Sorry to blog after the event, but the Blues Raiders played Bar Manhattan Cafe Copas last Friday the 20th Januay 2017. I didn't blog before as we were expecting it was only going to be an all Spanish audience as the start time was 11:30pm.

As it happens some non-Spanish people did brave the cold - thanks particularly to Brett and Patricia, whose dancing, cheering and heckles of encouragement were greatly appreciated!

In the tradition of 'here's what you would have one', this is the setlist from the gig:

Mercury Blues
Let the good times roll
Hoochie Coochie Man
Old Time Rock n Roll
Unchain my heart
Steamy Windows
Money For Nothing
Lets Stick Together
Jean Genie
Born To Be Wild
Black Magic Woman
Little by little
Whiskey in the Jar
Hotel California
Long Train Running
Superstition
You Never Can Tell
Proud Mary
Get Lucky
Rockin All Over The World
Come on in
Johnny B Goode
Flatfoot Sam
Caroline
I Saw Her Standing There
La Bamba
Mustang Sally

As you can see we've been been moving away from blues. Now that Bar La Noria has closed, we're having to find gigs in other places, and well to be honest, blues is not really in high demand here in Olvera. We've therefore decided to move away from blues for our main set and we're introducing lots of new numbers in more of a rock genre. As a result, we're not going to be needing a harmonica in every song, so Nigel and I are going to be moving forward as a due. Paco has done a fantastic job which we thank him for very much, and the door is open for us to play as a blues three-piece again if a suitable gig arises. But for now we're moving on with a new set and hopefully a new band name - T.B.A so watch this space!!

Saturday 17th of December 2016 will be the last Blues Raiders gig of 2016, and possibly the last time we will play there, at least while it is under the stewardship of Eva and Paco. As you may have heard, Paco has a job which takes him out of town during the week, and Eva is unable to handle such a big bar on her own, so they are putting the business up for sale.

The Blues Raiders were born in Bar La Noria, when Nigel and I started informal jams with Paco several summers ago. Things soon moved on and now we are playing in other venues. In fact Paco may have more time to play with us in future as he doesn't have to worry about who is manning the kitchen. So watch this space about forthcoming Blues Raiders gigs in the new year - we already have one penciled in for January but no names, no pack drill.

Adios Bar La Noria. Viva The Blues Raiders

The trio will be playing in what is known locally as the swimming pool bar in Torre-Alháquime on 10 of December. It will probably be a bit cold for skinny-dipping after the gig but we live in hope.

Kick-off is at 9:30 and if any of our regular fan-base from Olvera and Pruna want to come, the address is Calle El Arenal, 0 S/N, 11691 Torre-Alháquime, Cádiz.

We will probably be trying out some new songs from Santana, Queen and Dire Straits so come along and join the fun!