We arrived late thursday evening, so the first day at the festval was on friday, but before I get to that, let me tell you about the accomodation I found this year. Out in the woods, some 20 km fråm Åmål, is Edsleskog where there is a beautiful Inn ("Wärdshus" in Swedish) by the lake Edslan, this is a just gotgeous place! beautiful! The rooms are real nice, the view from the room stunninig and the staff is real nice too! Yes, some way off from Åmål, but well worth the extra mile! Read more on Edsleskogs Wärdshus homepage.

Getting to the Blues Festival, the first day was not bad at all. Hightligts were Mr Bo and the VooDooers, not surprisingly, and Keith Dunn Band, Keith had a brilliant backing band: 2 Guitars (ES something) and Drums, no base or anything. Brilliant! Also on stage was one of swedens oldest bluesbands, Bill and Guy Öhrström with Slim Notini, and this was very much enjoyable, and Bill is great as usual, as is his brother. I have to admit that the more Gospel oriented numbers is not my cup of tea though, and the large stage was a bit wasted on this band, who are at their best on a small club scene.

Today is Saturday and in particular I'm looking forward to Jim's Combo, but also Roffe Wikström (yes, I have seen him many times before, but it was some time back now, so I'm looking forward to this) and Trickbag with West Weston and Sven Zetterberg. Barrelhouse Chuck should have been here too, but he turned ill during the tour. Let's hope he recovers soon. The day ands with Rich Harper Band, which I like but I'm not sure I'll be awake by then.

I have been takiing lots of shots, and I plan to publish some within a week or two.

/Karlsson

Your Papa of Blues on site in Åmål.