THE Basingstoke blues community is coming together to celebrate the life and legacy of Rex 'Mr Blues' Everett by hosting a special event – Rexfest.
It will be an all-day musical tribute event on Saturday, September 21, at Central Studios, Queen Mary's College.
Rex, the illustrious co-founder of the Basingstoke Blues Club, died in January this year at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy etched in the very soul of the music he cherished.
The news of Rex's death resonated deeply within the UK blues scene, particularly with those who graced the stage of the Basingstoke Blues Club he nurtured for three decades.
READ MORE: Basingstoke mourns the loss of Mr Blues Rex Everett
The other co-founder, Rod Garfield, a true blues legend and a harmonica virtuoso, died last year in Tasmania.
Rex and Rod kicked off the Basingstoke Blues Club journey with a local festival held at the Park Prewett Hospital Social Club in 1991.
This event's overwhelming success inspired the duo to establish the club, with the proceeds from their gigs supporting the hospital's appeal for pioneering keyhole eye surgery.
Throughout its existence, the club has remained committed to raising funds for charitable causes, all while keeping the vibrant spirit of blues music alive in Basingstoke.
Through the years, he had supported the careers of seven young musicians, including talents like Tommy Allen, originally from Brighton Hill, and the latest protégé, Marcus Balogun, a promising young guitarist.
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The line-up boasts a stellar cast of performers, including Thomas Heppell, Johnny Marvel, John Walsh, The Moosemen, Timmy Moore Trio, Pete Harris Blues Band, Sugarman Sam & the Voodoo Men, Sam Paine Band, Rod Garfield Band and Tommy Allen Band.
Rod Garfield Band is a special reunion with Rod Garfied's son Mark on drums and Stephen Fuller on harp.
Tickets for Rexfest are £18 and can be purchased in advance online at basingstokeblues.co.uk.
In keeping with Rex's lifelong commitment to charitable giving, all profits from the event will be donated to Asthma + Lung UK, a cause close to his heart.
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