Atri International Blues Festival

International blues in Atri

The Atri International Blues Festival is one of the most established musical events in the Abruzzo summer calendar. Every year, in the heart of the historic center of Atri, in the province of Teramo, the festival transforms the town's squares and narrow alleys into an open-air stage dedicated to authentic blues, with forays into soul, gospel, and funk. The event attracts enthusiasts from across Abruzzo and beyond, offering an experience that blends great live music with the discovery of one of the region's most beautiful medieval villages.

A project by Frank Hammond

The festival is directed and passionately championed by musician Franco Angelozzi, also known by his stage name Frank Hammond, and is organized by the Upton Sun Association. Born from years of experience and a network of collaborations built within the blues scene—including the memory of artists like Claudio "Soul Man" Di Nicola—the festival has successfully brought top-tier musicians to Atri, while maintaining an accessible spirit that aligns with the local cultural vocation.

Great artists on stage

Throughout its editions, the Atri International Blues Festival stage has hosted prominent names from the Italian and international blues scene. Past performers include artists such as Shawn Jones, Diane Blue, Stan Skibby, Matt Schofield, Lachey Doley, and Lisa Hunt, alongside numerous bands and talents from the United States and Italy. The usual program features evening concerts on the main stage and roaming performances that enliven the historic center in the late afternoon.

A free festival open to all

All events in the series are traditionally free of charge, with the main concerts hosted in Piazza Duchi d'Acquaviva and a preview event held in the setting of the Villa Comunale. The event is supported by the Municipality of Atri, the Fondazione Tercas, and the GAL Gran Sasso Laga, confirming the festival's deep roots in the cultural fabric of the Teramo province and the entire Abruzzo region.

Atri, a village to discover

The festival is set in Atri, an ancient Abruzzese town overlooking the famous badlands (calanchi), rich in history and monuments such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Palazzo Ducale degli Acquaviva. Attending the concerts is a chance to soak up the atmosphere of summer evenings in the squares and alleys of one of the region's most fascinating historic centers, where music, heritage, and local tradition merge into a unique experience.