Aegean Blues Appreciation Society Launches Inaugural Festival and National Blues Challenge

Formed in 2025, the Aegean Blues Appreciation Society (ABAS) is a not-for-profit organization affiliated with both the European Blues Union (Brussels, Belgium) and The Blues Foundation (Memphis, USA). ABAS was founded in response to the rich and growing blues culture on the island of Nisyros, uniting local and adopted residents, musicians, promoters, and passionate blues enthusiasts. In collaboration with Mayor Prof. Dr. Christofis Koroneos, ABAS has become a cultural force promoting blues music across the Aegean and Greece.

The society organizes monthly jam nights, workshops, featured artist showcases, and publishes a regular online update. ABAS also participates in the European and International Blues Challenges.

We are proud to announce the inaugural Aegean Blues Festival and Blues Challenge, took place September 17–19, 2025, featuring many of Greece’s finest national and international blues artists — the landmark event that selects our representative for Greece at the 2026 European Union and International Blues Challenges.

Membership entitles persons to discounts at a variety of co-operating businesses such as Blue Star Ferries, ABAS functions and affiliated club functions. More importantly, membership supports live Blues Music. Musicians who wish to participate in the Annual Blues Challenge must be financial members and each participating musician must also pay an additional competition fee. Blue Star Ferries are offering ABAS members participating in the National Blues Challenge a significant subsidy to Nisyros from their nearest port.  

ABAS annual activities include, Blues Performer of the Year, Aegean Blues Music Awards and other fund raising events throughout the year with 100% of net proceeds towards funding our representatives of Greece to the EBU (EU) and IBC (US) challenges each year.