High-voltage Blues and "Jaw-dropping" virtuosity
On Saturday, 23rd May 2026, the Purbeck Guitar Festival welcomes a true force of nature to the stage at Upton Country Park. Gary Cain is a Canadian guitarist, singer, and songwriter who defies easy categorization. With one foot planted firmly in the blues and the other in seemingly everything else, Cain delivers a high-octane performance that is as sophisticated as it is raw.
Drawing on a massive landscape of influence—from the soulful phrasing of Albert King to the stadium-shaking power of AC/DC—Cain’s “incendiary fret-work” has made him a standout on the global circuit. His resume speaks for itself: an opening slot for the legendary George Thorogood, a Semi-Finalist finish at the International Blues Challenge, and main-stage appearances across North America, Europe, and the UK.
“A fearless lyricist, a ripping guitarist, and a creator with his own ideas about how to play this game of ours, which means you need to be listening.” — Rock and Blues Muse
Chart-topping talent
Gary’s 2022 album, Next Stop, was hailed as “a stunning tour de force of musicianship” by Blues Blast Magazine. He hasn’t slowed down since; 2024’s Outside The Lines further cemented his reputation, racking up over 1 million streams on Spotify and climbing the UK’s Independent Blues Broadcasters’ Top 40 charts.
When Gary Cain takes the stage, expect more than just a blues set—expect a genre-bending “jaw-dropper” (Blues Matters Magazine) that stakes out a unique artistic voice in the modern guitar world.
The Rock It Saturday experience
Gary Cain is part of an incredible lineup for Rock It Saturday, the first half of our spectacular Bank Holiday weekend. From 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the Walled Garden will be alive with the best in Folk, Blues, Jazz, and Rock.
Your Saturday Lineup Includes:
Donovan: The 60s legend and psychedelic folk icon.
The Story of Guitar Heroes: A journey through five decades of iconic riffs.
Galaxy Thief: High-energy indie-rock from Swanage.
Chris Corcoran Trio: Award-nominated masters of swing and rhythm & blues.
Laura Snowden & Callum Buckley: World-class fingerstyle and contemporary guitar.
Beyond the music, you can enjoy our locally sourced BBQ (featuring award-winning burgers and fresh fish) and a fully stocked bar with local ales and bubbles. Whether you’re lounging on a blanket in the garden or enjoying a VIP deck chair at the front, it’s the ultimate celebration of live guitar music.