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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
