The Douchapt Blues festival has been rocking the Dordogne for fifteen years

Despite the challenging circumstances, you decided to continue your adventure. What motivated you?

Jean-Luc Wargnier: It's a collective passion. The blues is part of our culture. Douchapt Blues is rooted here, in the Périgord Ribéracois Community of Communes and beyond. We've been here since 2009, and we come back every summer thanks to volunteers and local support.

What are the key events this year?

Laura Corre There's a lot to come! On Sunday, July 6th, in Douchapt, Benoit Blue Boy will share the stage with Loïs Morgan, Vincent Bucher, Elmor Jazz, Youssef Remadna… On Friday, August 22nd, Fred Chapellier (ex-guitarist of Johnny) and Neal Black are also expected in Douchapt. Closing the show, Friday, August 29th, still in Douchapt, Matt and the Messengers and Nico Wayne Toussaint, a reference of French blues, will perform.

What are the other dates and locations of the program?

The festival will also be held in July, Wednesday 9th in Comberanche-et-Épeluche, Sunday 13th in Verteillac, Thursday 17th in Montrem, Thursday 24th in Tocane and Tuesday 29th July at Château Fongrenon in Cercles. Then in August, Friday 1st in Mensignac, Thursday 7th in Tocane, Friday 8th in Grand-Brassac, Thursday 14th in Douchapt with Debbie Bond, from the United States and Caroline Shines.

Any news on the organizational side?

Laura Corre: Yes, with the arrival of Alain Minière, from the Maison du Blues, and the development of our presence on social media and YouTube. Furthermore, thanks to our partnership with the Musiques de La Nouvelle-Orléans en Périgord (MNOP) festival, we welcome American musicians every year. This collaboration gives an international flavor to our programming.

And what about access to concerts?

Jean-Luc Wargnier: Eight out of 12 concerts are free. It's our way of remaining accessible to all.