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The Blues<br />
Foundation<br />
421 South Main<br />
Memphis, TN 38103<br />
901.527.2583<br />
www.blues.org<br />
The Blues Foundation is Memphis-based,<br />
but world-renown as THE organization<br />
whose mission is to preserve blues<br />
heritage, celebrate blues recording<br />
and performance, expand worldwide<br />
awareness of the blues, and ensure the<br />
future of this uniquely American art form.<br />
Founded in 1980, The Blues Foundation<br />
has approximately 4000 individual<br />
members and 200 affiliated local blues<br />
societies representing another 50,000<br />
fans and professionals around the world.<br />
Its signature honors and events--the<br />
Blues Music Awards, Blues Hall of Fame,<br />
International Blues Challenge and<br />
Keeping the Blues Alive Awards--make<br />
it the international center of blues<br />
music. Its HART Fund provides the blues<br />
community with medical assistance while<br />
its Sound Healthcare program offers<br />
musicians health insurance access.<br />
Blues in the Schools programs and<br />
Generation Blues scholarships expose<br />
new generations to blues music. The<br />
recent opening of the Blues Hall of Fame<br />
Museum, in Memphis, TN, now adds the<br />
opportunity for music lovers of all ages to<br />
interact with the music and the history.<br />
Throughout the year, the Foundation staff<br />
serves the worldwide blues community<br />
with answers, information, and news.<br />
Support The Blues Foundation by<br />
becoming an affiliated organization,<br />
corporate or individual member, or<br />
simply by making a charitable donation.<br />
IBC Program Production<br />
Contributing Writers<br />
Barbara Newman, Eddie Cotton<br />
and Randy McQuay<br />
Copy Editing<br />
George Newman<br />
Advertising Sales<br />
Scott Allen<br />
Pre-press and Printing<br />
The Vine Print Group<br />
Design and Layout<br />
Jen Taylor, VividPix & Design<br />
Welcome.......................................... 11<br />
Map. ................................................. 13<br />
Events. ............................................. 14<br />
What’s happening when and where<br />
QUARTERFINALS H Wednesday..... 16<br />
Round one Performance schedule<br />
QUARTERFINALS H Thursday. ....... 20<br />
Round Two Performance schedule<br />
Youth Showcase. ............................ 24<br />
Prize Packages................................ 26<br />
Scoring Criteria............................... 28<br />
Board and Charter Members........ 31<br />
2015 Year in Review....................... 31<br />
Blues Foundation Affiliates........... 33<br />
Our Thanks...................................... 39<br />
Sponsors, Volunteers and More<br />
Best Self-Produced CD.................. 43<br />
Eddie Cotton.................................... 47<br />
2015 IBC Band Winner<br />
Randy McQuay................................ 55<br />
2015 IBC Solo/Duo Winner<br />
Generation Blues. ........................... 63<br />
2015 Scholarship Recipients<br />
Keeping the Blues Alive.................. 71<br />
2016 Award Recipients<br />
BANDS. ............................................ 97<br />
Bios and Photos<br />
SOLO/DUO.................................... 127<br />
Bios and Photos<br />
YOUTH........................................... 153<br />
Bios and Photos<br />
IBC Act Index. ................................ 164<br />
Blues Music Awards. .....................174<br />
2016 BMA Nominee Ballot<br />
The Blues Foundation • blues.org 9
Photo: Brian Anderson Photography<br />
I am excited beyond words to welcome you for<br />
my first time, to the 32nd annual International<br />
Blues Challenge, the biggest blues party on<br />
Beale Street! As a native Memphian, nothing<br />
thrills me more than knowing that this great<br />
organization is contributing in such a monumental<br />
way toward keeping the blues flame<br />
burning along these two blocks, which were<br />
named by readers in a USA Today poll as the<br />
most iconic street in America.<br />
The blues have been embraced by a<br />
worldwide audience, evidenced by this year’s<br />
international presence, with 12 countries<br />
beyond the United States represented by 44<br />
acts and 132 musicians. We all know that<br />
the blues were born in the Delta and traveled<br />
to Memphis, settling on Beale Street before<br />
jumping off to parts north and beyond. How<br />
fitting that the best new artists from your<br />
communities have journeyed to where it all<br />
started to celebrate this music that is so special<br />
to each of us.<br />
It’s been only four months since I took the<br />
helm of The Blues Foundation, and I have<br />
to tell you that I am having the best time! I<br />
continue to meet the most creative, interesting,<br />
and inspiring people, and I look forward<br />
to talking with the musicians, the music professionals,<br />
and the fans as we listen to the<br />
amazing sounds emanating out of the clubs<br />
this week. As you cross paths with me, please<br />
don’t be shy—say hello, introduce yourself, tell<br />
me your story, and let me know what you want<br />
to see from The Blues Foundation. I’m ready<br />
to soak it all in, hear your views, and bring<br />
your perspectives back to our board and our<br />
staff as we continue planning for the future.<br />
There has been tremendous behind-thescenes<br />
work in preparation for an event this<br />
large: 121 bands, 94 solo/duo acts, and<br />
42 youth acts, a total of 823 musicians. As<br />
they say, “It takes a village”—and our village<br />
includes club owners, sound technicians and<br />
engineers, computer experts, graphic artists,<br />
hotel clerks and sales managers, food vendors,<br />
and volunteers galore.<br />
There are so many people to thank, and<br />
there just isn’t enough space for<br />
me to include everyone here, so<br />
I’m going to keep this simple.<br />
I must give a big shout-out to<br />
the Blues Foundation Board<br />
of Directors, chaired by Paul<br />
Benjamin, for entrusting me with<br />
this important job and for supporting me as<br />
I work through the learning curve. Thanks<br />
to the entire Blues Foundation staff—Cindi<br />
James, Nora Tucker, Glenda Mace, Stephen<br />
Whitney, Gary Kabakoff, and Brigitte Ebel—for<br />
jumping in with both feet, and of course to Joe<br />
Whitmer, who has given up sleep, time with<br />
his family, and at times any opportunity for<br />
a personal life, to produce the International<br />
Blues Challenge. And finally, thanks to my own<br />
family and especially my husband, Bruce, who<br />
I hope remembers what I look like, as they<br />
have given me all of the support and time I<br />
have needed to prepare for this big week.<br />
Barbara Newman<br />
President & CEO<br />
Joe Whitmer<br />
Chief Operating Officer<br />
Cindi James<br />
Membership & Program Manager<br />
Glenda Mace<br />
Chief Bookkeeper<br />
Nora Tucker<br />
Museum Curator and Manager<br />
Stephen J. Whitney, Gary Kabakoff,<br />
and Brigitte Ebel (not pictured)<br />
BHOF Museum Staff<br />
Blues Foundation Staff<br />
Gary, Glenda, Stephen, Nora, Cindi, Barbara and Joe<br />
The Blues Foundation • blues.org 11
RIVERSIDE DRIVE<br />
PEABODY PLACE<br />
COURT AVE<br />
N<br />
Cotton<br />
Museum<br />
GAYOSO AVE<br />
Center for<br />
Southern<br />
Folklore<br />
UNION AVE<br />
MONROE AVE<br />
SOUTH FRONT ST SOUTH FRONT ST NORTH FRONT ST<br />
Majestic<br />
Grille<br />
PARK LN<br />
MADISON AVE<br />
Spring Hill<br />
Suites<br />
Residence<br />
Inn<br />
ESCAPE ALLEY<br />
Walgreens<br />
SOUTH MAIN ST SOUTH MAIN ST NORTH MAIN ST<br />
17<br />
Sleep Inn<br />
Hueys<br />
Kooky<br />
Canuck<br />
COURT AVE<br />
SOUTH 2ND ST SOUTH 2ND ST SOUTH 2ND ST<br />
