Santa Cruz Blues Festival

Bus Routes: 470[Granadilla] to San Isidro, 111[Santa Cruz]

Return: 111[Los Cristianos, P Americas] to Las Chafiras then taxi to Los Abrigos

I just managed to catch the 19:40 470 which turned up at 19:30 then waited on the slip road at San Isidro for the next 111, despite roadworks on the Autopista I still managed to get to the festival for 21:10 to find that 'Spikedrivers' were in full steam. For once an event had started on time. All I can say about this group is that they were so good I bought two CDs! A good start to an excellent event. There is something unique about standing under a star lit sky on a warm evening listening to good performers with a cool beer in your hand and a lively, appreciative crowd of people around you.

I spotted the ad for the 'Santa Blues Festival' in the free 'Island Connections' English newspaper which is one of the reasons I have included the link on the home page. If you are coming to Tenerife for a holiday or to stay have a look at what is going on around the island. The free festival was held in the plaza in front of the Iglesia de La Conception, a couple of 'liquid' refreshment stalls and cafes down the side of the square if you fancied a sit down and something to eat but most people stood or sat on the steps leading down to the plaza. These events are always set up with professional sound and lighting and given the standard of music from the performers well worth the trip.

The 'Spikedrivers' hail from London, UK, with origins both in the USA and UK and were very friendly when I spoke to them. The performance on steel guitar was brilliant, I bought two CDs which tells you how good they sound (see below). A quick turnaround produced 'The Delta Saints' from Nashville, USA, on stage. A group of young men playing a mixture of their own work and songs by the famous. Both sessions required many returns for an 'encore' demanded by a very enthusiastic audience and an excellent night was had by all. The party broke up some time after midnight, 3 hours of good, solid blues! I retired to catch the 00:15 111 bus, a 10 minute walk as the bus stop is just outside the bus station which closes after midnight.

An interesting run back as the 00:15 service diverts off the motorway outside Santa Cruz and runs through the coastal towns of Caletillas and Candelaria before rejoining the motorway south. Never a dull moment when travelling by bus and never a dull moment living in Tenerife, however I have decided not to travel up to the Romaria at La Orotava today (Sunday 17^th) as there are some more next weekend in different villages and I need some sleep!

¡Qué noche más bueno!

If you are anywhere near the following places you can see the 'Spikedrivers' live at

Eskodiatza near to Vitoria on Saturday 30^th June 2012,

Restaurante Llantén, C/Encina11 47153 Pinar de Antequera, Valladolid, Sapin Wednesday 18^th July,

Avila – Episcopio, Madrid Thursday 19^th July,

2^nd International Guarda-Bejar Blues Fesitival, Transblues, Guarda, Portugal Friday 20^th July 2012.

More info visit their website: www.spikedrivers.net

The Spikedrivers

Plaza in front of Iglesia de La Conception 

The Delta Saints

The original photos are included in the main 'Santa Cruz' Photo Album