SEM is a small village located at two thousand seven hundred feet height, in an old glacier “Ariege” valley, in the Pyrenees mountains area, that counts actually twenty-five permanent inhabitants but much more in summer (about two hundred…). Nowadays it counts a greater part of second homes.

During many centuries and, until 1930th, this village was living around and for the iron mine. Now, iron miners and donkeys are just a great memory in the landscape related by a small exhibition in the city hall.

In the past only city, fest and religious celebrations were interesting or concerning most of the people. Life was very hard, mines closed and poor’s families moved to towns, down in the valley and far from the mountains, for an easier life !

21 years ago, some friends (probably after a few drinks !), decided to organize a Blues Festival (what an idea !) in this original place, near the summits of this beautiful country, “Blues in SEM was born !

Many great internationals blues artists came for our pleasure.

You're welcome ! Enjoy music, site and conviviality (beer and food too).
We hope to see you soon, this year maybe, why not !

J.Claude &Yvette Chalifour & Team