In 2026, Ruf Records’ popular Blues Caravan live revue is going on the road for the 20th time, with a date at Bonn’s Harmonie on 27th January. The list of artists who have been a part of the Caravan’s history and appeared on the Harmonie stage includes many of today’s most celebrated blues musicians: Ana Popovic, Samantha Fish, Aynsley Lister and Joanne Shaw Taylor, to name just a few.
This year will see appearances by Laura Chavez, Matthew Curry and Elise Frank.
In keeping with the BC formula 2026 offers the combination of experience, big emotion and youthful exuberance. So let’s introduce the ‘Class of 2026’…
California native Laura Chavez is without a doubt the most established of the bunch. An exceptionally gifted guitarist, she was for many years the driving musical force in the band of late singer Candye Kane (Blues Caravan 2005 & 2008). Chavez knows how to thrill an audience with her rock-steady rhythm guitar and explosive electric solos. Her reputation as one of the blues scene’s very best was confirmed by the Blues Foundation in 2023 when Chavez became the first woman to win the Blues Music Award as „Best Instrumentalist – Guitar.“
Matthew Curry is a real insider tip for anyone familiar with the blues and rock scene The American has been performing on stages around northern America for over a decade where he thrills audiences with his unmistakable sound that blends blues, rock and Americana.. He has shared the stage with true greats such as Peter Frampton, the Steve Miller Band, the Doobie Brothers and Blackberry Smoke.
French singer, songwriter and guitarist Elise Frank isn’t quite a newcomer, but she is a young artist to be reckoned with. Fronting her own electric blues and rock formation FRANK since 2021, she has appeared at leading European music events like the Cognac Blues Passions Festival in France and the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival. She is sure to open some eyes on the Blues Caravan tour. Even after 20 years and hundreds of concerts, the Blues Caravan format remains unchanged: Each of the three headliners plays a complete live set, then all three join forces onstage for a full throttle jam session at the end of the evening.