If your music taste leans more towards raw blues than modern pop like Harry Styles, there’s good news for you. The blues is not just surviving—it’s thriving, especially around Charleston. This April, music lovers can experience it live at a special event that celebrates both tradition and talent.
Blues By The Sea Returns to Kiawah Island
The Blues By The Sea festival is coming back on April 19 at the Village Green in Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the festival, making it a big milestone for blues fans in the region. The event is known for its relaxed vibe, open-air setting, and strong focus on authentic blues music.
One of the best parts is that the festival is completely free. Visitors can bring their own lawn chairs and even coolers, making it a perfect day out with friends and family. At the same time, food and drinks will also be available for purchase at the venue.
A Lineup Rooted in True Blues Tradition
The festival features artists who are deeply connected to the roots of blues music. One of the main highlights is The Legends of Modern Chicago Blues. This group includes Freddie Dixon, son of the legendary Willie Dixon, along with John Watkins and Tim Taylor. Their performance promises a strong and authentic Chicago blues sound.
Another major attraction is Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’Blues. Mac Arnold has an impressive history, having played with Muddy Waters and even contributed to the theme music of the classic TV show Sanford and Son. Known for his unique gas can guitar, Arnold brings both creativity and experience to the stage.
The festival will close with a performance by Russell “Hitman” Alexander and his band Hitman Blue. Their music blends blues with rock, funk, and jazz, offering a more modern twist while still respecting the genre’s roots. Influences from artists like Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan can be felt in their sound.
The Man Behind the Festival
The festival is organised by Gary Erwin, also known as Shrimp City Slim. He is a well-known figure in the Charleston blues scene and has spent decades promoting the genre.
Originally from Chicago, Erwin grew up surrounded by blues music. When he moved to Charleston in 1983, he noticed there wasn’t much of a blues scene. Instead of accepting that, he decided to build one.
He started a radio show called “Blues In The Night” and later began organising live concerts, bringing legendary artists like R.L. Burnside and Honeyboy Edwards to the area.
Keeping the Blues Alive
For Erwin, the goal has always been simple—to show people that real blues music is still alive and meaningful. He believes the blues is more than just a genre; it is a shared language that connects people across cultures and generations.
Even today, artists like Freddie Dixon and Mac Arnold continue to carry forward the legacy of classic blues while adding their own style. Events like Blues By The Sea play an important role in keeping this tradition alive and introducing it to new audiences.
