fuses traditional blues with touches of rock. Martínez’s playing is noted for its warmth and authenticity: reviewers describe him as a “passionate guitar player” who communicates a deep love of the blues in his solos and vocals . After overcoming a health setback, he released the 2025 album Starting Over (Never Late), featuring his original blues compositions (plus a couple of classic blues covers). He and his band have been tapped to represent Spain at the 2025 International Blues Challenge in Split . INSTAGRAM
Bette Smith
Bette Smith is an American soul/blues singer from Brooklyn, New York. Blending gritty soul, rock and blues, she has drawn critical acclaim and regular touring support from Ruf Records (and later the Kartel Music Group) . A New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee, Smith has released several albums (including Jetlagger) that showcase her powerful, “raunchy” yet soulful voice. She has collaborated with noted musicians like Jimbo Mathus and Luther Dickinson, and tours extensively on both the U.S. blues-festival circuit and in Europe. WEBSITE
Sunday, July 6 – Castell de Torre Baró
19:00 onwards Jam Session Blues Gratuita
Closing out Sunday at Castell de Torre Baró, this free jam invites pros and casual musicians alike to join the stage—open mic, open hearts. The closing jam is led by the Blues Social Club, a collective of alumni from the Barcelona Blues School . The Blues Social Club provides a shared drum kit and piano and invites guitarists, horn players and singers to bring their instruments and join in. INSTAGRAM
MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE BARCELONA BLUES FESTIVAL
Everything is free—no tickets needed.
Outdoor concerts on Friday and Saturday—arrive early to get good seats.
Sunday’s jam is at Castell de Torre Baró—if you’re a player, bring your instrument!
Casual summer vibe—bring water, sunscreen, and wear comfy shoes.
Find venue maps, detailed info, and updates on the Festival website.
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