THE HOOCHIES (NL)
The Hoochies are the winners of the Dutch Blues Challenge 2025 and will represent the Netherlands at the European Blues Challenge in Poland.
As is tradition, they also earn an opening spot on the Delta Stage of Ribs & Blues.
Veteran Chicago blues enthusiasts Richard Koster, vocals and harmonica (Cuban Heels) and Roelof Meijeringh on guitar (Boyd Small, Memo Gonzalez), form the core of this band. The rhythm section consists of Jules ten Brakel (Mike and the Mellotones, among others) on bass and Chiel ten Vaarwerk (Cuban Heels) on drums.
From Bluesmagazine:
The Hoochies are no strangers to the Dutch blues scene. This formation combines several experienced musicians, and with their rock-solid set list, they captivate audiences time and again. We had to wait five years for their debut album, so they opted for a live recording. Last year, the band was scheduled to perform at the Moulin Blues Festival, and the recordings made there form the Hoochies' debut album. These guys don't give themselves or their audience a moment's rest. The train just keeps on rolling, and that's what these guys are good at and where they shine. Live, on stage, where they deliver their steaming blues with complete conviction. We've known that for a long time, but with the release of "Live! Moulin Blues," it's now forever immortalized.
