Just Talkin' Blues
Just Talkin' Blues
Podcast Description
Take a seat, pour a drink, and settle in—we’re Just Talkin’ Blues. Hosted by Kelvin Huggins, this laid-back podcast dives deep into the heart of blues music through casual, candid conversations with artists, storytellers, and scene-shapers from across Australia and beyond.From smoky backroom gigs to national blues festivals, each episode explores the lives behind the licks—the influences, the stories, the struggles, and the soul that make the blues real. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the genre, Just Talkin’ Blues keeps it authentic, passionate, and always personal.No hype... Just real talk… and the blues.© 2024-2025 The Blues Hotel Collective.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes surrounding blues music, including artist journeys, genre evolution, live performance experiences, and community connections. Episodes delve into unique topics like original artist perspectives, the impact of AI on music, and personal stories of resilience, with examples including Judy Mangini's journey and The Mezcaltones' genre-blending sound.
Take a seat, pour a drink, and settle in—we’re Just Talkin’ Blues. Hosted by Kelvin Huggins, this laid-back podcast dives deep into the heart of blues music through casual, candid conversations with artists, storytellers, and scene-shapers from across Australia and beyond.
From smoky backroom gigs to national blues festivals, each episode explores the lives behind the licks—the influences, the stories, the struggles, and the soul that make the blues real. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the genre, Just Talkin’ Blues keeps it authentic, passionate, and always personal.
No hype… Just real talk… and the blues.
© 2024-2025 The Blues Hotel Collective.
In this episode, we’re just talkin’ blues with John Durr, President of the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society (MBAS)—a group that’s been at the center of Melbourne’s blues scene since 1990. What started as casual Sunday jam sessions at the Station Hotel has grown into a vibrant community that supports artists, welcomes fans, and keeps the spirit of the blues alive.
🗂️ Note: This is an archived conversation from 2024, offering timeless insights into the roots, challenges, and evolution of MBAS and the broader blues community.
We dig into:
• The founding story and mission of MBAS: to support blues musicians and connect them with audiences
• Why traditional memberships are fading, and how MBAS is embracing a supporter-driven model
• The weekly Tuesday night gigs and jam sessions that bring the community together
• The annual Blues Challenge, sending local acts to Memphis and opening doors worldwide
• Youth and Women in Blues programs that spotlight emerging talent
• How MBAS promotes the blues through newsletters, live streaming, and social media
• The evolving sound of blues and why it continues to resonate with younger generations
With candid reflections from John Durr, this episode is a celebration of grassroots music, community spirit, and the enduring power of the blues.
🔗 Learn more or get involved at mbas.org.au
© 2024-2025 The Blues Hotel Collective.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.