European Bluesfestival Rheine

Bluesnote Bluesinitiative – Volunteer-Run Scene

Behind the festival is the Bluesnote Bluesinitiative Rheine e.V., a volunteer association that has been the backbone of the regional blues scene for decades. The association's offerings extend far beyond the annual festival: Blues Caravan (annual international tour program, held in Rheine in September), Jazz am Kloster (Whitmonday concert), concerts with greats like Steve Baker (harmonica grandmaster), Danielle Nicole Band, and many others. The European Bluesfestival is the association's largest and most visible event.

Stadthalle Rheine as the Venue

The Stadthalle Rheine is located on the market square of this Westphalian city, situated between Münster and the Dutch border. The terrace of the Stadthalle transforms into an open-air stage in July: a limited area with approximately 500–800 seats, a professional stage and PA system, a bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails, and a city atmosphere more intimate than any open-air stadium gig. Those seated here have the artists just a few meters away – blues as it should be.

Program Profile: International and Diverse

The musical profile is clearly defined: European and US blues acts, with a focus on Chicago Blues, Delta Blues, British Blues, Continental European Blues, and occasionally African Blues from Mali or Senegal. Bluesnote collaborates with the international booking network Blues Caravan and several major European booking agencies to bring artists to Rheine who would otherwise only be heard at larger festivals.

Part of Summercity Rheine

The Bluesfestival is part of the larger Summercity Rheine program, which enlivens the city center every summer with various modules: Sommerdeck-Beachclub (beach format with sand and loungers), Emsfestival (day event on the river), Straßenparty (DJ and live acts in the pedestrian zone). Visitors coming for the Bluesfestival can extend their weekend to include these events.

Rheine in Summer

Rheine, the largest city in the Steinfurt district with about 76,000 inhabitants, lies at the transition from the Münsterland to the Tecklenburger Land region, on the Ems river. The Stadtkirche St. Dionysius (City Church of St. Dionysius), the Kloster Bentlage (Bentlage Monastery) with its castle and monastery park, the Ems cycle paths, and the TERRA.vita nature park provide the setting for a peaceful weekend in western Münsterland.