Bringing artists and audiences together

The Roots Circuit grew out of a love of live music, chance encounters with talented musicians and a simple idea: great roots music deserves to be heard in intimate settings where audiences can really appreciate it.

Founded by Stan Dickens, a long-time Madrid resident with a passion for blues, folk and Americana, The Roots Circuit is a personal project connecting distinctive musicians with appreciative audiences in Spain.

Although Stan had enjoyed live music for many years, his enthusiasm for the blues took on a new dimension when he began learning to play the harmonica.

Learning an instrument introduced him to a world of jam sessions, intimate music clubs and musicians in both Madrid and London. It also led to some unexpected friendships.

On 10 April 2026, Stan met British roots musicians Mark Cole and Liam Ward at Ain't Nothin' But in Soho, London. Despite Stan being relatively new to the harmonica, the musicians generously welcomed him to join them for a number.

Back in Madrid, Stan heard harmonica player Emilio Velozo performing as a guest musician at La Coquette. Impressed by his playing, Stan contacted him, and Emilio subsequently became his harmonica teacher.

Through Emilio, Stan met guitarist Emilio García.

An important early milestone came on 18 June 2026, when The Roots Circuit held its first intimate home concert in Madrid, featuring Emilio Velozo and Emilio García.

The evening captured exactly what the project was intended to encourage: outstanding musicianship, a welcoming atmosphere and a close connection between musicians and their audience.

In July 2026, Stan travelled to the Gloucester Rhythm & Blues Festival, where he met Cole & Ward again on several occasions. At their performance at The Fountain Inn on 29 July, they once more invited him to join them for a number on harmonica.

Two days later, on 31 July, Stan was introduced to British slide guitarist and singer-songwriter Kevin Brown at The Sisters in Gloucester.

Another memorable encounter followed in August 2026, when Stan discovered the Brighton folk quartet Bird in the Belly performing at Soho Folk and Blues in London.

These experiences helped inspire a simple ambition: why not introduce some of these exceptional musicians to new audiences in Madrid?

The Roots Circuit was created to help make that happen.

Rather than concentrating on large commercial concerts, the project places particular value on intimate performances where musicians and audiences can connect.

Its musical interests include blues, folk, Americana and other forms of roots music, with an emphasis on musicianship, originality and the stories behind the songs.

The Roots Circuit is an independent project, guided by enthusiasm for the music and personal relationships with the artists.

The aim is to create memorable evenings, introduce audiences to musicians they might otherwise never encounter and develop lasting connections between roots music communities in Britain and Spain.

Good music. Good company. No unnecessary fuss.