The first real edition of the new era
Following the ‘zero’ edition in 2025, which exceeded all expectations in terms of attendance, enthusiasm and artistic quality, the Bellinzona Blues Festival returns in 2026 with its first official edition. This highly anticipated event confirms the great potential of an event capable of combining tradition and innovation in the heart of the city.
The line-up of artists for 2026, already largely defined, will offer a journey through the many souls of blues: from the classic sound of its origins to soul, rock and jazz influences, with internationally renowned artists and new discoveries from the Swiss and European scene."
Straight from London, the wonderful singer-songwriters and backing singers for Leonard Cohen and David Gilmour, Charley and Hattie Webb, join forces with the duo Corde Sciolte for a fantastic mix of acoustic fusion, world music and gypsy jazz.
JULY 24 - 25
Friday
18:30
Paolo Roberto Pianezza – vocals, guitar, lap steel
Francesca Alinovi – vocals, double-bass
Lorenzo Assogna – guitar, vocals
Fausto Negrelli – drums, vocals
Lovesick is an Italian band who blend rock‘n’roll, swing, country and roots music into a fresh and infectious sound. Known for their vocal harmonies and great chemistry on stage, they bring a positive and infectious energy. Their music is a journey through American tradition, reinterpreted with a modern twist. They have won over audiences and critics alike with international tours and numerous releases. Their show is an explosion of rhythm, passion and fun.
Friday
20:00
Stephanie “Ocean” Ghizzoni – vocals, washboard
Alberto Giacobone – guitar
Franz Bazzani – piano
Paolo Stellini – bass
Gianmaria Tonin – drums
Stephanie “Ocean” Ghizzoni is an Italian singer and performer known for her powerful voice and theatrical style. Her music blends blues, swing and retro influences, creating a unique stage presence. She is admired for her strong artistic personality and her ability to transform every song into an emotional experience. She has collaborated with numerous musicians on the Italian and European scene. Her concerts are a blend of energy, wit and superb performance.
Friday
21:45
Carolyn Bradford (Carolyn Wonderland) – vocals, electric guitar, lap steel
Cathryn King (Shelley King) – acoustic guitar, vocals
John Carnuccio (Giovanni “Nooch” Carnuccio) – drums, vocals
Joshua Allen-Flowers (Josh Flowers) – bass, vocals
Caroline Wonderland is a Texan singer, guitarist and songwriter, renowned for her powerful voice and unique style. Her music blends blues, rock, soul and American roots influences. Recognised for her guitar skills, she is an artist who brings both emotion and technical prowess to the stage. She has collaborated with leading figures on the US blues scene. Her concerts are immersive experiences brimming with artistic intensity.
Friday
23:30
Marco Cinelli – vocals, guitar
Alessandro Cinelli – drums
Jorma Gasperi – bass, guitar, vocals
Tom Julian-Jones – guitar, harmonica, vocals
The Cinelli Brothers are one of the freshest acts on the international blues scene, formed when brothers Marco and Alessandro Cinelli joined forces with Tom Julian-Jones and Stephen Giry. The band offers an energetic mix of blues, soul and R&B with a strong influence from the 1960s and 1970s. Their live performances are characterised by great groove, feeling and an immediacy that wins over every audience. They have received significant acclaim in the UK and across Europe. They are considered one of the most promising and authentic acts in modern blues.
Saturday
18:30
Daniel Macullo – bass,composition, arrangement
Marco Cuzzovaglia – drums
Matteo Ballabio – keys
Mad Mantello – guitar
Silvano Detomaso – percussion
Greg Fontana – vocals
Giordana Lang – bk vocals
Joelle Fux – bk vocals
Giuliano Molino – tp
Gendrickson Mena – tp
Mirko Roccato – sax
Olmo Antezana – sax, flute
Con base nel cuore della Svizzera, Joe Dallas & The Monks sono un ensemble travolgente capace di ridefinire i confini di Modern Funk, Neo-Soul e R&B. Conosciuti per la loro presenza scenica elettrizzante e gli arrangiamenti ricercati, la band fonde sapientemente il groove vintage con una sensibilità Pop contemporanea e raffinata.
Con un curriculum che vanta esibizioni di alto profilo a Jazz Ascona, al Locarno Film Festival e collaborazioni con icone del soul internazionale come Nate James, Lina Nikol, Nate Williams, Chicco Allotta (Incognito), i “Monks” si sono affermati come una delle realtà musicali più interessanti provenienti dal Canton Ticino.
La loro ultima produzione, “Taking You Out”, mette in luce l’evoluzione del gruppo: un inno contagioso e perfetto per la radio, dove sezioni ritmiche serrate incontrano voci vellutate e un groove incessante. Che si tratti dell’atmosfera di un club a tarda notte o del palco di un festival baciato dal sole, Joe Dallas & The Monks offrono un suono di livello mondiale, dichiaratamente soulful e quintessenzialmente svizzero.
Saturday
20:15
Kyla Brox – vocals, flute
Danny Blomeley – bass
Paul Farr – guitar
Luke Flowers – drums
Kyla Brox is one of the most refined and powerful voices in British blues and soul. With a style that blends emotional depth and great vocal elegance, she captivates audiences of all kinds. She has won prestigious awards and is regarded as one of Europe’s finest blues singers. Her performances are full of passion and authenticity. Critics describe her as an artist capable of bringing the blues into the realm of new contemporary sensibilities.
Saturday
21:45
Justina Lee Brown – vocals
Lou Cruz – bass
Andi Allenbach – guitar
David Stauffacher – percussion
Sam Schwalm – drums
Cesar Correa – piano
Justina Lee Brown is a Nigerian singer with a rich, deep voice that blends blues, soul and Afro influences. Her stage presence and energy make her an artist capable of moving and captivating her audience. Her musical journey has taken her on highly successful tours across Europe. She is renowned for her charismatic performances and the authenticity of her artistic expression. An undisputed leading figure of the new generation of international blues.
Saturday
23:30
Henrik Freischlader – vocals, guitar
Dave Warmerdam – hammond organ, keys
Gregor Sonnenberg – bass
Leon Mucke – drums
Henrik Freischlader is a German guitarist, singer and composer who is regarded as one of the most talented figures in contemporary European blues. As a multi-instrumentalist, he blends blues, rock and soul into a distinctive and powerful sound. Known for his intense live performances, he delivers shows full of improvisation and great energy. His discography includes numerous albums that are equally appreciated by critics and audiences alike.
He is a role model for the new generations of blues musicians in Europe.
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