Grammy Award-Winner Makes Orkney Debut

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We're thrilled to bring one of the world's most electrifying blues artists to Orkney for the very first time. Alvin Youngblood Hart is a musician's musician – praised by Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Mick Taylor – and legendary bluesman Taj Mahal famously said: "Boy got thunder in his hands!"

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Why Alvin is Special:

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• Grammy Award winner and multiple nominee

• W.C. Handy Award winner for Best New Artist

• Featured in Martin Scorsese's The Blues: A Musical Journey and
  Wim Wenders' The Soul of a Man

• Master of acoustic Delta blues, electric guitar rock, and everything in between

• Known for explosive live performances that leave audiences breathless

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From Mississippi Hills to Orkney Shores

Hart's music carries the authentic spirit of the Delta – he learned blues from his Mississippi relatives in the hills of Carroll County, where his grandmother played blues piano and his uncle told stories of Charley Patton. But he's no museum piece: this cosmic blend of Howlin' Wolf and Link Wray brings raw power, versatility, and pure joy to every performance.

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Whether he's channeling Skip James on acoustic guitar or unleashing electric fury, Hart delivers what The Independent called "dizzyingly versatile" performances.

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Secure Your Weekend Pass Now
 

We are so excited with the first announcement for our 2027 festival. We're building something truly special in partnership with Orkney's hotels, restaurants, and businesses to create another Orkney Blues weekend to remember.

• Best value pricing

• Guaranteed entry to all performances

• Support to book the strongest lineup yet

• First access to accommodation packages with our island partners

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The Orkney Blues Festival is becoming a must-visit destination – and your early support helps us bring world-class artists like Alvin Youngblood Hart to the most northerly blues festival in the UK.

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BUY WEEKEND PASS NOW

More headliners to be announced soon. Join us in making 2027 our biggest year yet.