Peabody Place<br />
PEABODY PLACE<br />
Holiday<br />
Inn<br />
COURT AVE<br />
Blue Plate<br />
Café<br />
UNION AVE<br />
Peabody<br />
MONROE AVE<br />
Rendezvous<br />
B.B. KING BLVD<br />
FedEx<br />
B.B. KING K<br />
BLVD<br />
GAYOSO AVE<br />
MAP KEY<br />
DOUBLETREE<br />
THE ORPHEUM<br />
IBC STORE<br />
2ND FLOOR<br />
IBC VENUES<br />
O Orpheum Juke<br />
1 Hard Rock Café<br />
2 B.B. King’s<br />
3 Blues City Café<br />
4 Club 152 1ST & 3RD FLOORS<br />
5 Flynn’s<br />
6 King’s Palace<br />
7 Pig On Beale<br />
8 Mr. Handy’s Blues Hall<br />
9 Rum Boogie Café<br />
10 Silky O’Sullivan’s<br />
11 Alfred’s<br />
12 Wet Willie’s<br />
13 Jerry Lee Lewis’<br />
and 12 Bar<br />
14 Coyote Ugly<br />
15 Tin Roof<br />
16 People’s<br />
17 Flying Saucer<br />
SOUTH 4TH ST<br />
BEALE STREET<br />
O<br />
MLK AVE<br />
2<br />
5<br />
The Blues Foundation<br />
BLUES HALL OF FAME<br />
FOUR BLOCKS THIS WAY • 421 SOUTH MAIN ST<br />
1<br />
Gibson<br />
Showcase<br />
3<br />
4<br />
6<br />
Tap<br />
Room<br />
BEALE STREET<br />
A.Schwab’s<br />
LT GEORGE W LEE AVE<br />
16<br />
7<br />
Hampton<br />
Inn<br />
8 9<br />
10 11<br />
Rock ‘N Soul<br />
Museum<br />
Handy<br />
Park<br />
12<br />
RUFUS THOMAS<br />
13<br />
15<br />
LT GEORGE W LEE AVE<br />
PEABODY PLACE<br />
14<br />
BEALE STREET<br />
Eel<br />
Etc.<br />
FedEx FedEx<br />
Forum Forum<br />
W.C. Handy<br />
Home<br />
SOUTH 4TH ST
Tuesday, January 26<br />
5:30-9:30pm Will Call & IBC<br />
Merchandise<br />
(Club 152 - 2nd Floor)<br />
4:30/5:30/6:00pm International<br />
Showcase<br />
(Blues City Cafe - 4:30pm)<br />
Mindfreakz, Lucas Haneman<br />
Express, Arsen Shomakhov Band<br />
(Silky O’Sullivan’s - 4:30pm) Debra<br />
Power, Graham Guest, Charlie A’Court<br />
(Club 152, 1st floor - 5:30pm) Lazy<br />
Eye, Phil Bee’s Freedom, Johnny Max<br />
Band, Smoke Wagon Blues Band<br />
(Alfred’s - 5:30pm) WellBad, Steve<br />
Pineo Band, Bad Mules, Eric Slim<br />
Zahl & the South West Swingers<br />
(Tin Roof - 5:30pm) Daniel Dworsky<br />
Trio, White Knuckles Trio, The 519<br />
Band, Marcus Lovdal Band<br />
(Jerry Lee Lewis’ - 6:00pm) BeBlue,<br />
Zack Linton Band, Lampano Alley<br />
(Wet Willie’s - 6:00pm) Kim Doolittle<br />
& The Wolfgang Brothers, T-Roosters,<br />
Dreamboogie, Dany Franchi Band<br />
(Mr. Handy’s Blues Hall - 6:00pm)<br />
Big Bo, Miss Whiskey, Jesse Roper<br />
(Pig On Beale - 6:00pm) Chris O,<br />
Mick Kidd with Dave Blight, Wayne<br />
Holden and Mikey Ethelston<br />
(12 Bar - 6:00pm) Tony Lee King,<br />
Idan Shneor, Jay Pollmann<br />
8:00pm Tas Cru’s Generation Blues<br />
Fundraiser Jam Sign up begins at<br />
7:00 (Rum Boogie Cafe) No Cover with<br />
IBC Pass - donations encouraged<br />
Wednesday, January 27<br />
11:00am-4:00pm Pacific NW<br />
Showcase (Club 152 - 1st floor)<br />
12:00-2:30pm IBC Act Registration<br />
(tin Roof)<br />
12:00-10:00pm Will Call, IBC<br />
Merchandise & CD Sales<br />
(Club 152 - 2nd Floor)<br />
12:00-2:15pm International<br />
Showcase<br />
(Rum Boogie) Rooster Davis<br />
Group, Spencer Mackenzie<br />
(King’s Palace) Greyhound George &<br />
Andy Grünert, They Call Me Rico<br />
12:00-5:00pm Blind Raccoon<br />
Showcase (Purple Haze Nightclub)<br />
Proceeds benefit the Hart Fund<br />
1:00pm Affiliate Leader Roundtable<br />
with The Blues Foundation President &<br />
CEO (Hard Rock cafe - 2nd Floor)<br />
1:00-3:30pm Health Fair cholesterol,<br />
blood pressure, diabetes, etc. screenings<br />
(Club 152 - 2nd Floor)<br />
2:30pm IBC Act Orientation (Tin Roof)<br />
4:30/5:00/5:35pm<br />
IBC Quarterfinals Round One<br />
(Beale Street) IBC Pass or $10<br />
Thursday, January 28<br />
10:00am Blues Foundation Board<br />
of Directors Meeting<br />
(Blues Foundation, 421 S Main)<br />
10:00am Blues In The Schools with<br />
Tas Crus and Cole & Logan Layman<br />
(Downtown Elementary School)<br />
11:00am Youth Showcase Bus Tour<br />
of Memphis Music Museums (meet at<br />
the Blues Hall of Fame, 421 S. Main)<br />
11:30am Great Canadian Polar Bear<br />
Blues Showcase (Kooky Canuck)<br />
12:00-10:00pm Will Call, IBC<br />
Merchandise & CD Sales<br />
(Club 152 - 2nd Floor)<br />
12:00-2:15pm International<br />
Showcase<br />
(Rum Boogie) Matt Roberts<br />
Trio, Vulgarxito<br />
(King’s Palace) Camden<br />
Blues, Michael Schatte<br />
12:00-5:00pm Blind Raccoon<br />
Showcase (Purple Haze Nightclub)<br />
Proceeds benefit the Hart Fund<br />
1:00pm America’s Blues - FILM<br />
(Blues City Cafe) No Charge - Q&A with<br />
the film Director after screening<br />
1:00-3:30pm Health Fair cholesterol,<br />
blood pressure, diabetes, etc. screenings<br />
(Club 152 - 2nd Floor)<br />
2:00-4:00pm Cast of Blues Reception<br />
with artist, Sharon McConnell-Dickerson<br />
and photographer, Ken Murphy<br />
(The Blues Hall of Fame, 421 S. Main)<br />
4:30/5:00/5:35pm<br />
IBC Quarterfinals Round Two<br />
(Beale Street) IBC Pass or $10<br />
SEMI-FINALISTS will be announced at<br />
various Beale Street clubs when the<br />
scores have been tabulated. The semifinalist<br />
schedule will be available at<br />
blues.org, on the EVERFEST APP, and at<br />
Club 152 (2nd Floor) Friday morning.<br />
The following events will begin when<br />
the quarterfinals are concluded<br />
11:00pm International Jam<br />
(Club 152 First Floor)<br />
11:30pm All-Star Jam with Jonn<br />
Richardson, Sean Carney and many<br />
more! (Tin Roof)<br />
Friday, January 29<br />
11:00am Keeping the Blues<br />
Alive Awards<br />
(Doubletree, Tennessee Ballroom)<br />
11:00am Youth Blues Workshop<br />
with Fernando Jones of Blues Kids<br />
Foundation open to all 21 and under<br />
(Hard Rock Cafe)<br />
11:00am-2:15pm IBC Youth Act<br />
Registration (Hard Rock Cafe)<br />
Stay up to date on all the event schedules and results right from<br />
your mobile device with EverFest. Get it FREE in your app store!<br />
12:00-10:00pm Will Call, IBC<br />
Merchandise & CD Sales<br />
(Club 152 - 2nd Floor)<br />
12:00-2:15pm International<br />
Showcase<br />
(Rum Boogie) Paul DesLauriers<br />
Band, Mark Green Band<br />
12:00-4:00pm National Women<br />
in Blues (Alfred’s)<br />
Proceeds benefit Generation Blues<br />
12:00-5:00pm Blind Raccoon<br />
Showcase (Purple Haze Nightclub)<br />
Proceeds benefit the Hart Fund<br />
2:15pm IBC Youth Act Orientation<br />
(Hard Rock cafe)<br />
4:20/5:00/5:40pm Youth Showcases<br />
(Beale Street) IBC Pass or $15 -<br />
includes Semi-finals<br />
5:20/5:40/7:00pm IBC Semi-Finals<br />
Immediately following Youth showcase<br />
(Beale Street) IBC Pass or $15<br />
FINALISTS will be announced at<br />
various Beale Street clubs when<br />
the scores have been tabulated.<br />
The finalist schedule will be<br />
available at blues.org and on the<br />
EVERFEST APP Saturday morning.<br />
The following events will begin when<br />
the semi-finals are concluded<br />
11:00pm Youth Jam (B.B. Kings)<br />
11:00pm All-Star Jam with Jonn<br />
Richardson, Sean Carney and many<br />
more! (Tin roof)<br />
Saturday, January 30<br />
12:00pm IBC Finals & Best<br />
Self-Produced CD Winner<br />
Announcement (Orpheum Theatre)<br />
Doors Open and silent<br />
auction begins at 11:00AM<br />
IBC Pass or $42.50 at door, if available<br />
14 32nd International Blues Challenge The Blues Foundation • blues.org 15
Wed Jan 27 • ROUND One<br />
Each set is 25 minutes long with a set-up<br />
break in between (5 for solo/duo and 10 for<br />
band). PLEASE NOTE: We will do our best to<br />
stay on time, but this schedule is subject to<br />
change! Check in at venues to stay informed.<br />
Silent<br />
Auction<br />
11am Saturday @ The Orpheum Theatre<br />
original Art • posters • Books<br />
CDs • t-shirts • memorabilia<br />
super cool blues stuff!<br />
HHH Shop the Official HHH<br />
