The 14th Dundee Blues Bonanza came to a close for another year last night with a spectacular closing concert at Fat Sam’s.

Fans were treated to sets by Dave Peabody, Bob Hall, John O’Leary, The Flaming Stratmen and headliner, Detroit bluesman Robert Penn, as the festival ended on a high note.

Blues fans from around the country packed out venues as they enjoyed over 140 gigs, jams and workshops over the weekend.

Delighted Blues Bonanza chairman Bob Telford said afterwards, “It’s amazing that we’re having so much success with this.

“Dundee doesn’t have a massive blues scene, but thanks to the festival’s reputation people are being drawn to Dundee as a blues town.”

He added, “One pub, which probably holds about 100 people had, I reckon, 300 people in there yesterday, and about 40 people couldn’t get in to see The King Bz at Deja Vu.

“We’re surprised by just how successful it’s been—I feel like we’ve got hold of a tiger by the tail and we’re just hanging on.”

All venues appeared to be extra busy this weekend with Fat Sam’s recording a record Bonanza attendance for the show by Dundee’s Cajun kings, Boogalusa.

Robert Penn, a veteran who has performed with BB King and Aretha Franklin, praised the atmosphere, saying, “This is my first time in Dundee and I’m real happy with how everything’s been.

“I’ve travelled to a few places in the world and I’d say the audiences in Dundee are among the most appreciative I’ve ever encountered.

“There’s a real friendly vibe—it seems like a genius endeavour.”