August 1 not only heralded in a new month, but also brought Frank Sultana and his band of merry musos back to Kiama Bowlo for a banging Friday night of Blues.

It was, after all, the start of a weekend to celebrate International Blues Day.

And what a bluesy night it turned out to be.

Though the weather was certainly not kind, turning it on as weather often does at this time of the year, with an icy wind, pelting rain and later, hail the order of the night, nothing was going to stop us loyal Blues fans.

We were going to have fun, to support three Aussie bands, maybe indulge in a bit of a dance, and of course, enjoy a meal and a bevy or two.

Kiama Bowlo, newly decorated, was the place to be on Friday night, and the menu didn't disappoint.

Meals are delicious, well sized, using quality ingredients, and presented beautifully. Fuel for the big night ahead.

First band onstage was The Stingers, featuring local Lee Holman on harmonica and vocals, and within seconds, he and the band had the place rocking.

A lot of blues and some gospel thrown in for good measure. The ladies who dance were up on their feet and owning that dance floor within the first few beats, as Holman, the guitarists and drummer belted out tune after tune.

A great first set to warm us up for what was to come, which was very different. And a lot, lot louder.

Bill Barber and The Holding Cell are a Melbourne band of four who'd driven from Victoria that day, and literally walked into the Bowlo with all their equipment at 6.30pm.

On stage, tuning complete, they blasted out four very thunderous chords to show us they meant business, and from this explosive start they didn't let up.

The songs were original, mostly hard rock, a few ballads, with hints of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and Black Sabbath. The guitar and drum work was stunning, their stage presence engaging.

They are a band not to be missed, very tight and interesting. And very, very good.

Frank Sultana and his amazing blues band took out the night, with Stan Mobbs on guitar, Dan Sullivan on harmonica and Adrian Herbert handling the drums and percussion.

We were entertained with all the songs we've grown to love - one of my favourites was In The Dark Of The Night.

A highlight was Adrian's drum solo - what an accomplished musician he is. As are the other band members.

Once again, the ladies were up on the dance floor, lots of phones were out taking videos, the rain was pouring outside but no one cared because we were celebrating the blues with our talented Frank, who has brought us so much fabulous music.

It was yet another night of live music in Kiama to savour, to remember. Let there be many more to come.