IBC Store<br />
2nd Floor of Club 152 on Beale St<br />
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH<br />
open 12:00-10:00pm<br />
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday<br />
HHH Your Source For HHH<br />
Will Call • Merchandise<br />
Participant CDs • TIckets<br />
4:30<br />
5:00<br />
5:30<br />
6:00<br />
6:30<br />
7:00<br />
7:30<br />
8:00<br />
8:30<br />
9:00<br />
9:30<br />
2nd Floor<br />
Jerry Lee Lewis’<br />
12 Bar<br />
Dave<br />
Muskett<br />
Jesse<br />
Black<br />
Doug<br />
"Suitcase"<br />
Hasch<br />
Louisville<br />
"White<br />
Lightning"<br />
Curtis<br />
Doug Skoog<br />
& Brian<br />
Feist Duo<br />
Debra<br />
Power<br />
Graham<br />
Guest<br />
Trimmed<br />
& Burning<br />
Bygone<br />
Blues<br />
10:00 Big Bones<br />
10:30<br />
11:00<br />
Mick Kidd<br />
with Dave<br />
Blight<br />
Gretchen<br />
Bostrom<br />
Duo<br />
3rd Floor<br />
Club 152<br />
Greyhound<br />
George &<br />
Andy Grünert<br />
Trey Johnson<br />
& Jason<br />
Willmon<br />
Bobby G &<br />
Cory Swift<br />
TD MacDonald<br />
& Nel<br />
Nichols<br />
Stan & Ben<br />
Rogue<br />
Rage Duo<br />
Blues<br />
Chronicles<br />
Randall<br />
Dubis & Dan<br />
Treanor<br />
Ramblin'<br />
Dan Stevens<br />
& Clayton<br />
Allen<br />
Blues &<br />
Greens<br />
Clarence<br />
Bluesman<br />
Davis &<br />
Jock Webb<br />
Sonny Jim<br />
Clifford<br />
Mr. Handy’s<br />
Blues Hall<br />
50 Shades<br />
of Blue<br />
Hat &<br />
Matching<br />
Suitcase<br />
Stuart Baer<br />
& Lance<br />
Womack<br />
Alonzo<br />
Pennington<br />
& Michael<br />
Gough<br />
Mike &<br />
the Mojo<br />
Bill Weiner<br />
& Al Taylor<br />
Maness<br />
Brothers<br />
McCarthy<br />
& Headley<br />
Down in<br />
the Roots<br />
16 17<br />
They Call<br />
Me Rico<br />
Rodney<br />
Polk &<br />
Johnny Riley<br />
Rick<br />
Rushing &<br />
Dakari Kelly<br />
King’s<br />
Palace<br />
Blind<br />
Cadillac<br />
Amays<br />
& Blue<br />
Karla<br />
Peterie &<br />
Jim Herbert<br />
Mississippi<br />
G-n-H Blues<br />
Miss<br />
Whiskey<br />
Janelle<br />
Frost &<br />
Greg Tolbert<br />
Jiggy & the<br />
Source<br />
Root2<br />
Music<br />
Ben Hunter<br />
& Joe<br />
Seamons<br />
Dan Holt<br />
Sweet<br />
Baby Ray<br />
"Blind-Dog"<br />
Gatewood<br />
Orpheum<br />
Juke<br />
Billy Joe<br />
Daniel<br />
Josh "The<br />
Pitbull of<br />
Blues"<br />
Rowand<br />
Davis Coen<br />
Tina &<br />
Brandon<br />
Joshua<br />
Yarbrough<br />
Chris O<br />
Charlie<br />
A'Court<br />
Jay<br />
Pollmann<br />
Camden<br />
Blues<br />
Michael<br />
Schatte<br />
Jesse<br />
Roper<br />
People’s<br />
Mark<br />
Telesca<br />
Franc<br />
Robert<br />
Micah<br />
Kesselring<br />
Max<br />
Russell<br />
Kalo<br />
Kelly<br />
Howerton<br />
Wayne<br />
Holden<br />
& Mikey<br />
Ethelston<br />
Luther<br />
Trammell &<br />
John Sutton<br />
Nick Wade<br />
Jeremy<br />
Short<br />
Marcus<br />
& The<br />
Washboard<br />
Machine<br />
Bing Futch<br />
Pig On<br />
Beale<br />
Tony Lee<br />
King<br />
Idan Shneor<br />
Big Bo<br />
Doug<br />
McMinn<br />
Ben<br />
"Swamp<br />
Donkey"<br />
Brenner<br />
Andrew<br />
Wheeler<br />
Sonny<br />
Moorman<br />
Chris<br />
Yakopcic<br />
Jason<br />
King<br />
Roxas<br />
John Latini<br />
Delanie<br />
Pickering<br />
The<br />
Mighty<br />
Orq<br />
Silky<br />
O’Sullivan’s<br />
Adrian Duke<br />
& Theresa<br />
Richmond<br />
InnerVision<br />
Birddog<br />
& Beck<br />
Bobby &<br />
Joanne Duo<br />
Libby Rae<br />
Watson<br />
North<br />
Delta Duo<br />
Barbara<br />
Paul<br />
Jimmy<br />
Wayne<br />
Garrett<br />
Eric<br />
Ramsey<br />
Chris<br />
English<br />
Robert<br />
Sampson<br />
Wednesday H Solo/Duo
Alfred’s<br />
5:00 Celso Salim<br />
5:35 Lazy Eye<br />
6:10 Bad Mules<br />
6:45<br />
7:20<br />
7:55<br />
The Steve<br />
Pineo Band<br />
Eric Slim<br />
Zahl & the<br />
South West<br />
Swingers<br />
Michael<br />
Hornbuckle<br />
Band<br />
B.B. King’s<br />
RD Olson<br />
Blues Band<br />
Jamell<br />
Richardson<br />
Johnny<br />
Mac Band<br />
Joyann<br />
Parker &<br />
Sweet Tea<br />
Mother Ship<br />
Blues Band<br />
Chuck<br />
Strong &<br />
SRBQ<br />
Blues<br />
City Café<br />
Marcus<br />
Lovdal Band<br />
Fat Head<br />
Fistful of<br />
Bacon<br />
King Kom<br />
Beaux<br />
Kim Doolittle<br />
& The<br />
Wolfgang<br />
Brothers<br />
1st Floor<br />
Club 152<br />
Blues<br />
Expressions<br />
Phil Bee's<br />
Freedom<br />
Chris Canas<br />
Band<br />
Vanessa<br />
Collier<br />
Bill Miller<br />
Band<br />
Used Blues<br />
Band<br />
Coyote Ugly<br />
Vulgarxito<br />
BeBlue<br />
Dany<br />
Franchi<br />
Band<br />
Rebel<br />
Airplane<br />
Tripwire<br />
Flying<br />
Saucer<br />
Amy<br />
Ryan<br />
Band<br />
Zack<br />
Linton<br />
Band<br />
Matt<br />
Roberts<br />
Trio<br />
Paul Des<br />
Lauriers<br />
Band<br />
Johnny<br />
Fink & the<br />
Intrusion<br />
Flynn’s<br />
Juke<br />
Rockets<br />
Blues<br />
Band<br />
Elijah<br />
Butler<br />
Band<br />
Lampano<br />
Alley<br />
Melissa<br />
B. Band<br />
Matthew<br />
Robinson<br />
& the Jelly<br />
Kings<br />
Hard<br />
Rock Café<br />
Divas On<br />
Fire<br />
The<br />
SoulFixers<br />
The 519<br />
Band<br />
Delgado<br />
Brothers<br />
A<br />
Different<br />
Shade<br />
of Blue<br />
Jerry Lee<br />
Lewis’ Rum Boogie Tin Roof Wet Willie’s<br />
Big Time<br />
Rhythm &<br />
Blues Band<br />
Rent Party<br />
Blues Band<br />
Blue Dirt<br />
Daredevils<br />
In<br />
Layman<br />
Terms<br />
T-Roosters<br />
Deuce 'n<br />
a Quarter<br />
Zach Day &<br />
Full Throttle<br />
Markey<br />
Blue<br />
Darell<br />
Christopher<br />
& The<br />
Ingredients<br />
Rex Peoples<br />
& X Factr<br />
Asamu<br />
Johnson<br />
& the<br />
Associates...<br />
The Mighty<br />
Soul Drivers<br />
Sister<br />
Mercy<br />
Kev Nichols<br />
& Blue<br />
Tuesday<br />
Twice As<br />
Good<br />
Vintage#18<br />
Jimmy Nick<br />
& Don't Tell<br />
Mama<br />
Mojomatic<br />
Bridget<br />
Kelly<br />
Band<br />
Lizzi<br />
Neal<br />
Band<br />
Wednesday H Bands<br />
8:30<br />
Michael<br />
Lee Band<br />
Tee Dee<br />
Young<br />
Dangerous<br />
Gentlemens<br />
Little Boys<br />
Blue<br />
Arsen<br />
Shomakhov<br />
Band<br />
Blues<br />
Crusaders<br />
DC Mudd<br />
Mojo Risin'<br />
The Holla<br />
Pointe<br />
Southern<br />
Avenue<br />
Anthony<br />
Swamp<br />
Dog Clark<br />
The<br />
Romeo<br />
Kings<br />
9:05<br />
IV Shades<br />
of Blue<br />
WellBad<br />
TC Carr<br />
& Bolts<br />
Of Blue<br />
Stevee<br />
Wellons<br />
Band<br />
Steve Cal'<br />
Band<br />
John<br />
Allender<br />
Band<br />
The Night<br />
Owls<br />
Fat Bastard<br />
Blues Band<br />
Hector<br />
Anchondo<br />
Band<br />
Mojo<br />
Theory<br />
Jason<br />
Vivone &<br />
The Billy<br />
Bats<br />
Dreamboogie<br />
9:40<br />
James<br />
Howard<br />
Band<br />
John Calvin<br />
Brewer<br />
Band<br />
Roharpo the<br />
Bluesman<br />
& the Real<br />
Blues Band<br />
Rendezvous<br />
& the<br />
Hookups<br />
Everett &<br />
Delta Storm<br />
Lucas<br />
Haneman<br />
Express<br />
Diggin'<br />
Roots Band<br />
Daniel<br />
Dworsky<br />
Trio<br />
Downtown<br />
Dave &<br />
The Deep<br />
Pockets<br />
Charlie Love<br />
& the Silky<br />
Smooth<br />
Band<br />
Rooster<br />
Davis Group<br />
Mark<br />
Green<br />
Band<br />
10:15<br />
Johnny<br />
Max<br />
Band<br />
Altered Five<br />
Blues Band<br />
Norman<br />
Jackson<br />
Band<br />
Christine<br />
Jude & the<br />
Gentlemen<br />
Callers<br />
J.L. Fulks<br />
Band<br />
Eight O'Five<br />
Jive<br />
White<br />
Knuckles<br />
Trio<br />
Bobby<br />
BlackHat<br />
Band<br />
Eugene<br />
Johnson &<br />
Company<br />
Steve Morgan<br />
& the<br />
Kingfish<br />
Brenda<br />
Meyer<br />
Band<br />
10:50<br />
Fred T &<br />
The Band<br />
