The 2^nd Annual SZLM Blues and Folk Festival is underway after a huge opening last night. This year’s festival is aptly named “The Pearl River Delta Sessions” in homage to the Mississippi River Delta area where the Blues music and culture were born. Though miles away from the United States, this five night, four venue and 20 band music festival shares a similar tone with those muddy-bottom Blues.

Shenzhen is a 21^st century melting pot with a variety of races and nationalities all finding a way to make it. Like early 20^th century America, Shenzhen residents are learning to live together, work together and grow together, and from this a music culture has taken root.

Many venues in Shenzhen are now taking a chance on local artists and opening their doors to talented Shenzhen musicians. The Shenzhen Local Music Blues and Folk Festival, which is set to run until June 9, is the culmination of this community effort to provide a platform for musical expression and connection.

Last night the festival kicked off with well-traveled and seasoned folk music veteran Gary Hurlstone at Brown Sugar Jar. Hurlstone presented the history of folk music through short films, pictures, stories of his travels around the world and within China, and also performed a few original songs. Following his lead, tonight at Frankie’s American Bar, Chicago born and raised Blues man Corey D. Abrams is presenting the history of Blues music and performing a few original songs. Phoning in on Skype around 9:45pm will be Bobby Taylor, the man responsible for finding and promoting many world-famous acts, such as the Jackson 5 and Whitney Houston. This is definitely a Skype call you don’t want to miss.

This weekend, Coco Park venues Rapscallions Café Bar and La Casa will host more than 15 bands including one Guangzhou solo artist, one Zhuhai Blues veteran and Hong Kong French gypsy folk band, Les Gromechkos.

For full listings of the festival events, check out Shenzhen’s #1 source for live music, shenzhenlocalmusic.com.

See you at the festival!