Blues Night in Bolesławiec (BNiB) is an event created by musicians from Bolesławiec—the founders of the band Chłopaki z Ferajny (Maciej Tylenda, Dariusz Uściński and Jan Dudek). Chłopaki... is a band rooted in the excellent tradition of Blues nad Bobrem and the music workshop of the Bolesławiec Cultural Centre. It is worth recalling that, still performing as Blues Beer, the musicians won the first BnB competition in 1993.
Over six editions—with a break in 2013—the so-called Initiative Group, consisting of Darek Uściński and Maciek Tylenda, with considerable support from BOK-MCC and MOSiR, has successfully organized further blues-rock events. BNiB has so far been held in various locations: at the Szanghaj restaurant (2008), at Concordia (2009), and in later years on larger stages: at the MOSiR swimming pools (2010), Piłsudski Square (as part of the 2011 City Days) and in the Market Square (2012).
– BNiB was meant to fill a certain gap, at a time when the festival moved to the Kwisa River – says the event's originator Maciek Tylenda. – Today, at BNiB we play not only blues; we also invite bands working in the areas of rock and funky – adds the vocalist.
This year, the event returned to its roots: club performances. Mercedes Band, Monsun, Powerebel and Chłopaki z Ferajny, with Maciek Tylenda on vocals, played at the welcoming Envy club. The people who came to the club, which was filled to capacity that day, nostalgically recalled the times when blues ruled the city and the Blues nad Bobrem festival was held in Bolesławiec every year.
– It is clear that there is strong demand for this type of event in our city – says Darek Uściński. – I hope that, despite the difficulties we encounter while organizing Blues Night, we will be able to continue the event in the coming years.
Chłopaki z Ferajny is a band formed through the organization of friendly gatherings, held several times a year, of musicians who had previously played in bands associated with Bolesławiec's blues tradition. Unfortunately, because the band members now live in different parts of Poland, they meet in Bolesławiec only a few times a year.
The band includes both Blues nad Bobrem festival winners and instructors at workshops organized as part of the event. Today, the musicians of Chłopaki..., who mainly play in other line-ups, including Obstawa Prezydenta, Sumptuastic and Mercedes Band, bring extensive experience from musically diverse formations to the group; however, the band focuses primarily on sounds typical of rhythm & blues and rock.
Current line-up of Chłopaki z Ferajny:
- Maciej Tylenda – vocals
- Wojciech Szajwaj – guitar
- Dariusz Uściński – guitar
- Andrzej „Gino” Malcher – bass
- Tomasz Bubieńczyk – drums
- Marcin Gorzecki – harmonica
- Mario – keyboards/Hammond
- Sławek Ziemkiewicz – bass.
Collaborating with the band:
- Rafał „Łaka” Wiese – guitar
- Daniel Grupa – keyboards
- Marcin Sarkowicz – bass
- Jan „Jasiu” Dudek – guitar
- Grzegorz „Dzięcioł” Olszacki – guitar
- Mariusz „Maniek” Wilk – harmonica
- Daniel „Lopez” Połeć – keyboards.
(information: Dariusz Uściński/ii)