Forrest<br />
McDonald<br />
Band<br />
David<br />
Smash<br />
Band<br />
Smoke<br />
Wagon<br />
Blues Band<br />
Smokestack<br />
Lightning<br />
KoolAide &<br />
the Exact<br />
Change<br />
Band<br />
April Mae<br />
& The June<br />
Bugs<br />
11:25<br />
Odell Gray<br />
& the<br />
House<br />
Rules Band<br />
Twyla<br />
Birdsong<br />
18 19
Thu Jan 28 • ROUND Two<br />
SEMI-FINALISTS will be announced at<br />
various Beale Street clubs when the scores<br />
have been tabulated. The semi-finalist<br />
schedule will be available online at blues.<br />
org, on the EVERFEST APP, and at Club<br />
152 (2nd Floor) on Friday morning.<br />
Come & Visit Us At<br />
The Blues<br />
Foundation<br />
Tent!<br />
10am-4pm Each Day<br />
Wednesday: On Beale Street near 2nd<br />
Thursday: On Beale Street near B.B. King Blvd<br />
Friday: In the Lobby of the Doubletree Hotel<br />
Saturday: In the Lobby of the Orpheum Theater<br />
Health<br />
Fair<br />
Club 152 • Second Floor<br />
1:00-3:30pm<br />
Wed & Thu<br />
Health Screenings<br />
and Presentations<br />
cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure & more!<br />
4:30<br />
5:00<br />
5:30<br />
6:00<br />
6:30<br />
7:00<br />
7:30<br />
2nd Floor<br />
Jerry Lee Lewis’<br />
12 Bar<br />
Trimmed<br />
& Burning<br />
Mick Kidd<br />
with Dave<br />
Blight<br />
Graham<br />
Guest<br />
Bygone<br />
Blues<br />
Gretchen<br />
Bostrom<br />
Duo<br />
8:00 Big Bones<br />
8:30 Jesse Black<br />
9:00<br />
9:30<br />
10:00<br />
10:30<br />
11:00<br />
Louisville<br />
"White<br />
Lightning"<br />
Curtis<br />
Debra<br />
Power<br />
Doug<br />
"Suitcase"<br />
Hasch<br />
Doug Skoog<br />
& Brian<br />
Feist Duo<br />
Dave<br />
Muskett<br />
3rd Floor<br />
Club 152<br />
Randall<br />
Dubis & Dan<br />
Treanor<br />
Rogue<br />
Rage Duo<br />
Sonny Jim<br />
Clifford<br />
Blues<br />
Chronicles<br />
Ramblin'<br />
Dan Stevens<br />
& Clayton<br />
Allen<br />
Clarence<br />
Bluesman<br />
Davis &<br />
Jock Webb<br />
Trey Johnson<br />
& Jason<br />
Willmon<br />
Blues &<br />
Greens<br />
TD MacDonald<br />
& Nel<br />
Nichols<br />
Stan & Ben<br />
Greyhound<br />
George &<br />
Andy Grünert<br />
Bobby G &<br />
Cory Swift<br />
Mr. Handy’s<br />
Blues Hall<br />
Bill Weiner<br />
& Al Taylor<br />
Down in<br />
the Roots<br />
Maness<br />
Brothers<br />
Rick<br />
Rushing &<br />
Dakari Kelly<br />
McCarthy<br />
& Headley<br />
20 21<br />
They Call<br />
Me Rico<br />
Rodney<br />
Polk &<br />
Johnny Riley<br />
Hat & Matching<br />
Suitcase<br />
Alonzo Pennington<br />
&<br />
Michael<br />
Gough<br />
50 Shades<br />
of Blue<br />
Mike &<br />
the Mojo<br />
Stuart Baer<br />
& Lance<br />
Womack<br />
King’s<br />
Palace<br />
Root2<br />
Music<br />
Sweet<br />
Baby Ray<br />
Jiggy & the<br />
Source<br />
Ben Hunter<br />
& Joe<br />
Seamons<br />
"Blind-Dog"<br />
Gatewood<br />
Dan Holt<br />
Blind<br />
Cadillac<br />
Karla<br />
Peterie &<br />
Jim Herbert<br />
Miss<br />
Whiskey<br />
Amays<br />
& Blue<br />
Janelle<br />
Frost &<br />
Greg Tolbert<br />
Mississippi<br />
G-n-H Blues<br />
Orpheum<br />
Juke<br />
Michael<br />
Schatte<br />
Jay<br />
Pollmann<br />
Tina &<br />
Brandon<br />
Camden<br />
Blues<br />
Charlie<br />
A'Court<br />
Joshua<br />
Yarbrough<br />
Josh "The<br />
Pitbull of<br />
Blues"<br />
Rowand<br />
Jesse<br />
Roper<br />
Billy Joe<br />
Daniel<br />
Davis Coen<br />
Chris O<br />
People’s<br />
Nick Wade<br />
Bing Futch<br />
Wayne<br />
Holden<br />
& Mikey<br />
Ethelston<br />
Marcus<br />
& The<br />
Washboard<br />
Machine<br />
Luther<br />
Trammell &<br />
John Sutton<br />
Jeremy<br />
Short<br />
Micah<br />
Kesselring<br />
Mark<br />
Telesca<br />
Kalo<br />
Franc<br />
Robert<br />
Kelly<br />
Howerton<br />
Max<br />
Russell<br />
Pig On<br />
Beale<br />
John Latini<br />
Chris<br />
Yakopcic<br />
The<br />
Mighty<br />
Orq<br />
Sonny<br />
Moorman<br />
Jason<br />
King<br />
Roxas<br />
Delanie<br />
Pickering<br />
Tony Lee<br />
King<br />
Big Bo<br />
Andrew<br />
Wheeler<br />
Doug<br />
McMinn<br />
Ben<br />
"Swamp<br />
Donkey"<br />
Brenner<br />
Idan Shneor<br />
Silky<br />
O’Sullivan’s<br />
Jimmy<br />
Wayne<br />
Garrett<br />
Bobby &<br />
Joanne Duo<br />
North<br />
Delta Duo<br />
Eric Ramsey<br />
Robert<br />
Sampson<br />
Barbara<br />
Paul<br />
Chris<br />
English<br />
Adrian Duke<br />
& Theresa<br />
Richmond<br />
Birddog<br />
& Beck<br />
InnerVision<br />
Libby Rae<br />
Watson<br />
Thursday H Solo/Duo
5:00<br />
5:35<br />
6:10<br />
6:45<br />
7:20<br />
7:55<br />
Alfred’s<br />
James<br />
Howard<br />
Band<br />
Eric Slim<br />
Zahl & the<br />
South West<br />
Swingers<br />
IV Shades<br />
of Blue<br />
Johnny<br />
Max Band<br />
Odell Gray<br />
& the<br />
House<br />
Rules Band<br />
Fred T &<br />
The Band<br />
B.B. King’s<br />
John Calvin<br />
Brewer<br />
Band<br />
Forrest<br />
McDonald<br />
Band<br />
Tee Dee<br />
Young<br />
WellBad<br />
Johnny<br />
Mac Band<br />
Altered Five<br />
Blues Band<br />
Blues<br />
City Café<br />
TC Carr<br />
& Bolts<br />
Of Blue<br />
Dangerous<br />
Gentlemens<br />
Roharpo the<br />
Bluesman<br />
& the Real<br />
Blues Band<br />
David<br />
Smash<br />
Band<br />
Norman<br />
Jackson<br />
Band<br />
1st Floor<br />
Club 152<br />
The Used<br />
Blues Band<br />
Christine<br />
Jude & the<br />
Gentlemen<br />
Callers<br />
Stevee<br />
Wellons<br />
Band<br />
Rendezvous<br />
& the<br />
Hookups<br />
Twyla<br />
Birdsong<br />
Smoke<br />
Wagon<br />
Blues Band<br />
Coyote Ugly<br />
Everett &<br />
Delta Storm<br />
Dany<br />
Franchi<br />
Band<br />
Arsen<br />
Shomakhov<br />
Band<br />
Steve Cal'<br />
Band<br />
BeBlue<br />
Flying<br />
Saucer<br />
The Blues<br />
Crusaders<br />
The John<br />
Allender<br />
Band<br />
Johnny<br />
Fink & the<br />
Intrusion<br />
The Lucas<br />
Haneman<br />
Express<br />
Matt<br />
Roberts Trio<br />
Flynn’s<br />
The Night<br />
Owls<br />
Eight O'Five<br />
Jive<br />
Matthew<br />
Robinson<br />
& the Jelly<br />
Kings<br />
DC Mudd<br />
Juke<br />
Rockets<br />
Blues<br />
Band<br />
Hard<br />
Rock Café<br />
Mojo Risin'<br />
Daniel<br />
Dworsky<br />
Trio<br />
Fat Bastard<br />
Blues Band<br />
White<br />
Knuckles<br />
Trio<br />
The<br />
SoulFixers<br />
Jerry Lee<br />
Lewis’ Rum Boogie Tin Roof Wet Willie’s<br />
The Holla<br />
Pointe<br />
Downtown<br />
Dave &<br />
The Deep<br />
Pockets<br />
Hector<br />
Anchondo<br />
Band<br />
Dreamboogie<br />
Smokestack<br />
Lightning<br />
Bobby<br />
BlackHat<br />
Band<br />
Eugene<br />
Johnson &<br />
Company<br />
Mojo<br />
Theory<br />
KoolAide &<br />
the Exact<br />
Change<br />
Band<br />
Zach Day<br />
& Full<br />
Throttle<br />
Charlie Love<br />
& the Silky<br />
Smooth<br />
Band<br />
Steve<br />
Morgan &<br />
the Kingfish<br />
Rooster<br />
Davis Group<br />
Anthony<br />
Swamp<br />
Dog Clark<br />
Jason<br />
Vivone &<br />
The Billy<br />
Bats<br />
April Mae<br />
& The June<br />
Bugs<br />
Mark<br />
Green<br />
Band<br />
Brenda<br />
Meyer<br />
Band<br />
The Romeo<br />
Kings<br />
Jimmy Nick<br />
& Don't Tell<br />
Mama<br />
Thursday H Bands<br />
8:30 Celso Salim<br />
Chuck<br />
Strong &<br />
SRBQ<br />
Fat Head<br />
Chris<br />
Canas<br />
Band<br />
Vulgarxito<br />
Zack<br />
Linton Band<br />
Diggin'<br />
Roots<br />
Band<br />
Delgado<br />
Brothers<br />
Big Time<br />
Rhythm &<br />
Blues Band<br />
Darell<br />
Christopher<br />
& The<br />
Ingredients<br />
Asamu<br />
Johnson<br />
& the<br />
Associates...<br />
Mojomatic<br />
9:05 Bad Mules<br />
Jamell<br />
Richardson<br />
Fistful of<br />
Bacon<br />
Phil Bee's<br />
Freedom<br />
J.L. Fulks<br />
Band<br />
Paul Des<br />
Lauriers<br />
Band<br />
Melissa<br />
B. Band<br />
Divas On<br />
Fire<br />
