Concert Review: Suceava Blues Festival 2025 Suceava, Romania

Tucked away in the undulating hills of northeastern Romania, Suceava is a city where history feels layered – where the footsteps of Moldavian princes, Habsburg governors, and Orthodox monks still resonate in the hush of cobbled streets and timeworn fortresses. It’s here that the Suceava Blues Festival comes to life – a free-to-attend celebration that brings together world-class blues talent like Ana Popovic, Ian Siegal, and Sugar Queen Blues, alongside Romanian favourites such as Marius Dobra, Lineage Reloaded, and Norwegian Grammy winner Joe Rusi.

This is far more than just another music festival. It was founded as a tribute to the memory of Fani Adumitroaie, a Suceava native and one of Romania’s trailblazing blues musicians who has inspired this festival for the past sixteen years. Suceava remains wonderfully affordable, and when you pair that with the warmth of its people, hearty local food and drink, and a stellar musical line-up, you’ve the makings of a top-drawer destination festival – without the hefty price tag.

Ian Siegal headlined the opening night with a performance that was nothing short of unforgettable. After a blues rocking set from Greece’s Sakis Dovolis Trio, Ian commanded the stage with ease, delivering a set full of grit, soul, and his trademark swagger. His voice - gravelly and urgent - cut through the night air, while his band moved effortlessly from slow-burning grooves to precision solos from Dusty Cigar. With stories woven into every song and a presence that felt both intimate and larger than life, Siegal didn’t just perform - he owned the stage with originals and tributes alike. Hits such as “I Am The Train” were recognised without the barrier of language, because he brings such authenticity to his music that anyone with a heart can dial straight in.

Ian Siegal

On the Saturday Germany’s Kai Strauss and The Electric Blues Allstars delivered a powerhouse performance that blended tradition with sharp, contemporary edge. With Strauss’s searing guitar tone and fluid phrasing at the centre, the band laid down grooves that were both tight and full of swagger. The music was simmering with blues feeling, yet alive with modern energy. Reading each other like a book, the Allstars were as much a unit as a force, backing Strauss with precision. The crowd really invested in the band, who delivered authentic, emotionally charged blues with expert precision.

Ana Popovic lit up Saturday night with a performance that was equal parts fire and finesse. Striding onstage with effortless charisma, she launched into a full-band set that fused blues, funk, soul, and rock into something electric - and entirely her own. Her guitar playing was razor-sharp and fluid, moving from stinging solos to sultry grooves without missing a beat, while her vocals carried both power and poise.

From the first note, the crowd was with her - hanging on every bend and lyric. Popovic didn’t just perform; she connected. Equally Ana was impressed with the festival. Speaking to her after the show she commented to me how word has got around among musicians that Suceava and Romania are a destination for them to perform. This performance was a true highlight of the festival. 

Ana Popovic

On the final day of the festival, John Montana performed a set delivered with grit, groove, and plenty of charm. Backed by Ross Munro on keys and Danny Shaw on drums, he displayed his exemplary guitar work and vocals full of heart. One standout moment came as he stepped off the stage mid-song, weaving through the crowd while still playing - much to the audience’s delight.

John Montana

Sugar Queen Blues stole the show with Kai Strauss and the Electric Blues Allstars standing in as her band. Yet to perform in the UK, her sounds blend the power of Chicago blues with the depth of Southern narrative, gospel’s uplift, and the groove of funk, her sound is both classic and unmistakably her own.

Dripping with authenticity, she shared stories through song - of hardship, joy, and resilience - you could feel the truth in every lyric. At times, her vocals were honey-sweet; at others, they roared with raw power, but you knew that this was her history and heritage, and it was right from the depths of her soul. The savvy audience picked up on this, cheering along with her performance and it was no wonder that she received one of the warmest receptions of the festival, as the queue to meet her after the show demonstrated.

Romanian blues stars and long-term rivals A.G. Weinberger and Rares Totu united to create the final act of the festival titled Lineage Reloaded, and it was an explosive show to end the day on. Taking to the stage together, it’s something special. Weinberger plays with a graceful fluency steeped in blues tradition. Totu, by contrast, brings a fierce edge to the guitar. They lock in perfectly, complimenting each other’s sound and creating an edge nobody expected but left us all impressed.

Lineage Reloaded

The festival ran seamlessly – expertly organised and brimming with local character. Homegrown support acts like Wanted, Help, and the George Baicea Blues Band showcased the region’s strong affection for blues and rock, adding depth and authenticity to the line-up. After three days of world-class performances, breathtaking scenery, and a crowd that poured heart and soul into every moment, the Suceava Blues Festival once again affirmed its place as one of Romania’s most captivating cultural events.

Framed by rolling hills and steeped in medieval charm, this festival is more than a homage to the blues – it’s an open invitation to explore a region rich in beauty, warmth, and unforgettable encounters.