The guide was the result of an exchange of e-mails which lead to a meeting in a pub (where else?!) between Mike Hellier, a seasoned and active professional Blues musician and the man behind Movinmusic, and Ashwyn Smyth, the presenter of Digital Blues, recently described as the voice of the Blues in and for Essex.

Mike had long felt that it was very difficult for Blues fans to find out what gigs there were in their area and that an internet guide was an ideal way of providing an easy to use and quick to respond answer. Ashwyn had been planning a web-based guide as a natural extension of the monthly e-mailed Digital Bluesletter which he produces as an adjunct to his programmes and which includes details of gigs in and around Essex. This goes to more than 300 people each month.

A joint venture seemed the most logical way forward and so a simple to use database was created in which various information can be recorded prior to downloading into the gig guide. As a result, the guide is searchable using a number of different criteria including region, artist and/or date. It is the intention that, eventually, bands, artists and venues will be able to provide information about their gigs for direct inclusion in the guide.

Mike Hellier said: I have felt for a long time now that a web based comprehensive blues gig guide would be a great resource for bands, promoters and above all, the blues audience. In an exchange of ideas between myself and Ashwyn and with the expertise of the Movinmusic web genius, Grant Bucknell, we have now found a way to make this great resource a reality. The Blues scene in Britain needs innovative ideas and lots of energy to keep it growing and I believe that this will really help to move things forward.

Ashwyn Smyth said " It is clear from the response that we have already had that this guide is providing a much needed service. It will enable anyone involved in live Blues, whether as a performer, a promoter or a listener, to make a one stop visit to our guide to find details about gigs in their area. Bands will also be able to identify new venues which will, hopefully, assist them in obtaining more gigs, something which many of them find very difficult. The meeting of minds between Mike & me was fortuitous and will, I think, be good for the Blues scene as a whole. Now we need support and input from everyone "out there". We can only bring gig news to a wider audience if we receive it first."