In<br />
Layman<br />
Terms<br />
Markey<br />
Blue<br />
Sister<br />
Mercy<br />
Lizzi<br />
Neal<br />
Band<br />
9:40<br />
Michael<br />
Hornbuckle<br />
Band<br />
Joyann<br />
Parker &<br />
Sweet Tea<br />
Kim Doolittle<br />
& The<br />
Wolfgang<br />
Brothers<br />
Bill Miller<br />
Band<br />
Tripwire<br />
Amy Ryan<br />
Band<br />
Lampano<br />
Alley<br />
The 519<br />
Band<br />
Blue<br />
Dirt<br />
Daredevils<br />
Rex Peoples<br />
& X Factr<br />
The Mighty<br />
Soul Drivers<br />
Vintage#18<br />
10:15<br />
Steve<br />
Pineo<br />
Band<br />
RD Olson<br />
Blues Band<br />
Marcus<br />
Lovdal Band<br />
Blues<br />
Expressions<br />
Rebel<br />
Airplane<br />
Elijah<br />
Butler<br />
Band<br />
A<br />
Different<br />
Shade<br />
of Blue<br />
T-Roosters<br />
Deuce 'n<br />
a Quarter<br />
Kev<br />
Nichols<br />
& Blue<br />
Tuesday<br />
Bridget<br />
Kelly<br />
Band<br />
10:50<br />
Michael<br />
Lee Band<br />
Mother Ship<br />
Blues Band<br />
King<br />
Kom<br />
Beaux<br />
Little Boys<br />
Blue<br />
Rent Party<br />
Blues Band<br />
Southern<br />
Avenue<br />
Twice As<br />
Good<br />
11:25 Lazy Eye<br />
Vanessa<br />
Collier<br />
22 23
Fri Jan 29 Semi-Finals will begin immediately following the Youth Showcase<br />
Alfred’s<br />
5:00 Jamiah on Fire<br />
5:40 Emerald City Blues Band<br />
6:20 Jake Kulak and the LowDown<br />
7:00 Missing Blue<br />
B.B. King’s<br />
5:00 Stax Music Academy<br />
5:40 Route 111<br />
6:20 Dylan Whitney Band<br />
Blues City Cafe<br />
5:00 Voodoo Vinyl<br />
5:40 Leah and the Troublemakers<br />
6:20 6th Street Blues Band<br />
7:00 Brittany Russell & The<br />
King City Blues Band<br />
Club 152 1st Floor<br />
5:00 Spa City Youngbloods<br />
5:40 Juliana & A Soul Purpose Band<br />
6:20 KENTUCKY BLUES CRUSADE<br />
7:00 Lüsë Güsë<br />
Flynn’s<br />
5:00 Muddy Kings<br />
5:40 Celestial Blue<br />
6:20 Time Gap<br />
Rum Boogie Cafe<br />
5:00 Soul Raydio<br />
5:40 Blues Horizon<br />
6:20 Whirlwind<br />
7:00 The Joe Tellmann Band<br />
Tin Roof<br />
5:00 Spencer Mackenzie<br />
5:40 No Solution<br />
6:20 Jimmy Bez Blues Band<br />
7:00 Mindfreakz<br />
Wet Willies<br />
5:00 A.J. Fullerton<br />
5:40 Grace Kuch<br />
6:20 Ally Venable Band<br />
7:00 Pina Brothers Band<br />
12 Bar.<br />
5:00 Lexi Parr and Korey Steil<br />
5:35 Geoffrey Gentry<br />
6:10 Seth Williams<br />
152 3rd Floor<br />
5:00 Zack Salsberry<br />
5:35 David Julia<br />
6:10 Nathan Pope<br />
King’s Palace<br />
5:00 Alex Oatman<br />
5:35 Brian Kabala<br />
Silky O’Sullivan’s<br />
4:20 Veronica Lewis<br />
5:00 Justus Reece<br />
5:45 Darren “Lil’ Bluesman” Thiboutot<br />
24 32nd International Blues Challenge
1st Place Band<br />
★Personalized ★<br />
Plaque<br />
★$3000 ★ cash<br />
★4 ★ days of studio recording at Ardent<br />
Studios in Memphis, TN<br />
★4 ★ days of recording and/or mixing sessions<br />
at the legendary Showplace Studios<br />
★Blues ★ Festival Guide advertising package<br />
★Blues ★ Breaker status on The BluesMobile<br />
radio show with Elwood Blues<br />
★Great ★ gigs, including:<br />
▪▪Legendary Rhythm and Blues<br />
Caribbean Cruise<br />
▪▪Heritage Blues Festival, Wheeling, WV<br />
▪▪Telluride Blues and Brews<br />
Festival, Telluride, CO<br />
▪▪King Biscuit Blues Festival, Helena, AR<br />
▪▪Hot Springs Blues Festival, Hot Springs, AR<br />
▪▪Eureka Springs Blues Weekend,<br />
Eureka Springs, AR<br />
▪▪Gladstone SummerTime<br />
BluesFest, Gladstone, MO<br />
▪▪Levitt Shell Concert Series, Memphis, TN<br />
▪▪Big Blues Bender, Las Vegas, NV<br />
▪▪Bottleneck Blues Bar Ameristar<br />
Casino, Vicksburg. MS<br />
▪▪Daytona Blues Festival, Daytona, FL<br />
2nd Place Band<br />
★Personalized ★<br />
Plaque<br />
★$2500 ★ cash<br />
★Blues ★ Festival Guide advertising package<br />
★Great ★ Gigs, including:<br />
▪▪Canal Bank Shuffle, Thorold,<br />
Ontario, Canada<br />
▪▪Bottleneck Blues Bar Ameristar<br />
Casino, Vicksburg. MS<br />
▪▪Daytona Blues Festival, Daytona FL.<br />
3rd Place Band<br />
★Personalized ★<br />
Plaque<br />
★$1500 ★ cash<br />
★Great ★ Gig at Bottleneck Blues Bar<br />
Ameristar Casino - Vicksburg. MS<br />
Best Guitarist H Band<br />
Sponsored by Gibson<br />
★Gibson ★ Custom ES-335 guitar with<br />
The Blues Foundation logo<br />
★Category ★ 5 Amp<br />
Best Harmonica Player<br />
Sponsored by Lee Oskar Harmonicas<br />
★Autographed ★<br />
Lee Oskar gold plated<br />
limited edition Lee Oskar harmonica<br />
★Set ★ of Lee Oskar harmonicas including<br />
additional reed plates & accessories<br />
★An ★ opportunity to perform with Lee Oskar<br />
& friends in Seattle, WA at the famous<br />
Highway 99 Blues Club & Restaurant<br />
1st Place Solo/Duo<br />
★Personalized ★<br />
Plaque<br />
★$2500 ★ cash<br />
★2 ★ days of studio recording at Ardent<br />
Studios in Memphis, TN<br />
★Blues ★ Festival Guide advertising package<br />
★Blues ★ Breaker status on The BluesMobile<br />
radio show with Elwood Blues<br />
★Great ★ gigs, including:<br />
▪▪Legendary Rhythm and<br />
Blues Big Easy Cruise<br />
▪▪Heritage Blues Festival Wheeling, WV<br />
▪▪Alonzo’s Memorial Day Picnic, Baltimore, MD<br />
▪▪Hot Springs Blues Festival, Hot Springs, AR<br />
▪▪Daytona Blues Festival, Daytona, FL<br />
2nd Place Solo/Duo<br />
★Personalized ★<br />
Plaque<br />
★$1500 ★ cash<br />
★Blues ★ Festival Guide advertising package<br />
Best Guitarist H Solo/Duo<br />
Sponsored by St. Blues Guitar<br />
★St. ★ Blues Cigar Box Guitar and hemp gig bag<br />
Best Self-Produced CD<br />
★Personalized ★<br />
Plaque<br />
★$1000 ★ cash<br />
★The ★ CD will receive airplay on:<br />
▪▪Music Choice, your cable and<br />
satellite TV Blues channel<br />
▪▪PLUS additional airplay on radio<br />
shows hosted by our deejay<br />
judges around the country<br />
26 32nd International Blues Challenge
Penalty Points<br />
Scoring is entered in<br />
five categories<br />
1. Blues Content: Because the analysis of<br />
what is and what is not blues is subject to<br />
interpretation, any multi-person judging<br />
panel will include members with varying<br />
opinions of what defines blues. Bands<br />
should choose their material carefully.<br />
During all rounds of The International Blues<br />
Challenge, the judges will be blues professionals<br />
who will be looking for songs and<br />
performances that are inspired. (We call<br />
this–with all due respect to Sir Mack Rice<br />
and Wilson Pickett–the “no Mustang Sally<br />
rule.”)<br />
2. Vocals: The acts’ vocal skills.<br />
3. Talent: The acts’ instrumental skills.<br />
4. Originality: Original work is encouraged.<br />
While cover tunes are allowed, performing<br />
songs in identical format to the recorded<br />
version is highly discouraged, will not be<br />
looked upon favorably by the judges, and<br />
will be reflected in scoring.<br />
5. Stage Presence: Over the years, the quality<br />
of talent has risen so dramatically that we<br />
no longer consider this an “amateur” competition.<br />
Most contestants have performed<br />
on stage enough to know that they are not<br />
simply playing music, but putting on a show.<br />
This category rates how “sellable” an act<br />
may be.<br />
To reflect the relative importance of each category<br />
in the success of an act, an act’s score<br />
in each category is weighted. The weighted<br />
multipliers are: Blues content (4); talent and<br />
vocals (3); originality and stage presence (2).<br />
The total in each category represents the<br />
weighted score for that category. Total possible<br />
weighted score is 140.<br />
An act is penalized one point from its total<br />
weighted score for each ten seconds that it runs<br />
overtime. Acts are expected to use their fully<br />
allotted time and will also be penalized for completing<br />
