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Blues at the 'Bridge
We're back for our 4th year!
Come join our cosy weekend festival that aims to bring our community together with amazing classes, great live music and making the most of the elusive UK summer sun.
Our Teachers
This year we welcome international teachers Gastón and Maria. Gastón “Gas” Fernández is a dancer and dance instructor based in Madrid, Spain. He in vintage dance styles including Lindy Hop, Charleston, authentic jazz, Balboa, Blues, and Tango. As a former gymnast, he is known in the swing dance community for his powerful acrobatics aerials, while his background in Tango gives his blues style drama and strength, grounded in a sensitive connection with his partner. Gastón’s passion for dance has taken him around world, teaching from New York to Melbourne. He has at some of the best swing and blues camps in the, like Herrang, Snowball, MSF, Lindy, Smokey Feet, Berlin Blues Explosion, Nocturne Blues, Policoro, and many more.
Maria is a passionate blues dancer and educator based in Vilnius, Lithuania. She started dancing at a very early age, coming from a ballroom and Latin background, and eventually discovering vernacular jazz and dances in 2013. Since then, she has been following passion all around the globe, continuously working on her craft and teaching both locally and across Europe. In the international scene, she is well-known for her highly structured approach to the teaching process, as well as for her captivating performances choreographies. In her classes, Maria places a high on history, technique, and musicality, helping students find their own voice within the cultural context of the dance. As of 2020, Maria is also a professional mediator, consulting dance couples and teaching workshops on verbal communication and conflict management for dancers.
Music
We are welcoming three amazing live acts to our festival this year..
Queen Bee Blues Band
Our live music will be kicked off by local blues heroes Queen Bee Blues Band. This band serve up an irresistible mix of good-time blues, soul, rock and pop, guaranteed to get you dancing. With gorgeous, powerhouse vocals from Bea Balzarotti and a tight, groove-driven band behind her, they deliver feel-good music with style, swagger, and plenty of groove. High energy, big tunes, and great vibes—every time.
Dust Me Down Blues Band
Moving onto Saturday night, dress to impress and get ready to move to the amazing Dust Me Down Blues Band. Ray and Davide are well loved on the blues circuit and are bringing their full band to Cambridge.
Ray Wallen is a blues singer and harmonica player from London, UK. He has performed with a number of well-known ensembles including the Doctor Blue Blues Band, The Chameleons, and Dan Nash. His powerful, expressive vocals stem from a deep passion for the music and a lifelong connection to roots and blues traditions. ​
Davide Mazzantini, also known as MAZZA, is a tasteful and highly regarded guitarist on London’s blues circuit. He has been a member of the Ain’t Nothin’ But house band since 2010, hosting the famous Monday night sessions since 2012, and performing regularly throughout the week with many of the UK’s most renowned blues groups, such as Rollo Markee & The Tail Shakers, Gentleman Tim & The Contenders, Jeremiah Marques & The Blue Aces, among others.
Dave Foster
Finally, after a long weekend of dancing we make the most of the summer weather (fingers crossed guys!) by dancing out on a terrace overlooking the river Cam. Dave Foster, guitarist extraordinaire, will bring us home for the final evening. Dave has a huge repertoire to stand by across genres but the blues will always be home. He has amazed the Cambridge Blues Scene with his incredible voice and guitar skills so we couldn't resist inviting him to play our final night.
What else is happening?
Fancy starting your weekend early?
We'll be hosting a pre-party on the Thursday night. More details to come.
Picnics and games
We'll be hosting extra long lunches during the day with the encouragement that everyone, full and social passes, come together to hang out, play some garden games, and get to know each other.
Roast dinner
It wouldn't be Blues at the Bridge without a roast dinner. As an add on to your weekend, before the Sunday social, sit down with your fellow dancers and enjoy a meal together. This will take place on the terrace of The Granta, where the Sunday social also will be.
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