Kojoti
20/06/2025
A cult Croatian rock band Kojoti is a Croatian rock band formed in 1991 in Zagreb. From the very beginning, they stood out with their
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Thrill Blues Festival returns for its 8th edition in the heart of Dalmatia
This year marks the 8th edition of the Thrill Blues Festival, which will once again bring musicians, music professionals, artists, and members of the media to Trilj on July 4th and 5th. The festival has earned its place on the global blues map, offering a rich blend of musical, educational, and cultural content.
The program is divided into two nights. The first, National Night, on Friday, July 4th, is dedicated to Croatian artists. Following performances by local musicians, the official part of the evening will be opened by Tomi Novak, one of Croatia’s finest blues performers. A student of the legendary Woody Mann at New York’s Juilliard School—who himself was taught by the blues pioneer Son House—Tomi represents a direct lineage to the very roots of blues history.
Also performing that evening will be Kvarner-based bluesman, writer, and poet Riccardo Staraj with his Midnight Blues Band, who will deliver a multimedia performance. The audience will also meet Imperfect State, a new band led by the young and already established musician Jadran Mihelčić, winner of this year’s Croatian Blues Challenge. Jadran returns to Trilj fresh from the renowned blues school in Clarksdale, Mississippi, home to the mythical Crossroads. His journey was made possible through the cooperation between the Thrill Blues Festival and the European Blues Union.
Kojoti, the legendary band celebrating 30 years since their debut album, will headline the first night. The evening will traditionally conclude with the Welcome Jam, kicked off by the Sunnysiders and the Westsiders.
Saturday, July 5th, is dedicated to the international lineup. Headlining the night is the spectacular Crystal Thomas from the United States, showcasing not only her powerful vocals but also her trombone skills. Her video Somebody Else’s Man has reached over a million views on YouTube. The night opens with Eliana One Woman Band from Greece, followed by Max Dega Band from Switzerland, alongside other domestic and international acts.
For the third year in a row, the Thrill Blues School will be held in the classrooms of the Trilj primary school. Its students have gone on to attend the Little Steven Blues School in Norway and the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Blues School in the USA.
Staying true to its multimedia roots, the festival once again features a range of lectures, exhibitions, promotions, and workshops, enhancing its value through a blend of art, education, and community engagement.
The Thrill Blues Festival has received numerous accolades for its contribution to the blues scene, including the Best New European Blues Festival award from the French portal Zicazine, and the title of International Blues Supporter 2023 from the Greek Blues Hall of Fame. It has also welcomed notable global blues ambassadors such as Jay Sieleman, longtime president of the Blues Foundation in Memphis, and Davide Grandi, president of the European Blues Union.
Today, the festival proudly bears the title of The Heartbeat of the Blues in South-East Europe, and over its eight-year history has grown beyond its local and national roots to become an internationally recognized cultural event that welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Once again, the blues has rolled back into Trilj.
The Thrill Isn’t Gone.
A cult Croatian rock band Kojoti is a Croatian rock band formed in 1991 in Zagreb. From the very beginning, they stood out with their
Born on November 7th, 1959, Max began playing guitar when he turned sixteen.Self taught in the study of the instrument, he played for many years
Eliana Nikolopoulou is a songwriter, singer and musician from Greece. Deeply influencedby the acoustic blues, political folk music as well as greek folk music, she
Founded in 2017, Thrill Blues Festival has over time become the largest blues festival in Croatia and a unique musical meeting place in this part of Europe. Every year in July, Trilj welcomes Croatian and foreign blues musicians who have the opportunity to play and socialize in a friendly and relaxed environment.
The Thrill Blues Festival takes place in Trilj, a small town along the Cetina river which, like the legendary American Clarksdale, has its own crossroads where the idea of the festival was born.
All performances are held in Trilj City Park, on the banks of the Cetina River, and most importantly – admission is free!
In addition to the main concert event, the Thrill Blues festival hosts a series of workshops, educational programs, screenings and a unique Blues Run race! Of course, you must not miss the welcome jam session and the opportunity to play side by side with some of the best blues musicians of today.
Thrill Blues is more than a festival – it’s a two-day experience of great music, beautiful nature, authentic Dalmatian food and a place to make new friendships and memories!
We are a family festival open to music lovers of all generations and tastes.
Visit us and see for yourself:
Thrill isn’t gone – thrill is in Trilj!
Thrill Blues Festival is more than pleasure, more than blues and more than a festival!
Our goal is to organize an unforgettable event every year, both for musicians and for blues lovers: a festival that you will remember forever and to which you will gladly return!
Nature, historical story, food, people and pleasant climate make the unique environment of this unique festival.
Respecting tradition, we are open to new trends at the same time and we try to create an ecological, family and fun festival. With free entry for all visitors!
Our commitment to blues and blues tradition is a special focus on young blues forces and nurturing new talents through music workshops and lectures.
