Location: Croatian National Theatre in Split and Hrvatski dom (concert hall Ivo Tijardović)

Duration: April 3–5, 2025

Under the high patronage of the European Parliament, Split will host the 13th edition of the European Blues Challenge (EBC) from April 3 to 5, 2025, organized by the European Blues Union.

This three-day musical spectacle, the largest in Europe since Croatia's independence, will bring together top performers and national competition winners from 22 European countries. The event will take place at the Croatian National Theatre in Split, featuring two semi-final evenings (Thursday and Friday), followed by a grand finale on Saturday, where the eight best-ranked performers will compete for the prestigious EBC trophy.

The program kicks off on April 2, 2025, at the Hrvatski dom (concert hall Ivo Tijardović) in Split with “Split Blues Forces” an event showcasing local blues talent to the public and international blues professionals.

In addition to the main competition, attendees can enjoy a rich accompanying program, including conferences, additional concerts on city squares, exhibitions, educational music workshops, and specialized blues fairs.

The European Blues Challenge has previously been held in Berlin, Brussels, Toulouse, Malmö, Riga, Siena, the Azores, Chorzów, and Braga. Now, this prestigious musical event is coming to Split.

Competition Schedule: Two Days of Semifinals, One Grand Final Night at HNK Split

The competition spans two days of semifinals and one final night, offering audiences over 15 hours of world-class blues music.

Semifinal A – Thursday, April 3 (19:00, HNK Split)

1. Croatia – Edi East Trance Blues

2. Italy – Francesco Garolfi

3. Spain – Tòfol Martínez Blues Band

4. United Kingdom – Alice Armstrong Band

5. Belgium – PD Martin

6. Poland – Wild Flame

7. Denmark – Pay Day

8. Austria – Peter Kern

9. Norway – Tommy Tito

10. Finland – Jantso Jokelin

11. Czech Republic – Steven’s

Semifinal B – Friday, April 4 (19:00, HNK Split)

1. Sweden – Anton Hultquist Trio

2. Hungary – Daniel Szebenyi

3. Portugal – Mabelle Blues Band

4. Greece – Eliana One Woman Band

5. Bulgaria – Blues Traffic

6. Netherlands – Five Dollar Shake

7. Switzerland – Mark Slate & Rotosphere

8. Germany – The See See Riders

9. Romania – Bluemans

10. France – CHARB-ON

11. Luxembourg – The Nightcallers

The Grand finale will take place on Saturday, April 5, at 19:00, where the top four acts from each semifinal will compete for the prestigious EBC title. This title not only holds significant promotional value but also guarantees performances at renowned European blues festivals.

More Than a Competition: Blues as a Cultural Bridge

The European Blues Challenge is more than a contest—it’s a celebration of the blues in all its diversity, from traditional Delta rhythms to modern experimental styles. Participants range from solo artists blending multiple instruments to bands infusing blues with ethnic influences. Expect innovative performances featuring electric harmonicas, comb-playing, and high-energy lyrics.

Beyond the competition, the event also positions Split as a must-visit destination for music lovers. Thanks to collaboration with the European Blues Union (EBU), Split will welcome visitors from across the world, including music promoters, journalists, festival directors, and passionate blues fans.

How to Attend?

Tickets for the semifinals and finals are available through the official channels of HNK Split and event organizers. The program also includes:

• A “Blues in Schools” workshop at Hrvatski dom Split.
• A two-day blues fair with 60 exhibitors in the foyer and atrium of Hrvatsko narodno kazalište (Croatian National Theatre).
• Daytime concerts at Pjaca, Obrov, and Trg Gaje Bulat.

The 13th European Blues Challenge is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of passion, creativity, and unity, leaving a lasting mark on Split’s cultural scene. Come feel the blues pulse beneath Marjan Hill!

More Info:

European Blues Challenge: https://ebc2025.com/

Official websites: Hrvatske blues snage – www.hrvatskebluessnage.hr

HNK Split: www.hnk-split.hr

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unique blues spectacle!