Blues
Mahindra Blues Festival 2026 Promises a Soul-Stirring Celebration of Global Blues Legends and Rising Stars
For 14 years, the Mahindra Blues Festival (MBF) has stood as Asia’s biggest and most influential celebration of blues music. Returning on February 14–15, 2026, the festival once again transforms the iconic Mehboob Studios, Bandra, into a sanctuary of sound—bringing together award-winning global acts, homegrown pioneers, and powerful new voices shaping the next era of blues.
Rooted in resilience, emotion, and hope, the blues continues to resonate deeply with audiences across generations. This year’s edition is no exception—offering a lineup that spans continents, styles, and stories.
Mahindra Blues Festival: Mumbai Grooves to the Rhythms of Blues with All-Women’s Lineup
A Power-Packed Line-Up of Global Blues Icons
The 2026 lineup brings back several Mahindra Blues legends while showcasing artists redefining the genre today.
Matt Schofield, British blues icon and the first guitarist inducted into the British Blues Awards Hall of Fame, returns to MBF for the first time since the festival’s inaugural year. With more than 30 years of stage mastery, Matt Schofield’s signature improvisation and emotional depth promise an electrifying opening night.
From the U.S., Milwaukee’s celebrated Altered Five Blues Band will bring their chart-dominating sound to Mumbai. Frontman Jeff Taylor’s rich, timeless voice draws comparisons to Howlin’ Wolf and B.B. King—yet remains unmistakably his own. Their groove-heavy, contemporary blues style is set to energise day one.
The multi-Grammy-nominated Shemekia Copeland—daughter of blues legend Johnny Copeland—returns after her unforgettable 2011 and 2017 performances. Known for her fierce, soulful storytelling, Shemekia Copeland’s set will close the first night with emotional power and authenticity.
Blackstratblues- Mahindra Blues Festival 2026
Homegrown Heroes & The Future of Blues
India’s own blues-rock powerhouse Blackstratblues, led by Warren Mendonsa, also returns. Famous for making instrumental blues aspirational, the quartet blends electronic, psychedelic, and classic 70s-influenced melodic rock. Their legacy even inspired the festival’s iconic Soulstrat Saloon stage.
Representing the new generation, D.K. Harrell—whose debut album Talkin’ Heavy has earned global acclaim—makes his much-anticipated MBF debut. At just 27, Harrell’s adventurous fusion of tradition and modern blues marks him as a defining voice of this era.
Another major highlight is Grammy-nominated guitar virtuoso Eric Gales, known for his genre-bending grunge-blues sound. Recently featured on the soundtrack of Ryan Coogler’s hit film Sinners, Gales returns to MBF after appearing as a guest in 2017—this time ready to command the stage with a full-blown set.
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A Festival Growing in Impact and Inclusivity
Beyond world-class performances, the festival continues its mission to nurture emerging talent. The Kanakia Beatz Crew, the Nanhi Kali Choir, and winners of The Big Blues Band Hunt will showcase young artists from diverse backgrounds—including girls supported through Mahindra’s Nanhi Kali education initiative.
With 85+ artists across 13 editions and a 175,000-strong online community, the festival continues to grow in scale, influence, and cultural impact.
As Jay Shah of Mahindra Group puts it: “The world is rediscovering the resilience, love, and power of the blues—and we’re proud to help preserve and propel this timeless genre.”
