By Gillian Ellison

Published at 15:40, Wednesday, 08 July 2009

THIS year’s Maryport Blues Festival is being broadcast on BBC Radio Two.

The 11th festival runs from July 24-26 and will be co-headlined by three legendary artists.

John Mayall, known as the godfather of British blues; Taj Mahal, said to be one of the most prominent figures in blues this decade, and Jethro Tull, an innovative and successful British rock band.

Other main stage artists include The Blues Band featuring Paul Jones, one of Britain’s finest practitioners of blues music.

Blues and soul singer Ruby Turner returns to Maryport after her successful appearance with Jools Holland in 2008.

Ryan Shaw, a singer song writer from Georgia, USA, nominated in 2008 for Best Traditional Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance will also be on stage.

Others include highly acclaimed Rab McCulloch from Northern Ireland, a blues guitarist, making a rare mainland appearance and Alan Nimmo with a new project, King King.

Making a return from Indianapolis, USA, will be the WT Feaster band.

There will be a first time appearance for the powerful blues-rock vocalist Deborah Bonham and an up-and-coming young blues band with songs already on Radio Two playlist is Laura and the Tears who are scheduled to perform.

Local band, Nine Lives, winners of the Battle of the Bands competition, will open the main stage event on Friday evening.

The BBC are recording at the festival for a two-hour special programme on the Radio 2 Paul Jones R&B Show on August Bank Holiday Monday.

Over 30 bands will perform during the weekend both on the open air stage and in pubs, clubs throughout the town.

Tickets can be purchased from Ticketline, Carnegie Theatre Workington, Maryport News Office, Festivals Office at the Maritime Museum and also at the main marquee at Netherhall Rugby Club.

For more details check out the official website at www.maryportblues.com.

You will also find details of local transport and coach arrangements and times for the festival on that website.

On Thursday, July 23, many local school bands will perform on the main stage supported by two professional bands.

This event is free of charge.

Maryport Blues Festival is organised and run by Maryport Festivals Ltd which is a “not for profit” company. All monetary gain is ploughed back to run the following year festivals.

Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk