The 2021 UKBlues Awards ceremony will be held on 9 May and hosted by blues legend and broadcaster Paul Jones. Originally due to be staged at The Powerhaus, Camden (formerly Dingwalls), this will be a virtual event celebrating the UK Blues scene.
Ashwyn Smyth (Founder & Chair of the UKBlues Federation) told us: “It does not need me to tell you that 2020 was a year like no other. However, as a Federation, we are determined that what people have done to support, promote and play the blues in this incredibly difficult time should not go unmarked.
“We have had to make a few changes to some of the categories and, in particular recognition of the originality and creativity people have shown, we have introduced two new categories: Most Inspirational Online Performance of the Year and Most Innovative Use of Virtual Media of the Year.
“In announcing the results of the 2021 UKBlues Awards [Sunday 9th May 2021], we want to recognise and pay tribute, not just to the winners and the finalists in each category, but also to everybody involved with the blues in the UK who have done what they can to keep music alive throughout this ongoing pandemic.”
Produced and created by Paul Long, the evening will feature guest presenters such as Joe Bonamassa, Cerys Matthews, Erja Lyttinen, Bob Harris, Kaz Hawkins, Mike Vernon and Jon Cleary.
Lorna Fothergill and Suellen Raven will also present awards named after their respective late husbands.
Paul Jones will present the International Artist Award and a special feature in remembrance of the late Chris Barber, where Paul will reminisce with Andy Fairweather Low about the man credited by many with introducing the Blues to the UK.
