Taste Classic blues rock is definitely on the menu from these well loved trailblazers. John Wilson won his right to fame with late sixties super group Taste who boasted Belfast’s adopted son the late Rory Gallagher on guitar. Their high energy style of blues recreates the heady era of Taste with John (drums) alongside Sammy Davidson (guitar & vocals) and having become a regular in the line-up this year, Albert Mills (bass). As Taste will be joined on stage by old friend Jim Armstrong, this year’s performances are tipped to be the ones you’ll be talking about all year.	Eric Bell Founder member and guitarist with legendary rock band Thin Lizzy, Woodstock Road man Eric has worked with a host of great musicians including Van Morrison, Noel Redding, Rory Gallagher and Bo Diddley. Eric’s guitar style has been widely praised for its power and energy and he has become a hugely popular figure at the festival and across the community. Eric will be showcasing classic songs from his latest cd ‘Lonely Nights in London.’ Check out the sample tracks on his official website, particularly the sublime title song and beautiful acoustic track ‘Belfast Blues.’
The Pontiax Promising even more excitement than last year, The Pontiax who were undoubtedly a highlight of Woodstock ’10, will be returning with their authentic brand of Chicago blues. This Bangor four piece are not to be missed. Ciaran Gorman’s majestic guitar and vocals, ably supported by Pete Comfort (drums), Laurence Duggan (bass) & Gordon Thompson (keyboards) combine to deliver the blues as it was always meant to be.	Spoonful of Blues A guaranteed remedy in the form of local guitarists Davy Dunwoody and Robert (Doc) Dougherty. Spoonful of Blues have all the skills and experience you would expect, having been tried and tested throughout the eighties and nineties with the likes of Carey Bell, Louisiana Red, the legendary Jim Daly and our own Woodstock Road V.I.P Eric Bell. With such cohesive front men as Davy and Doc this is one medicine you won’t hesitate in taking.
Willie Byrne Band Belfast guitar maestro Willie Byrne, who many would say is the most technically gifted guitar player in Ireland, will front a three piece power house of a band that will evoke memories of Cream, Jimi Hendrix and Taste. Covering some of Rory’s best known songs combined with other classic rock and blues favourites, Willie has become a firm favourite with the Woodstock crowd & is set to win many more new fans this year with his majestic playing.	Rab McCullough Band Distinguished local guitar virtuoso Rab McCullough forged his own brazen blues style deep in the sixties and seventies alongside a plethora of comrades, from Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore to Jimi Hendrix and John Mayall. A true Belfast prodigy with a phenomenal sound and insatiable energy to perform, Rab who is recovering well after his recent health scare will be back doing what he does best so ’ Woodstock ’11 will be safe in Rab’s cool hands.
Kenny McDowell Kenny has built a magnificent career spanning five decades, playing in some of Northern Irelands greatest ever bands. Who can forget the magical nights in the Pound Club and The Errigle listening to Spike, Bronco and Sk’boo? A veteran of stand out acoustic performances featuring the work of some of his favourite songwriters (John Prine, Delbert McClinton, Russel Smith) and proving why he’s widely regarded to be the best vocalist the North has ever produced.  He will be accompanied this year by his old partner Jim Armstrong.	Ronnie Greer Band Ronnie Greer’s legendary status in the Northern Ireland music scene is fully justified. Not only has he suffused some of the best blues bands in the country with his searing guitar, working his magic alongside the great Jim Daly, Kenny McDowell and Jackie Flavelle to name but a few, he’s back this year by popular demand. With his band who are notably augmented by the funky keyboards of the inimitable Johnny McCullough and probably the best rhythm section in the business, namely Alan Hunter and Colm Fitzpatrick, Ronnie is not to be missed. Ronnie will be joined on stage this year by special guest Grainne Duffy.
The Mike Wilgar Band Playing blues harmonica from the tender age of nine, Mike started his career in earnest guesting with The Rab McCullough Band at his now legendary Empire blues jams. After spells in Ten Feet Deep and The Fun-Da-Mentals he decided to form The Mike Wilgar Band as he wanted to concentrate on his own brand of blues rock with hard rockin’ guitar and beltin’ blues harp.	Turpentine Moan After blistering performances at Woodstock ’09 & ’10, Turpentine Moan are back to thrill the crowds with their own boogie infused brand of blues. Featuring the harmonica talents of Stevie Clifford alongside Steve Dog (guitar), Pete Pratt (bass) and Mike Patton (drums). Turpentine Moan will be the crescendo to this years closing night.
