The Village Concerts

SANTILLANA DEL MAR BECOMES THE INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL OF BLUES ROCK DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE

• The historic "Los Conciertos de la Villa" series returns with a 100% international lineup that will bring together leading figures in American roots music from the U.S., France, Scotland, and Italy.

• The live performances, which are completely free, will blend the architecture of the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana and the Plaza Mayor with the emotional depth of the blues and the energy of rock.

Santillana del Mar, Cantabria – May 26— The iconic historic town of Santillana del Mar is preparing for a unique month of June. The cultural series "Los Conciertos de la Villa" returns this year, establishing itself as one of the season’s most ambitious artistic endeavors, presenting—for the first time in its history—an entirely international lineup.

This festival was created with the clear aim of revitalizing the artistic and tourist life of the medieval town, offering residents and visitors an unforgettable sensory experience. The project seeks to organically fuse the architectural heritage of Santillana del Mar with the pure essence of Blues Rock, a universal musical language that connects the emotional depth of Mississippi Delta blues with the overflowing energy of modern rock.

A cultural bridge built on authenticity.

The choice of Blues and Rock for this series reflects values shared with the very identity of this Cantabrian town:

• Authenticity: Like the centuries-old stones of Santillana, this genre celebrates craftsmanship, honesty, and what endures over time.

• Emotional connection and roots: Respect for musical traditions (folk, soul, country) is promoted through virtuoso performances capable of transcending any language barrier.

• Universality: By attracting international artists, the town becomes a global meeting point where music serves as the ultimate cultural bridge.

Two iconic outdoor stages

The concerts will take place on the first three Thursdays of June in two time slots at exceptional locations in the historic district (pending official confirmation by the city council), maintaining the fundamental principle of free admission for all:

• At 6:00 p.m.: In the majestic outdoor setting of the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana.

• At 8:00 p.m.: In the heart of the town, the Plaza Mayor.

A top-tier international lineup (Artist profiles)

• Gregg Weiss (USA / France): A versatile musician and globetrotter who began his career in the vibrant New York scene of the 1990s. He offers a contemporary blues-folk sound that intertwines the American singer-songwriter tradition with subtle European influences. His husky voice and skill as a multi-instrumentalist guarantee an intimate and magnetic atmosphere.

• Luke Winslow-King (USA): A guitarist, singer, and songwriter originally from Michigan who honed his sound for years in New Orleans. An undisputed master at fusing Mississippi blues with traditional jazz and rock and roll, he is renowned worldwide for his elegant style and impeccable virtuosity on the slide guitar.

• Matt Pascale & The Stomps (Italy): Considered one of the most promising young talents in European blues. This Italian guitarist stands out for his explosive live performances

that evokes the great blues rock icons of the 1970s. His overwhelming technical energy makes him one of the most anticipated acts.

• Dik Banovich (USA / Scotland): A true blues “troubadour” with over four decades of an impeccable career behind him. Born in Scotland and raised in Chicago, Banovich masters Acoustic Roots & Blues, taking the audience on a journey straight to the Delta through a combination of techniques such as fingerstyle, swing, and ragtime.

• Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters (USA): Hailing from Indiana, they are leading representatives of Americana and roots rock. Their lyrics tell poignant stories of the working class set to a sound that rides untamed between alternative country and traditional blues, characterized by an energetic live performance and rich vocal harmonies.

• This Frontier Needs Heroes (USA): The acclaimed project led by Brad Lauretti offers a hypnotic blend of indie-folk and narrative blues rock. Thanks to an outstanding compositional sensibility, each song becomes an emotional journey designed to connect with the welcoming spirit of Santillana del Mar.

With this lineup, "Los Conciertos de la Villa" stands out this year as an unmissable event in northern Spain for lovers of roots music, cementing Santillana del Mar as a cultural hub open to the world.