# Blues Peer turned 40, and the anniversary was celebrated worthy of its history at ‘t Poorthuis: Photos

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2025/12/07/blues-peer-turned-40-and-the-anniversary-was-celebrated-worthy-of-its-history-at-t-poorthuis-photos/
- Published: 2025-12-07T12:44:40+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

**D.K. Harrell & Sugaray Rayford celebrate 40 years of Blues Peer with a thrilling
blues night at ‘t Poorthuis. Blues Peer celebrated its 40th anniversary with the
launch of the photo book “40 Years of Kings & Legends” and an unforgettable club
show at a sold-out BICC ‘t Poorthuis.**

D.K. Harrell and Sugaray Rayford, supported by The Özdemirs XL, delivered an evening
worthy of the anniversary: ​​intense, exuberant, and steeped in blues history.

Not only was the magnificent reference work 40 Years of Kings & Legends officially
launched, but the audience was also treated to a club concert that will resonate
long after.

D.K. Harrell, Sugaray Rayford, and an extended version of The Özdemirs turned ‘t
Poorthuis into a swinging, glowing blues club.

[⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography (c) Marco
van Rooijen⌉⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography(
c) Marco van Rooijen⌉[

**A book full of memories – and a room full of anticipation**

Before the music broke out, the photo book compiling four decades of festival history
was presented to the audience.

Author Christof Rutten provided commentary, graphic designer Nathalie Sternotte 
explained her work, and of course, current driving forces Tim Schreurs and Jan Bas
were also on stage.

But the warmest applause went to blues pioneer Misjel Daniëls, the man who helped
put Blues Peer on the map in 1985.

The tone was set: nostalgia, pride, and a packed house ready for music.

[⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography (c) Marco
van Rooijen⌉⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography(
c) Marco van Rooijen⌉[

**The Özdemirs XL open the evening**

With an instrumental intro, The Özdemirs XL—Erkan, Kenan, and Levent, joined by 
a fiery horn section and keyboardist Jan Korinek—immediately demonstrated why they
are among the best backing bands of the moment.

The extra lineup gave the band the allure of a big band: bold, energetic, and the
perfect stepping stone to the first headliner.

[⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography (c) Marco
van Rooijen⌉⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography(
c) Marco van Rooijen⌉[

**D.K. Harrell: class, control, and pure blues**

The young guitarist from Louisiana has rapidly become one of the most interesting
new voices in blues in Europe in recent years. In Peer, he proved why once again.

With the title track, “The Right Man,” he set the tone: elegant playing, a deep 
musical background, and a presence that immediately captivated the audience.

[⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography (c) Marco
van Rooijen⌉⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography(
c) Marco van Rooijen⌉[

We were treated to a nice balance of songs from his debut and his recent Alligator
Records release Talkin’ Heavy, including Vibe With Me, Liquor Stores and Legs, and
the title track.

The audience loved the long, atmospheric flourish of The Thrill Is Gone, Harrell’s
tribute to his idol B.B. King.

By the time he closed with Not Here For a Long Time, ’t Poorthuis was already captivated.

Harrell dances, plays, and excites – a performance that far exceeded expectations.

[⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography (c) Marco
van Rooijen⌉⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography(
c) Marco van Rooijen⌉[

**Sugaray Rayford: Soul, Humor, and Pure Explosion**

Where Harrell brought finesse, Sugaray Rayford brought fire. Even before the first
note had even hit the air, he was handing out Mardi Gras beads as if Peer were in
New Orleans.

From the opener Nobody Know You, it was clear: this was going to be a whirlwind.

Rayford effortlessly switches between soul, blues, and funk, driven by his imposing
voice and irresistible charisma.

The audience roared along en masse during the infectious AHA from Human Decency,
and laughed when Sugaray, as he often did, occasionally surprised his own band by
spontaneously changing direction.

[⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography (c) Marco
van Rooijen⌉⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography(
c) Marco van Rooijen⌉[

With Dark Night of the Soul, he swept through the venue, shaking hands and dancing
with the crowd. Southside of Town and Blind Alley raised the temperature even higher,
until ‘t Poorthuis was literally swinging.

**A finale to remember**

The finale brought both headliners together for a festive climax. The sold-out Poorthuis
sang along with conviction during Rayford’s moving a cappella version of Wonderful
World, after which Let The Good Times Roll proved the only fitting ending to an 
evening dedicated to celebration: celebration of music, memories, and 40 years of
Blues Peer.

[⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography (c) Marco
van Rooijen⌉⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography(
c) Marco van Rooijen⌉[

Blues Peer celebrates its 40th anniversary: ​​an anniversary that looked back, but
above all, pointed forward.

On to May 2026 – and on to the next 40 years.

[⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography (c) Marco
van Rooijen⌉⌊Sugaray Rayford & D.K. Harrell  '40 Years of Blues Peer' | Photography(
c) Marco van Rooijen⌉[

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