Terri'Thouars Blues

Blues has found its Mississippi in Deux-Sèvres

Since 2003, the association Blues & Co has been organizing Terri'Thouars Blues, transforming the town of Thouars into an ephemeral blues capital every March. In just over twenty years, the festival has gained a solid reputation in the blues world, attracting musicians from the United States, Argentina, Great Britain, and elsewhere to perform in this medieval town on the banks of the Thouet.

The festival unfolds over five days with an original format that blends intimacy and discovery. The first days are dedicated to master classes with guest musicians, allowing amateurs and aspiring bluesmen to work directly with established artists. Concerts then take over the city's bars for free sessions and spontaneous jam sessions, before the main evenings at the Théâtre de Thouars.

Blues without borders

The uniqueness of Terri'Thouars Blues lies in its desire to introduce the public to lesser-known blues styles. Beyond Delta blues and Chicago blues, the festival explores Atlanta blues, Philadelphia blues, Spanish blues, and German blues, broadening the sonic palette of a genre too often reduced to its most famous expressions.

Over the years, renowned international artists have graced the stage of the Théâtre de Thouars, alongside young talents and local musicians. Musical meals, organized in partner restaurants, extend the musical experience in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

A festival rooted in its territory

Terri'Thouars Blues doesn't just program concerts. The Blues & Co association develops a significant educational component with blues discovery sessions in schools in the Thouarsais region, introducing younger generations to the history and practice of this music. The banks of the Thouet, the alleys of the old town, and the bistros of Thouars take on the colors of the Mississippi for five days, creating a unique atmosphere where every street corner can hold a musical surprise.