M USICIAN Nigel Feist is singing the blues but he couldn't be happier.

Nigel, also a singer, has just put the finishing touches to the fourth Broadstairs Blues Bash, to be held in the town from 8pm on Friday, February 17, to 10pm on Sunday, February 19.

With more than 30 acts and at least 12 venues taking part this year, the music weekend has grown to double the size of 2011's Bash. All events except the headline performance are still free.

Nigel's so chipper about the forthcoming festival he can't understand why people might expect blues singers to be dour.

He grinned: "Blues is not at all miserable. It's jump up and down and dance around fun. It's about good people enjoying good music."

This year the people of Broadstairs have been especially good to Nigel and his Blues Bash.

"Despite hard times and two pubs closing their doors, landlords have welcomed two or three acts playing each night. Businesses in the town have supported us by taking ads in the programme.

"Everyone seems behind it. Without their help, the event couldn't happen. I'm very grateful.

"Broadstairs really does lend itself to such an event. It's great music in a great town."

Although he has 20 years' performing experience, Nigel doesn't have a slot on the programme himself. But he says he'll "be walking around loaded", harmonica to hand, overseeing activities and ready to hop up on stage and join any act that invites him.

"I love playing, but I also love taking a step back and making sure all is rolling along nicely."

He's pretty pleased with the acts he's secured for this year's line up: Del Bronham, who famously used to be in the band Stray during the 1960s; a band from Holland, The Marbletones, who he says many thought were the best of the 2010 bash but were unable to make last year's festival, and headline act Chantel McGregor, who "blows you away".

Young British blues-rock chick Chantel was given her first guitar at the age of three and now has a collection of more than 40.

She has played in bands since she was 12 and formed her own in 2007, the year she scooped the Leeds College of Music Outstanding Musicianship award. Two years later she completed her music degree and in September 2011 was voted Young Artist Of The Year at the British Blues Awards. Chantel has also just released her debut album Like No Other, from which the track Help Me has been included in Universal Records' 100 Years of The Blues release. Chantel plays at Broadstairs Pavilion at 8pm on Saturday, February 18 and is supported by Broadstairs and Margate band Rosco Levee and international blues guitarist Jim Crawford.

Tickets for this cost £10 from Broadstairs pavilion or www.broadstairsbluesbash. com, where a programme of events can be found.