their set more than 5 minutes ahead of<br />
schedule. A penalty for excessive time loading-in<br />
and out may also be applied.<br />
IBC participants may lose points for non-compliance<br />
with administrative aspects of the competition.<br />
These items demonstrate professionalism,<br />
seriousness about the competition, and appropriate<br />
management of the business side of the<br />
blues. Penalty points can be deducted for any of<br />
the following:<br />
★Failure ★ to fill out the online<br />
application completely, accurately,<br />
and by the assigned deadline<br />
★Failure ★ to check in at act registration<br />
on the first day of the event<br />
★Failure ★ to check in with the venue<br />
coordinator at your assigned venue at<br />
least 10 minutes before the first act<br />
is scheduled to perform each night<br />
★Failure ★ to be in the correct venue<br />
at the proper time and ready<br />
to perform as scheduled<br />
Venue Coordinators (VC) have the authority to<br />
act on behalf of The Blues Foundation to insure<br />
that the event goes smoothly in their designated<br />
venue. In the event that an act scheduled to<br />
play in a specific slot is not able to perform for<br />
whatever reason, the VC will have the authority<br />
to deduct a point from the act’s overall weighted<br />
score for that night’s competition.<br />
SCORING SYSTEM FOR JUDGES<br />
1. All categories and weightings are as<br />
previously stated.<br />
2. Each judge will indicate his or her raw score<br />
(a whole number between 1 and 10) in each<br />
category and turn that information over to the<br />
scorekeeper.<br />
★1-3 ★ Typical of a beginning blues band.<br />
★4-5 ★ Typical of a local weekend band.<br />
★6-7 ★ Typical of an advanced local band but<br />
not yet ready to headline a major blues club.<br />
★8-9 ★ Typical of the quality of blues<br />
artists who headline major clubs.<br />
★10 ★ Typical of those who play the main<br />
stage at major festivals such as the<br />
Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise<br />
or King Biscuit Blues Festival.<br />
3. The scorekeeper will multiply the raw score in<br />
each category by the established multiplier to<br />
get each judge’s weighted score in each category<br />
for each act.<br />
4. The weighted scores from each category for<br />
an act are added together to determine the<br />
acts’ total weighted score for each judge.<br />
5. Any penalty points will be deducted from each<br />
judge’s weighted score to obtain each act’s<br />
net weighted score per judge.<br />
6. After all acts have been judged and net<br />
weighted score per judge calculated, each<br />
act will be ranked by judge beginning with<br />
1 as the highest ranking. For example, in a<br />
club with five acts, each judge will present a<br />
ranking per act of #1 - #5. This results in each<br />
act’s final ranking number for each judge.<br />
7. The scorer will then add together the final<br />
ranking numbers from all judges for all nights<br />
per act to determine the gross final ranking.<br />
This figure is averaged (divided by the total<br />
number of judges per act) to achieve the aggregate<br />
act ranking. For the quarter-finals,<br />
the acts in each venue with the best two-day<br />
totals of aggregate act ranking will advance to<br />
the semi-finals. For the semi-finals, the acts<br />
in each venue with the best aggregate act<br />
ranking for the night will advance to the finals.<br />
The number of acts advancing from each<br />
venue in both the quarter and semi-finals may<br />
vary from year to year and may vary between<br />
band and solo/duo challenges. For the finals,<br />
the act in each category with the best aggregate<br />
act ranking will be the top finisher.<br />
8. In the case of a tie, the scorer shall calculate<br />
the sum of all net weighted scores from all<br />
judges for the tied acts. The act with the<br />
higher sum of net weighted scores will be<br />
named the winner.<br />
28 32nd International Blues Challenge The Blues Foundation • blues.org 29
Board of<br />
Directors<br />
Paul Benjamin<br />
Chair<br />
Rockland,ME<br />
Jeff Syracuse<br />
Vice Chair<br />
Nashville, TN<br />
Michael<br />
Freeman<br />
Exec Committee<br />
Barrington, IL<br />
Janice Johnston<br />
Exec Committee<br />
Phoenix, AZ<br />
Alan Maites<br />
Exec Committee<br />
Highland Park, IL<br />
Elizabeth<br />
Montgomery<br />
Brown<br />
Treasurer<br />
Memphis, TN<br />
Dexter Allen<br />
Jackson, MS<br />
Velma Allen<br />
Eufaula, AL<br />
Kathy Bolmer<br />
Franklin, TN<br />
Kerby Confer<br />
Timonium, MD<br />
John Deck<br />
Katy, TX<br />
Scott Fitzke<br />
Englewood, CO<br />
Anthony<br />
Frederickson<br />
Kirkland, WA<br />
Tripp Hopkins<br />
Salt Lake City, UT<br />
Kim Horton<br />
Byram, MS<br />
Mick Kolassa<br />
Oxford, MS<br />
Boogie Mason<br />
Jackson, MS<br />
Sherry May<br />
Germantown, TN<br />
Pat Morgan<br />
Bradenton, FL<br />
Gary Nicholson<br />
Nashville, TN<br />
Gary Paradis<br />
Ottawa, ON-Canada<br />
Ron Partain<br />
Lakeland, TN<br />
Jonathan<br />
Richards<br />
Kent, WA<br />
Steven Suen<br />
San Francisco, CA<br />
Paul Tischler<br />
Juno Beach, FL<br />
Charter<br />
Members<br />
Shirley Adams<br />
Lula, GA<br />
Jim Allchin<br />
Seattle, WA<br />
Donovan Allen<br />
Houston, TX<br />
Chris Barnes<br />
W.Hollywood, CA<br />
Sean Black<br />
Naperville, IL<br />
Robert Blake<br />
Garden City, NY<br />
Blue Waters<br />
Foundation<br />
Annapolis, MD<br />
Kathy Bolmer<br />
Franklin, TN<br />
Noah Bolmer<br />
Occidental, CA<br />
Little Boogaloo<br />
Greenville, MS<br />
Dan Brouillette<br />
Shavano Park, TX<br />
Steve Bryson<br />
Torrance, CA<br />
Bob Corritore<br />
Scottsdale, AZ<br />
Z. David &<br />
Sharon DeLoach<br />
Port Allen, LA<br />
Elizabeth<br />
Drewry<br />
Landrum, SC<br />
John Everson<br />
Westlake, OH<br />
Roger & Joey<br />
Finck<br />
South Deerfield, MA<br />
Jesse<br />
Finkelstein<br />
Boca Raton, FL<br />
Peter Fleming<br />
Nashville, TN<br />
Mark Goodman<br />
Spring Hill, FL<br />
Mark & Chris<br />
Jordan<br />
Meadville, PA<br />
Moira<br />
Kneeshaw<br />
Scottsdale, AZ<br />
Mick Kolassa<br />
Oxford, MS<br />
Brian LaPrade<br />
Tupelo, MS<br />
Calvin & Amy<br />
McKenzie<br />
Rayville, LA<br />
Clint Morgan<br />
Olympia, WA<br />
Dr. Chris<br />
Patterson<br />
Inman, SC<br />
Barbara Peikin<br />
In Memoriam<br />
Holger Petersen<br />
Edmonton, AB<br />
Charles & Lori<br />
Ragsdell<br />
Eureka Springs, AR<br />
James<br />
Robertson<br />
Keller, TX<br />
Pat Robertson<br />
Coolidge, AZ<br />
Chris Sabie<br />
Bartlett, TN<br />
Jay Sieleman<br />
& Priscilla<br />
Hernandez<br />
Memphis, TN<br />
LA & Dawn<br />
Smith<br />
Columbia, MO<br />
Andy T<br />
Franklin, TN<br />
Paul Tischler<br />
Juno Beach, FL<br />
Shonda Warner<br />
Clarksdale, MS<br />
Peggy Whalley<br />
Austin, TX<br />
Allen J. Wiltz, Jr.<br />
Natchitoches, LA<br />
The Blues Foundation H 2015 In Review<br />
+ + The 2015 IBC breaks all<br />
records for attendance<br />
and number of acts. Eddie<br />
Cotton and Randy McQuay<br />
receive top honors<br />
+ + Tommy Brown, Eric Clapton,<br />
and Little Richard are<br />
inducted into the 2015<br />
Blues Hall of Fame Class<br />
+ + The 2015 Blues Music<br />
Awards are presented<br />
to a sell-out audience<br />
+ + The Blues Hall of Fame<br />
Museum formally opens<br />
on May 8, 2015 to a crowd<br />
of over 900 people<br />
+ + A collection of Dick<br />
Waterman photos are installed<br />
as the first temporary<br />
exhibit in the<br />
Legendary Rhythm and<br />
Blues Cruise Gallery<br />
+ + First Tennessee Foundation<br />
supports The Blues Hall<br />
of Fame Museum with a<br />
grant to fund school busses<br />
