The Mahindra Blues Festival, one of the world’s most prominent celebrations of blues music, is set to return for its 14th edition on February 14 and 15, 2026. Held annually at the iconic Mehboob Studios in Bandra, the festival continues to serve as a vibrant meeting ground for global blues legends, contemporary voices, and India’s homegrown talent.
For over a decade, the festival has championed the transformative spirit of the blues—its power to heal, uplift, and connect communities. This year’s edition brings together an eclectic roster of artists spanning generations and continents, reaffirming the festival’s status as Asia’s biggest blues celebration.
Leading the line-up for Day 1 is British blues virtuoso Matt Schofield, returning to the stage after first performing in the festival’s debut edition. With over 30 years of experience and induction into the British Blues Awards Hall of Fame, Schofield’s emotive guitar mastery and improvisational brilliance have earned him global acclaim.
Joining him is the Altered Five Blues Band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin—known for their chart-topping contemporary blues sound. Frontman Jeff Taylor’s powerful, velvety voice, reminiscent of legends like Howlin’ Wolf and B.B. King, anchors the group’s high-energy performances.
Also performing on Day 1 is Shemekia Copeland, the multi-Grammy-nominated artist and daughter of the legendary Johnny Copeland. Known for her fierce yet hopeful musical storytelling, Copeland returns to the Mahindra Blues stage after mesmerizing audiences in 2011 and 2017.
Representing India’s pioneering blues-rock sound, Blackstratblues, founded by Warren Mendonsa, marks another key highlight of the line-up. With members Jai Row Kavi, Adil Mistry, and Beven Fonseca, the quartet is celebrated for its instrumental innovation, blending classic blues-rock with electronic and psychedelic influences. Their legacy at the festival continues through the Soulstrat Saloon stage, named in their honour.
The festival also shines a spotlight on the next generation of blues talent. D.K. Harrell, the 27-year-old rising star whose debut album Talkin’ Heavy has positioned him as a defining voice of modern blues, will make his Mahindra Blues Festival debut.
Further energizing the line-up is Grammy-nominated guitarist Eric Gales, whose genre-defying sound has made him a contemporary blues icon. Recently featured on the soundtrack of Ryan Coogler’s global hit Sinners, Gales returns to Mumbai after appearing as a guest performer in 2017 with Supersonic Blues Machine.
Speaking about the upcoming edition, Jay Shah, Vice President, Cultural Outreach at the Mahindra Group, said, “We are witnessing a growing interest in blues. This cultural shift is significant, as there are so many talented individuals and pioneers who are striving to preserve and propel the magic of this genre. We at Mahindra Group are always happy to join in this movement to preserve and propagate a genre that has healed so many hearts with its honesty and hope. This year’s line-up is as diverse as it can get, an act from the homeland, a British act, along with veterans and the future voices. This gives us hope that through our efforts, the globe is becoming a unified village, basking in the glory of the blues.”
VG Jairam, Founder of Hyperlink Solutions, added, “The world is rediscovering the resilience, love, and power that blues holds. And Hyperlink Solutions is proud to be a part of this bubbling movement that the Mahindra Group has championed for over 14 editions now. As a brand, our vision has always been to promote platforms that recognise the importance of storytelling in today’s time. Blues has been one of the genres that told diverse and authentic stories in the most audacious ways. Like every edition, we have an ensemble of the best talents across the world coming together for evenings filled with love, hope, and everything Blues.”
Continuing its commitment to nurturing young talent, the festival will once again feature performances by the Kanakia Beatz Crew and the Nanhi Kali Choir, comprising young girls supported by the Mahindra Group’s Nanhi Kali Project. The festival also advances new musical voices through The Big Blues Band Hunt, with the winning band performing on the Garden Stage.
With over 85 artists headlining across previous editions and a rapidly growing digital community of 175,000 fans, the Mahindra Blues Festival has evolved into a cultural mainstay. While the artists, audiences, and city continue to transform, the spirit of resilience and passion—core to the blues—remains unchanged.
As the 14th edition approaches, music lovers across the country are invited to immerse themselves in two evenings of soulful performances, genre-defining collaborations, and the enduring magic of the blues at one of the world’s most cherished music festivals.