Gary Maxwell (Max) Following on from an impromptu appearance at last years festival local boy Gary Maxwell (Max) returns with what his fans call his East Belfast swing. A relative newcomer to the Northern Ireland singer songwriter scene, he has built a huge reputation for himself with his very poignant and witty songs. Along with a few well chosen and off the wall covers and his ability to tell a good yarn Max is a welcome addition to Woodstock 2011.	The Blues Katz Although regulars on the blues scene they have supported such greats as Robben Ford and Peter Green, The Katz will return to Woodstock  this year. Taking classics by the blues grand masters like Muddy Waters and Sonny Boy Williamson and giving them a contemporary rockabilly twist, they forge a sound which is entirely their own. The band features 17 year old axe man James Sands alongside regulars Ali, Joe, Jarley and James.
Grainne Duffy Band Playing the blues like a blood relative of BB King or Bonnie Raitt, Grainne Duffy is an absolute delight.  Woodstock ’11 is proud to have Grainne perform as she has a jam packed festival schedule this year.  Her elegant guitar style and heartfelt vocal delivery combining with Paul Sherry (guitar), John McCullough (keyboards), and the superb rhythm section of(bass) & (drums) has been gaining her fans far and wide.  As well as songs from her excellent debut cd ‘’Out Of The Dark’’ she will be featuring songs from her soon to be released follow up.	Mercy Lounge After nearly twenty years touring the world with bands like The Yardbirds and Nine Below Zero, harmonica great Billy Boy Miskimmin has returned home to Belfast to form Mercy Lounge.  Billy Boy first astonished audiences with his combination of emotional power and jaw-dropping technique in the 80’s when he played with local legends like Jim Daly, Jackie Flavelle and Ronnie Greer and has since went on to play with a plethora of greats including B.B. King & The Doors.  Along with Lou Campbell (guitar), Matt Matin (keyboards), Alan Loughran (bass) & Hal Gordan (drums) they are not to be missed.
The Blues Collective The Blues Collective with Frank Girvan (drums), Alan Hayward (bass), Bill Lunney (lead guitar), Paul Armstrong (guitar & harmonica) & Gil Irvine (vocals) play an eclectic mix of blues and soul standards interspersed with Hendrix, Dylan & Van favourites.  Their goodtime boogie blues will be familiar to all of you who remember The Pound.	Brownstone Blues Brownstone Blues from Belfast & south of The Lagan are an energetic three piece with a big sound.  With James McGuigan (lead guitar & vocals), Nick Brown (bass & vocals) & Stevie Glackin (drums) they have shared stages with Richie Havens, Henry McCullough & the late John Martyn to name but a few.  With bags of charisma they are a trio who stay true to their roots.
Jim Armstrong (Big Jim) is back!  Jim Armstrong, one of Northern Ireland’s true guitar legends will be returning home from America this year to meet up with some old friends and thrill audiences at this year’s festival.  As well as being a huge inspiration for many of Belfast’s best guitar players including the late great Gary Moore who has said Jim was a major influence, the former Them guitarist has played in some of Belfast’s greatest ever bands.  Who can forget the magical nights in The Pound & Errigle listening to Bronco, Spike & Light.  Be sure to get your tickets early for this one as there are many who cannot wait to see Big Jim back doing what he does best.	The Hardchargers A rocking blues power trio featuring hard hitting guitar, rock solid basslines and flamboyant drumming The Hardchargers are a band delivering energetic, tight, original arrangements of songs by blues artists such as Howlin’ Wolf, Albert King, and Little Walter alongside modern roadhouse rock tunes by Lonnie Mack and Stevie Ray Vaughan with a good helping of Jimi Hendrix and Cream thrown in and all done in their energetic, often frantic style.They are Richard Hodgen (drums), Chris Todd (guitarist) & Dave Thompson (bass).
Pat McManus Band The Pat McManus Band are a blistering three piece blues/rock trio, headed up by the former Mama's Boys and Celtus guitarist/violinist virtuoso and true gent Pat McManus (aka ‘The Professor’), who is joined on drums by Co.Tyrone man Paul Faloon and Dublin bassist Gordon Sheridan.  Featuring songs from his recently released cd ‘Walking With Shadows’ Pat and the boys are sure to light up the stage with their energy & conviction.	Mama Kaz Mama Kaz is one of Northern Irelands biggest & best female voices.  She puts her vocals comfortably to different genres and is one of the very few local artists who can do this.  Lying somewhere between such greats as Etta, Dusty, Aretha & even Bonnie Raitt, Kaz will be fronting Brownstone Blues especially for this year’s festival and she is sure to win many new fans at Woodstock 11.
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