Jack Austin Despy Blues Band. Rory Gallagher Festival UK (Nantwich)
Well we’ve had a good run of gigs so far this year without any notable dramas I think but unfortunately over the last couple of weeks we have had some bad news from a couple of the bands who were scheduled to play for us and who, for their own reasons have had to cancel their gigs with us. As a result, I have had to draft in some last minute replacements.
The first one is 31st July. Sadly, the excellent John Doe Trio have decided to go their separate ways and as a result have had to cancel their show with us. When we get some reasonable notice of a band cancellation, it can give us some good opportunity to find a quality replacement, and I am delighted to announce that instead of John Doe Trio we will be welcoming the teenage sensation Jack Austin Despy Blues Band to the Cross Keys.
Jack is undoubtedly one of the rising stars of the UK blues scene. In 2025 and 2026 he was nominated for the UK Blues Federation awards: Jules Fothergill Young Blues Artist of the Year in which he was a finalist. He was also invited to play at The Rory Gallagher festival in Nantwich at the age of 13 and has played at the Ballyshannon event as well and I am really looking forward to this one. If you have already booked tickets expecting to see John Doe Trio, then I am happy to keep you on the list and if you haven’t yet let me know then send me an email soon with details of tickets that you require to see Jack.
The other cancellation to let you know about is a very sad one. Big Wolf Band are fronted by the brilliant Jonathan Earp who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. He is going to undergo surgery in August and as a result has had to cancel their gig with us for September 25th. At time of writing, I am still trying to nail down a replacement but watch this space, and as before if you have already ordered tickets for Big Wolf then they will just carry over for the replacement unless you let me know otherwise.
Finally, just a reminder that we have two great gigs coming up in the next month. Firstly, at the Cross Keys we have the brilliant James Oliver Band on 26th June. At time of writing, we have only 5 tickets left so if you haven’t already ordered yours then let me know ASAP. Secondly on July 10th we have got our second gig at Wakefield Exchange with Emma Wilson supported by the magnificent Paddy Wells in duo format as Welter. Don’t forget that is free entry. Doors open at 7 and my suggestion to you is get down there early to grab the best seats. It’s a great venue and they also have a few street food outlets as well so you can make a proper evening of it. It would be great to see loads of Leeds Blues Club members down there as if we can get a good turnout, it all helps to encourage the opportunity for future gigs there.