Salaise Blues Festival

Nearly forty years of blues in Isère

The Salaise Blues Festival is a musical institution in the Rhône Valley. Since its creation in 1988, this festival has continuously made the town of Salaise-sur-Sanne vibrate to the rhythm of blues, boogie, soul, and rock. Born from the will of enthusiasts led by Jacques Garcia, René Riou, and Bertrand Cabaud, president of Travail et Culture (TEC), the event has its roots in "Le mois du blues" (The Month of Blues), a series of concerts organized from 1984 onwards on four consecutive Fridays in March. Since then, the festival has grown to become one of the most respected blues events in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

An original and friendly format

The format of the Salaise Blues Festival is unique. Far from being confined to two evenings of concerts, the festival unfolds over several weeks with a rich and varied program that permeates the entire territory. The festival kicks off with Blues'n'Bar, free concerts organized in the bars and cafés of the region — from Valence to Pélussin, including Beaurepaire and Saint-Alban-du-Rhône — allowing the blues to leave the concert halls and meet the public.

The program also includes masterclasses and music workshops in partnership with the conservatory, offering amateur musicians the opportunity to improve their skills with professional artists. A free concert for young audiences, offered on Wednesday afternoons at the Foyer Laurent Bouvier, introduces younger generations to the world of blues in a fun and interactive way. Exhibitions and musical conferences at the Elsa-Triolet media library complete this cultural panorama.

Two exceptional major evenings

The highlight of the festival lies in the two evenings of concerts that conclude the event at the Foyer Communal Laurent Bouvier. This emblematic venue in Salaise-sur-Sanne, with a capacity of around 435 seats, transforms into a blues temple for two intense nights. The invited artists — whether they are international blues figures or emerging talents from the French scene — offer memorable performances in an intimate and warm atmosphere.

Over the years, the Salaise Blues Festival has hosted exceptional artists, blending blues legends, soul, rock, and gospel artists. The festival has built a reputation for discovering talent, offering new finds alongside established names each year. The programming reflects the richness and diversity of contemporary blues, from traditional delta blues to the most daring fusions with rock, soul, and world music.

A festival rooted in its territory

Supported by the cultural commission of the Salaise-sur-Sanne town hall and programmed by the association Travail et Culture (TEC), the Salaise Blues Festival is an event deeply rooted in local life. It unites volunteers, local businesses, and residents around a common passion for the blues and contributes to the cultural influence of this Isère territory located between Lyon and Valence, in the heart of the Rhône Valley.