Dark Season Blues 2026 releases three new names: Grammy-nominated Sugaray Rayford with powerful soul blues, Danish Mike Andersen in close solo format and Norwegian-British Krissy Matthews with explosive blues rock and international band.
Sugaray Rayford (US)
Sugaray Rayford from Texas comes to Dark Season Blues with a voice and stage presence that encompasses gospel, soul, R&B and raw blues. He grew up listening to music in church and has since built an impressive career with a Grammy nomination, multiple Blues Music Awards and the title “B.B. King Entertainer of the Year”. His music blends classic soul, funky groove and blues power. In Svalbard, he is backed by J.T. Lauritsen & The Buckshot Hunters.
Mike Andersen (DK)
Danish Mike Andersen returns to Dark Season Blues, this time alone with his guitar, his voice and his songs. Since he started playing guitar at the age of 12 in Southern Jutland, he has established himself as one of Denmark’s most distinctive soul and blues artists. With concerts in more than 20 countries, strong album releases and a unique ability to combine blues, soul, Americana and rock, he offers an intimate and soulful concert experience.
Krissy Matthews (UK/NO)
Krissy Matthews has lived with the blues almost all his life. Already as a child he was on stage, and at the age of 12 he was invited by John Mayall to perform at the Notodden Blues Festival. Since then, the Norwegian-British guitarist and vocalist has built a strong international career, both as a solo artist and with the Hamburg Blues Band. At Dark Season Blues, he brings his international band and a repertoire full of energetic, guitar-based blues rock.
We’ll soon be announcing even more artists for this year’s festival!
