European Blues Challenge – Romania | July 21, 2025 | Brezoi
We are proud to announce that André Wittebroek from the Netherlands will be one of the official jury members for the European Blues Challenge – Romania, taking place on July 21, 2025, at Summer Camp Brezoi, the home of the Open Air Blues Festival Brezoi.
Born in 1953, André is a passionate blues enthusiast with decades of experience in the scene. He worked as a teacher for 41 years, but music has always been at the heart of his life. His love for blues and rock music began at the age of 15, listening to John Peel on Radio Luxembourg and BFBS in Germany. A legendary live performance by Brainbox and Jan Akkerman turned him into a lifelong guitar lover.
Over the years, André has attended thousands of live shows and built strong connections with artists, promoters, and festivals. He witnessed Joe Bonamassa's first concert in the Netherlands in 2004, and their friendship led to a historic moment: the only "Blues in the Schools" program Joe ever did in Europe, held at André’s school and broadcast nationally on Dutch TV. Since then, André has hosted similar events featuring Ryan McGarvey, Chantel McGregor, Michael Burks, and others.
In 2008, André became the first contributor to BluesMagazine.nl, now one of the most respected online blues platforms in Europe. For nearly 17 years, he has written album reviews, interviews, and live show reports, all on a voluntary basis. The magazine has been awarded Best Online Blues Magazine in Europe several times.
He is also part of the organizing team behind the Schöppingen Blues Festival in Germany, another important blues event on the European circuit.
We are honored to welcome André Wittebroek as a jury member at the European Blues Challenge – Romania 2025, where his vast knowledge, passion, and commitment to the blues will contribute to selecting the act that will represent Romania at the European Blues Challenge 2026.
🎶 Let the blues begin – see you in Brezoi!