We announce the results of the blues bands competition! Six bands will perform during the European Blues Challenge Katowice 2026. KATO Blues FACES has announced the results of the blues bands competition, whose aim was to select artists performing during the accompanying events of the 14th edition of the European Blues Challenge in Katowice. From numerous submissions, the competition committee selected six bands that will present themselves on two open stages in the city center.
“The level of submissions absolutely delighted us. It’s clear that the Polish blues scene is in great shape — diverse, creative, and full of energy,” emphasizes Michał Rutkowski, KATO Blues FACES.
Selected bands:
- Easy Rider
- Onusblues
- KremBand
- Spluva
- Zieliński Band
- Dusty Highway
These are the bands that will join the great celebration of blues, presenting their concerts on the outdoor stage of KATO Blues FACES and at the Katowice Market Square. Thanks to this, blues will literally flow through the city, becoming part of its space, energy, and everyday rhythm.
“We want blues to be heard at every step — among people, in the urban space, in its daily pulse. Open Stages is a way for music to become part of Katowice for nine intense days,” says Joanna Rutkowska, KATO Blues FACES.
The organizers emphasize that the jury’s decision was exceptionally difficult.
“Your music, passion, and performance level made the choice truly challenging. It is thanks to you that blues in Poland sounds so powerful,” notes Joanna Rutkowska, KATO Blues FACES.
Although not everyone made it into the final six, the organizers assure that this is not the end of cooperation.
“There are more events, concerts, and projects ahead of us. We are convinced that our paths will cross again — and sooner than you think,” adds Michał Rutkowski, KATO Blues FACES.
Open Stages is an initiative aimed at bringing music into the urban fabric and making it accessible to a wide audience. The concerts will take place alongside the main events of the European Blues Challenge, creating a unique atmosphere of a musical celebration available to residents and guests from all over Europe.
This year’s edition of the EBC promises to be one of the most important musical events of the year. Katowice will become the European capital of blues, and the energy of the event will fill the entire city — from outdoor stages, through club spaces and concert halls, all the way to the grand finale at NOSPR.
