Pistoia Blues Festival: all that you could wish to know about it

Every year, one of Italy’s longest-running musical events returns: the Pistoia Blues Festival.

Since 1980, the streets of Pistoia have come alive to the sounds of both Italian and international artists. The stage in Piazza del Duomo has hosted numerous musicians and iconic legends of music, such as Carlos Santana, B.B. King, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, and Lou Reed.

Each edition offers a unique mix of music legends and emerging talents, transforming the city into a vibrant cultural and musical hub. It’s an unmissable event for those who want to fully experience the energy and magic of music.

Line-up

Pistoia Blues Festival 2025

Friday, June 27 – Beth Hart (preview)
Friday, July 4 – Marcus King
Thursday, July 10 – Blackberry Smoke
Saturday, July 12 – Un Blues per Nick
Tuesday, July 15 – Queens of the Stone Age

Storytellers Section – Singer-Songwriter Sounds

Saturday, July 5 – Brunori Sas
Wednesday, July 9 – Francesco Gabbani
Sunday, July 13 – Gianna Nannini

Other Concerts

Thursday, July 3 – Alfa
Tuesday, July 8 – Nayt

Blues City 2025

As part of the Pistoia Blues Festival 2025, Blues City returns for the second year in a row: a series of side events will bring the historic center of Pistoia to life with live music and a vibrant atmosphere. From July 4 to August 8, the city’s streets and squares will host free performances by artists from all over Italy.

Friday, July 4 – Piazza della Sala
AB Quartet
An experimental project with a unique and contemporary sound. Jazz is the common thread, blending sonic research with original compositions.

Saturday, July 5 – Piazza della Sala
DUOroboros, in collaboration with Fondazione Tronci
Dagmar Bathmann (cello and vocals), Omar Cecchi (percussions, drums, Konnakkol). Original pieces, improvisations, and rearranged selections from various repertoires.

Wednesday, July 9 – Piazza Gavinana
Hevol Band
A historic rhythm’n’blues and soul band from Pistoia, active since 1985, known for their explosive 1960s and ’70s sound.

Friday, July 11 – Piazza della Sala
Napodano
An Italian singer-songwriter based in Belgium. Winner of numerous awards including “La Musica è Lavoro” (2022), “Premio Bertoli” (2023), and the Italian Song Festival in Belgium (2024).

Wednesday, July 16 – Piazza Gavinana
DOS LOBOS – Musica para bailar y soñar, in collaboration with Fondazione Tronci
David Fisicaro (guitar and vocals), Leonardo Bartolomei (cajon and percussion). A vibrant mix of sounds and rhythms from Spain, Cuba, and Brazil.

Friday, July 18 – Piazza Gavinana
Alessandro Liberini
A singer-songwriter from Rome, finalist in the Mogol-Battisti Prize 2023 and featured performer at Casa Sanremo 2024.

Wednesday, July 23 – Piazza della Sala
In Da Roots Project
Cristiano Da Ros (double bass) and Gabriella D’Amico (vocals) blend jazz, rock-blues, and tributes to the legends of the ’70s.

Wednesday, July 30 – Piazza Gavinana
Fattore Rurale
American folk and country music meet the spirit of the rural landscapes of Piacenza.

Friday, August 1 – Piazza Gavinana
La Polveriera
An indie rock band from Verona, with folk and singer-songwriter influences.

Friday, August 8 – Piazza della Sala
Boogie Blues Band
Blues “made in Pistoia,” featuring some of the most representative musicians of the local scene.