The Hop House’s Blue Friday Sessions returns this week with Gisborne duo Eastslide Blues. Photo: Supplied.

Eastslide Blues are Ernie White (vocals, guitar) and Douglas Snelling (guitar, harp) and are known to play raw East Coast blues at its best, says Derek.

“The two have featured at the Rotorua Blues Festival and Eastland’s Harbour the Beat Festival, while this Labour Weekend they were playing at the Gisborne Food & Wine Festival.

“They specialise in the soulful influences of Magic Sam, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Junior Wells and other greats. These boys can really play up a storm.”

Derek says since beginning in July, the Blue Friday Sessions have becoming increasingly popular with local music lovers and musicians alike.

Each session Derek and Mike present songs from their vast collection of blues and Americana, with different special guests each month performing and jamming.

“Special session guests so far include multi-instrumentalist Robbie Laven (Bonjour Swing, The Remarkables), harp player Grant Bullot, guitarist Mike Kirk and others.”

The night will finish with a monster jam featuring Mike and Derek playing alongside Eastslide Blues.