for children to visit Hall of<br />
Fame exhibits at no cost<br />
+ + The KBA award structure is<br />
changed to eliminate categories,<br />
thereby opening<br />
nominations to a greater<br />
pool of deserving people<br />
+ + Dexter Allen, Velma Allen,<br />
Scott Fitzke, Kim Horton, and<br />
Boogie Mason are elected to<br />
The Blues Foundation Board<br />
of Directors. Paul Benjamin<br />
steps up as Board Chair<br />
+ + Barbara Newman joins<br />
The Blues Foundation<br />
as President and CEO,<br />
replacing Jay Sieleman<br />
upon his retirement<br />
+ + The Blues Foundation is selected<br />
by The University of<br />
Memphis Entrepreneurship<br />
program for their social<br />
media and marketing<br />
class project<br />
+ + Gary Kabakoff joins The<br />
Blues Foundation staff as<br />
a new museum employee<br />
+ + The Blues Hall of Fame<br />
Museum officially begins<br />
renting space<br />
for private events<br />
+ + The Blues Foundation hosts<br />
The Memphis Music Holiday<br />
party to over 350 members<br />
of the music industry<br />
+ + A Cast of Blues, Sharon<br />
McConnell-Dickerson’s<br />
life masks of great blues<br />
artists, opens in the<br />
Legendary Rhythm and<br />
Blues Cruise Gallery<br />
+ + The 2016 IBC grows beyond<br />
expectations with 257 acts<br />
and close to 900 musicians<br />
performing, including<br />
the largest number of<br />
Youth Showcase acts than<br />
ever before, close to double<br />
last year’s numbers.<br />
The Blues Foundation • blues.org 31
ALABAMA<br />
Alabama Blues Project<br />
Northport, AL<br />
Gulf Coast Blues Society<br />
Spanish Ft, AL<br />
Magic City Blues Society<br />
Birmingham, AL<br />
The Music Preservation<br />
Society<br />
Florence, AL<br />
Wiregrass Blues Society<br />
Dothan, AL<br />
ARIZONA<br />
Northern Arizona<br />
Blues Alliance<br />
Sedona, AZ<br />
Phoenix Blues Society<br />
Phoenix, AZ<br />
Southern Arizona Blues<br />
Heritage Foundation<br />
Tucson, AZ<br />
ARKANSAS<br />
Arkansas River Blues Society<br />
Little Rock, AR<br />
Buffalo River Blues Society<br />
Leslie, AR<br />
Fort Smith Riverfront<br />
Blues Society<br />
Fort Smith, AR<br />
Ozark Blues Society<br />
of NW Arkansas<br />
Bentonville, AR<br />
Sonny Boy Blues Society<br />
Helena, AR<br />
Spa City Blues Society<br />
Hot Springs, AR<br />
CALIFORNIA<br />
Blues Lovers United<br />
of San Diego<br />
San Diego, CA<br />
Clear Lake Blues Society<br />
Kelseyville, CA<br />
Los Angeles Blues Society<br />
South El Monte, CA<br />
Orange County Blues Society<br />
Orange, CA<br />
Sacramento Blues Society<br />
Sacramento, CA<br />
San Luis Obispo Blues Society<br />
San Luis Obispo, CA<br />
Santa Barbara Blues Society<br />
Santa Barbara, CA<br />
Santa Clarita Valley Blues<br />
Society<br />
Newhall, CA<br />
Silicon Valley Blues Society<br />
San Jose,CA<br />
Southern California<br />
Blues Society<br />
Los Alimitos, CA<br />
The Golden Gate Blues<br />
Society<br />
San Francisco, CA<br />
Ventura County Blues Society<br />
Simi Valley, CA<br />
COLORADO<br />
Colorado Blues Society<br />
Windsor, CO<br />
Grand County Blues Society<br />
Winter Park, CO<br />
Mile High Blues Society<br />
Aurora, CO<br />
Pikes Peak Blues Community<br />
Colorado Springs, CO<br />
CONNECTICUT<br />
Connecticut Blues Society<br />
Enfield, CT<br />
DELAWARE<br />
Central Delaware<br />
Blues Society<br />
Magnolia, DE<br />
FLORIDA<br />
Blues Society of<br />
Northwest Florida<br />
Pensacola, FL<br />
First Coast Blues Society<br />
Jacksonville, FL<br />
Nature Coast Friends of Blues<br />
Homosassa Springs, FL<br />
North Central Florida<br />
Blues Society<br />
Gainesville, FL<br />
Orange Blossom Blues Society<br />
Orlando, FL<br />
South Florida Blues Society<br />
Coral Springs, FL<br />
Southwest Florida<br />
Blues Society<br />
Matlacha, FL<br />
Suncoast Blues Society<br />
Tampa, FL<br />
The Blues Alliance of<br />
the Treasure Coast<br />
Port Saint Lucie, FL<br />
GEORGIA<br />
Atlanta Blues Society<br />
Tucker, GA<br />
ILLINOIS<br />
Crossroads Blues Society<br />
of Illinois<br />
Byron, IL<br />
Decatur Blues Society<br />
Decatur, Ill<br />
Illinois Blues Coalition<br />
Pekin, IL<br />
Illinois Central Blues Club<br />
Springfield, IL<br />
Prairie Crossroads<br />
Blues Society<br />
Champaign, Il<br />
River City Blues Society<br />
Peoria, IL<br />
Windy City Blues Society<br />
Chicago, IL<br />
INDIANA<br />
Indy Crossroads Blues<br />
Clayton, IN<br />
River Basin Blues Society<br />
Evansville, IN<br />
South Central Indiana<br />
Blues Society<br />
Nashville, IN<br />
IOWA<br />
Central Iowa Blues Society<br />
Des Moines, IA<br />
Lizard Creek Blues Society<br />
Fort Dodge, IA<br />
Mississippi Valley<br />
Blues Society<br />
Davenport, IA<br />
South Skunk Blues Society<br />
Newton, IA<br />
Southeast Iowa Blues Society<br />
Fairfield, IA<br />
KANSAS<br />
Topeka Blues Society<br />
Topeka, KS<br />
Wichita Blues Society<br />
Wichita, KS<br />
KENTUCKY<br />
Kentuckiana Blues Society<br />
Louisville, KY<br />
Kentucky Blues Society<br />
Bowling Green, KY<br />
Russellville Blues Society<br />
Russellville, KY<br />
LOUISIANA<br />
Baton Rouge Blues Society<br />
Baton Rouge, LA<br />
Voodoo Blues Krewe New<br />
Orleans Blues Society<br />
Marrero, LA<br />
MAINE<br />
Maine Blues Society<br />
Portland, ME<br />
MARYLAND<br />
Baltimore Blues Society<br />
Baltimore, MD<br />
MASSACHUSETTS<br />
Boston Blues Society<br />
Norwood, MA<br />
Massachusetts Blues Society<br />
East Wareham, MA<br />
Raising the Blues<br />
Sudbury, MA<br />
MICHIGAN<br />
Capital Area Blues Society<br />
Okemos, MI<br />
Detroit Blues Society<br />
Goodrich, MI<br />
Kalamazoo Valley<br />
Blues Association<br />
Kalamazoo, MI<br />
Marquette Area Blues Society<br />
Marquette, MI<br />
West Michigan Blues Society<br />
Grand Rapids, MI<br />
The Blues Foundation • blues.org 33
MINNESOTA<br />
Minnesota Blues Society<br />
Minneapolis, MN<br />
MISSISSIPPI<br />
Central Mississippi<br />
Blues Society<br />
Jackson, MS<br />
Mississippi Delta Blues<br />
Society of Indianola<br />
Indianola, MS<br />
Vicksburg Blues Society<br />
Vicksburg, MS<br />
MISSOURI<br />
Blues Society of the Ozarks<br />
Springfield, MO<br />
Kansas City Blues Society<br />
Kansas City, MO<br />
Lake of the Ozarks<br />
Blues Society<br />
Camdenton, MO<br />
MO Blues Association<br />
Jefferson City, MO<br />
St. Louis Blues Society<br />
St Louis, MO<br />
NEBRASKA<br />
Blues Society of Omaha<br />
Omaha, NE<br />
NEVADA<br />
Reno Blues Society<br />
Reno, NV<br />
NEW HAMPSHIRE<br />
Granite State Blues Society<br />
Bedford, NH<br />
NEW JERSEY<br />
Brigantine Blues Foundation<br />
Brigantine, NJ<br />
Jersey Shore Jazz and<br />
Blues Foundation<br />
Red Bank, NJ<br />
NEW YORK<br />
Blues Society of Western<br />
New York<br />
Buffalo, NY<br />
Capital Region Blues Network<br />
Albany, NY<br />
Long Island Blues Society<br />
Centereach, NY<br />
NORTH CAROLINA<br />
Cape Fear Blues Society<br />
Wilmington, NC<br />
Charlotte Blues Society<br />
Charlotte, NC<br />
Piedmont Blues<br />
Preservation Society<br />
Greensboro, NC<br />
Triangle Blues Society<br />
Raleigh, NC<br />
OHIO<br />
Black Swamp Blues Society<br />
Toledo, OH<br />
Cincy Blues Society<br />
Cincinnati, OH<br />
Cleveland Blues Society<br />
Broadview Hts, OH<br />
Columbus Blues Alliance<br />
Columbus, OH<br />
Dayton Blues Society<br />
Dayton, OH<br />
Northeast Ohio Blues<br />
Association<br />
Alliance, OH<br />
Pomeroy Blues & Jazz Society<br />
Pomeroy, OH<br />
The Blues, Jazz and Folk<br />
Music Society<br />
Marietta, OH<br />
OKLAHOMA<br />
Blues Society of Tulsa<br />
Tulsa, OK<br />
Oklahoma Blues Society<br />
Oklahoma City, OK<br />
OREGON<br />
Ashland Blues Society<br />
