A closer look at Pat Fulgoni – the creative force behind the blues’ newest festival
As we’re now officially closer to this year’s Bluesbury Festival than last year’s, we think that we’re justified in putting those good vibes out and looking forward to however the UK’s newest blues festival might follow its inaugural explosion onto the scene in 2024.
The dates are in the diary – 12–14 September – and top secret negotiations with artists are underway but we really had to kick off the build up to Bluesbury II with a tribute to the man behind it all – Pat Fulgoni.
Pat is a man of many hats. He’s a renowned blues artist in his own right, and the front man of The Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience band. He’s also a producer and promoter who has worked with us on Saturday Socials at The West Riding and Sunday Socials at The Terrace (free live music events). He’s not limited to the blues though, he’s been singing for dance music and drum n bass superstars worldwide for 25 years as well as touring with live bands across the USA, Europe and Asia. Recently he’s even been singing house vocals especially for our events, working with our own resident DJ and sound engineer, Matthaus. He’s also an ambassador for the blues and the creative industries in general, speaking in Parliament recently to fight for better systems for touring musicians on behalf of Carry on Touring.
Mr Bluesbury
Staging a blues festival in Dewsbury was Pat’s brainchild. A railway station pub was a perfect setting with easy access from Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and all the blues-loving places beyond. The event also seemed a perfect pairing with the thing that we do best – beer festivals! What better name for blues in Dewsbury than Bluesbury? In 2024, the Bluesbury Beer & Blues Festival was created.
So, what does Pat bring to the table? Well, Pat lives and breathes the blues. A renowned blues artist, The Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience released its debut album in 2024 to great acclaim. Reviews include…
“Pat Fulgoni has earned a reputation as a powerhouse vocalist who channels the very essence of the blues. From electrifying performances at SXSW in Austin, Texas—lauded by Billboard Magazine—to a storied career that has seen him cross multiple genres and global stages, Fulgoni now brings his soulful artistry home with the eponymous debut of the Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience.”
Not only did the album reach number 3 in the UK Blues Album Chart, but Pat was also nominated for Emerging Act of the Year in the UK Blues Awards. Check the album out here
Pat knows the blues scene inside out and that’s why he created such an amazing festival for Bluesbury
What’s in store for Bluesbury II?
Naturally, we can’t reveal anything yet but be reassured, the wheels are in motion and Pat is working his network to bring a whole new line up to this year’s festival. The pressure is on to follow up last year’s event but we’re sure that Pat is up to the job.
Keep checking in as we build up to the big weekend. You can follow what Pat’s up to over on his facebook page and on the Bluesbury Facebook page