BLUES MUSICIANS: Rag Mama Rag on stage
BLUES MUSICIANS: Rag Mama Rag on stage

ONE of Europe’s finest country blues acts are coming to Bowes Village Hall.

Formed in 1991, the English duo Rag Mama Rag, have slowly and consistently built up their reputation.

With an interesting and wide range of instruments, Ashley Dow, (Henderson acoustic guitar, national and dobro resonator bottleneck guitars, Weissenborn acoustic lap steel, ukulele, stomp box and vocals), and Deborah Dow, (harmonica, washboard, percussion, spoons, and backing vocals), Rag Mama Rag create an exceptional sound. 

Their repertoire is 20s and 30s blues based, but extremely varied, encompassing Mississippi blues, East Coast ragtime sounds, early white country tunes, original compositions, and many other regional styles of the 20s and 30s period.

On Thursday, March 14, they will be returning to Bowes for their fifth visit.

Graham Henley, promoter, said: “Much as I love the blues, and live music, if I could only choose one band to play in Bowes, and show folks what the blues was all about, it would be Rag Mama Rag.

“This may be the last chance we get to see Rag Mama Rag play in this part of the dale.

“Unfortunately, my health isn't up to continuing as promoter at Bowes Got the Blues and the village hall. I cannot think of anyone who has played or performed here in the last seven years, since I have been acting promoter, more fitting for my final show.

“If you aren’t sure you like the blues, or think you might, but it will be one long over-amplified wall of sound, forget those notions, come along and listen. It’s a great night of music in the company of Rag Mama Rag.”

The show starts at 7.30pm, but the bar is open at 7pm . Tickets cost £10 (£9 concessions, £5 students).

Telephone 01833 628357 to book.