Mahindra Blues Festival Announces Power-Packed Line-Up For Its 14th Edition In February 2026

The Mahindra Blues Festival, one of the world’s biggest celebrations of the genre, returns for its 14th edition on February 14 and 15, 2026, once again transforming Mumbai’s Mehboob Studios into a haven for blues lovers. For over 14 years, the festival has woven the spirit of the blues into India’s music culture, bringing together icons, emerging voices and global legends.

The 2026 edition reunites several festival favourites while spotlighting artists redefining the blues for a new era. Spanning continents and generations, this year’s line-up blends multi-award-winning acts, homegrown pioneers and rising global stars.

Matt Schofield, one of the leading voices in British blues and the first guitarist inducted into the British Blues Awards Hall of Fame, opens Day 1. Returning to the festival after his appearance in its inaugural edition, Schofield brings over three decades of improvisational mastery to the stage.

Joining him is the Altered Five Blues Band from Milwaukee , a dynamic quintet fronted by Jeff Taylor, whose powerhouse vocals echo blues greats while retaining a distinctive edge. With more than two decades of chart-topping contemporary blues, the group is set to energise opening night.

Day 1 will close with a commanding set by Shemekia Copeland, the multi-Grammy-nominated vocalist whose music has shaped modern American blues. Daughter of the legendary Johnny Copeland, Shemekia returns after acclaimed performances at the festival in 2011 and 2017.

India’s own blues-rock trailblazers Blackstratblues also return this year. Led by guitarist Warren Mendonsa and joined by Jai Row Kavi, Adil Mistry and Beven Fonseca, the collective has defined a unique instrumental sound that blends blues, psychedelic and melodic rock. Their legacy at the festival is immortalised through the Soulstrat Saloon stage, named in their honour.

The festival also marks the debut of one of blues’ most exciting young voices, D.K. Harrell, whose acclaimed debut album Talkin’ Heavy has positioned him as a defining force of his generation. At just 27, Harrell’s adventurous musicality bridges tradition with fresh, modern compositions.

Another highlight is the return of Eric Gales, the Grammy-nominated Memphis blues-rock virtuoso whose genre-blending style has made him a global favourite. Gales, who last appeared at the festival in 2017 as a guest with Supersonic Blues Machine, brings a renewed momentum following his feature on the soundtrack of Ryan Coogler’s hit film Sinners.

Speaking about the upcoming edition, Jay Shah, Vice President, Cultural Outreach at Mahindra Group, said, “We are witnessing a growing interest in blues. This cultural shift is significant, as there are so many talented individuals striving to preserve and propel this genre. This year’s line-up is as diverse as it can get , an act from the homeland, a British act, veterans, and future voices , reflecting our belief in a global village connected through the blues.”

VG Jairam, Founder of Hyperlink Solutions, added, “The world is rediscovering the resilience and power of the blues. Like every edition, we bring the best talents from across the world for evenings filled with love, hope and everything blues.”

Continuing a tradition established in recent editions, the festival will also feature performances by the Kanakia Beatz Crew and the Nanhi Kali Choir, comprising young girls supported through Mahindra Group’s Nanhi Kali Project. The festival further supports emerging musicians through The Big Blues Band Hunt, with the winning band set to perform on the Garden Stage.

Across 13 editions, the Mahindra Blues Festival has hosted over 85 artists, building a dedicated 175K-strong online community and evolving into a global beacon for blues music. As the festival gears up for another transformative year, it invites fans to immerse themselves in two evenings of hope, soul, and unforgettable music.