Ashland, OR<br />
Cascade Blues Association<br />
Portland, OR<br />
Rainy Day Blues Society<br />
Eugene, OR<br />
PENNSYLVANIA<br />
Billtown Blues Association<br />
Hughesville, PA<br />
Blues Society of Central<br />
Pennsylvania<br />
Steelton, PA<br />
Blues Society of Western<br />
Pennsylvania<br />
Aliquippa, PA<br />
Lehigh Valley Blues Network<br />
Leigh Valley, PA<br />
Second Story Blues Alliance<br />
Lehigh Valley, PA<br />
Steel City Blues Society<br />
Phoenixville, PA<br />
RHODE ISLAND<br />
Rhode Island Rhythm and<br />
Blues Preservation Society<br />
Providence, RI<br />
SOUTH CAROLINA<br />
Lowcountry Blues Club<br />
Charleston, SC<br />
TENNESSEE<br />
Memphis Blues Society<br />
Memphis, TN<br />
Nashville Blues Society<br />
Nashville, TN<br />
Smoky Mountain<br />
Blues Society<br />
Maryville, TN<br />
West Tennessee Blues Society<br />
Somerville, TN<br />
TEXAS<br />
Austin Blues Society<br />
Austin, TX<br />
El Paso Blues Society<br />
El Paso, TX<br />
Houston Blues Society<br />
Houston, TX<br />
San Angelo Blues Society<br />
San Angelo, TX<br />
San Antonio Blues Society<br />
San Antonio, TX<br />
UTAH<br />
Utah Blues Society<br />
Salt Lake City, UT<br />
VIRGINIA<br />
Blue Ridge Blues Society<br />
Roanoke, VA<br />
Central Virginia Blues Society<br />
Nellysford, VA<br />
Natchel Blues Network<br />
Norfolk, VA<br />
River City Blues Society<br />
N Chesterfield, VA<br />
Sedalia Blues Society<br />
Big Island, VA<br />
WASHINGTON<br />
Inland Empire Blues Society<br />
Spokane, WA<br />
South Sound Blues<br />
Association<br />
Federal Way, WA<br />
Walla Walla Blues Society<br />
Walla Walla, WA<br />
Washington Blues Society<br />
Seattle, WA<br />
WASHINGTON DC<br />
DC Blues Society<br />
Washington, DC<br />
West Virginia<br />
Huntington Blues Society<br />
Barboursville, WV<br />
Blues Society of Northern<br />
West Virginia<br />
Weirton, WVA<br />
WISCONSON<br />
Chippewa Valley Blues Society<br />
Eau Claire, WI<br />
Great Northern Blues Society<br />
Wausau, WI<br />
Madison Blues Society<br />
Madison, WI<br />
Paramount Music Association<br />
Grafton, WI<br />
WYOMING<br />
Wyoming Blues & Jazz Society<br />
Evansville, WY<br />
OUTSIDE THE U.S.<br />
Asia<br />
Blues Asia Network<br />
Makati, Metro Manila<br />
AUSTRALIA<br />
Adelaide Roots and<br />
Blues Association<br />
Vista, South Australia<br />
Blues Association of South<br />
East Queensland<br />
Indooroopilly Centre,<br />
Queensland<br />
Blues at Bridgetown<br />
Incorporated<br />
Bridgetown, WA<br />
Melbourne Blues<br />
Appreciation Society<br />
Williamstown, Vic<br />
Sydney Blues Society<br />
Newtown, NSW<br />
The Blues Foundation • blues.org 35
CANADA<br />
Bruce County Blues Society<br />
Kincardine, ON<br />
Calgary Blues Music<br />
Association<br />
Calgary, AB<br />
Canada South Blues Society<br />
Windsor, ON<br />
Canal Bank Shuffle<br />
Thorold, ON<br />
East Coast Blues Society<br />
Halifax, Nova Scotia<br />
Edmonton Blues Society<br />
Edmonton, Alberta<br />
Fraser Valley Blues Society<br />
Chilliwack, British<br />
Columbia<br />
Grand River Blues Society<br />
Waterloo, ON<br />
Great Lakes Blues Society<br />
London, ON<br />
Harvest Jazz and Blues<br />
Festival<br />
Fredericton, NB<br />
Loyal Blues Fellowship<br />
Carrying Place, ON<br />
Montreal Blues Society<br />
Montreal, QC<br />
Ottawa Blues Society<br />
Ottawa, ON<br />
Saskatoon Blues Society<br />
Saskatoon, SK<br />
Thunder Bay Blues Society<br />
Thunder Bay, ON<br />
Toronto Blues Society<br />
Toronto, ON<br />
Victoria Blues Society<br />
Victoria, BC<br />
White Rock Blues Society<br />
Surrey, BC<br />
Colombia<br />
Colombian Blues Society<br />
Cali, Colombia<br />
CROATIA<br />
Croatian Blues Forces<br />
Zagreb<br />
Europe<br />
European Blues Union<br />
Brussels<br />
FINLAND<br />
Finnish Blues Society<br />
Helsinki, Helsinki<br />
FRANCE<br />
Blues Sur Seine<br />
Mantes la Jolie<br />
France Blues<br />
Mantes la Jolie<br />
GERMANY<br />
Baltic Blues<br />
Eutin, Schleswig- Hostein<br />
German Blues Network<br />
Bosau, Schleswig- Hostein<br />
ISRAEL<br />
Israel Blues Society<br />
Tel Aviv<br />
I TA LY<br />
DeltaBlues<br />
Rovigo<br />
Mojo Station<br />
Roma<br />
LUXEMBOURG<br />
Blues Club Luxembourg<br />
Heisdorf<br />
NETHERLANDS<br />
Dutch Blues Foundation<br />
Leiden<br />
NEW ZEALAND<br />
Auckland Blues Club<br />
Greenhithe, Auckland<br />
NORWAY<br />
Norsk Blues Union<br />
Sofienberg<br />
Oslo Bluesklubb<br />
N-Oslo<br />
PANAMA<br />
Panama Blues<br />
Panama<br />
PHILIPPINES<br />
Phillipine Blues Society<br />
Quezon City<br />
POLAND<br />
Association of Blues<br />
and Rock ‘70<br />
Ostrow Wielkopolski<br />
Polish Blues Association<br />
Warszawa<br />
T.B. King Blues Club<br />
Warszawa<br />
SLOVAK REPUBLIC<br />
Slovakblues<br />
Skalica<br />
SPAIN<br />
Asociación Musical<br />
Blues Hondarribia<br />
Hondarribia, Guipuzcoa<br />
Barcelona Blues Society<br />
Barcelona, Spain<br />
SWEDEN<br />
Swedish Blues Association<br />
Stockholm<br />
SWITZERLAND<br />
Blues Association of Geneva<br />
Geneva<br />
Summerblues Basel<br />
Basel, Switzerland<br />
Swiss Blues Society<br />
Sierre, Wallis<br />
TAIWAN<br />
Blues Society on Taiwan<br />
Taipei<br />
United Kingdom<br />
UK Blues Federation<br />
Blackwood, Caerphilly<br />
The Blues Foundation • blues.org 37
TM<br />
TM<br />
to the following entities and<br />
individuals who have helped to<br />
make the 32 nd IBC a success<br />
• Marc Albrecht<br />
• Clayton Andrus<br />
• Connie Bawcum<br />
• Martin Bell<br />
• Jean Benjamin<br />
• Kristy Bennett<br />
• Matt Berichon<br />
• Ed Bosch<br />
• Mike Bounds<br />
• Bobbie Burks<br />
• Tammy Davis<br />
• Kyle Deibler<br />
• Jon Dillard<br />
• Angela Ghorishi<br />
• Cathi Gilman<br />
• Steve Grushkin<br />
• Bill Harbin<br />
• Carolyn Harding<br />
• Jane Henderson<br />
• Mary Henderson<br />
• Linda Henry<br />
• Andy Henry<br />
• Brandon Hough<br />
• David Hughes<br />
• Sherree Hughes<br />
• Greg James<br />
• Greg Johnson<br />
• Maureen Juodis<br />
• Matt Kemp<br />
• Penny Lane Diersing<br />
• Steve Likens<br />
• John Mazzello<br />
• Roy McCann<br />
• Sandy McCann<br />
• Elizabeth<br />
Montgomery<br />
• Hill Mossor<br />
• Sara Negri-Whitmer<br />
• Nora Nora<br />
• Chuck Porter<br />
• Leo Priest<br />
• Rick Rabe<br />
• Hal Reed<br />
• Jim Richmond<br />
• Carol Rushton<br />
• Sandra Sallings<br />
• Richard Schaefer<br />
• Steve Schnipper<br />
• Suzy Scott<br />
• Michele Seidman<br />
• Ann Pearson Sharpe<br />
• Gail Singer<br />
• Billie Snow<br />
• Christian Stanfield<br />
• Vera Stanfield<br />
• Teri Stoerger<br />
• Nigel Strudwick<br />
• Joy Terral<br />
• Charmaine<br />
Wagner-Bell<br />
• Jennifer Weaver<br />
• Rick Wills<br />
• Mike Wilson<br />
• Laura Wolf<br />
...and of course, all the judges,<br />
volunteers and silent auction<br />
donors and bidders!<br />
• Arrowhead Health<br />
Centers & Dr.<br />
Janice Johnston<br />
• Beale Street Caravan<br />
• Beale Street Merchants<br />
Association &<br />
member clubs<br />
• Big City Rhythm<br />
& Blues<br />
• Blues Festival Guide<br />
• Blues Music Magazine<br />
• Category 5 Amps<br />
• Comfort Inn<br />
• Crowne Plaza Hotel<br />
• Courtyard by Marriott<br />
• Denker Awards<br />
• Doubletree Memphis<br />
Downtown<br />
• Downtowner<br />
• Elwoods’ Bluesmobile<br />
• First Tennessee<br />
Foundation<br />
• Flying Saucer<br />
• Gibson Guitar<br />
• Holiday Inn<br />
• Jennerate Media<br />
• Keyboards in<br />
Black & White<br />
• Kooky Canuck<br />
• Leading Edge Wireless<br />
• Lee Oskar Harmonicas<br />
• Legendary Rhythm<br />
& Blues Cruise<br />
• Living Blues<br />
• Memphis Blues Society<br />
• Memphis Flyer<br />
• Music on the Couch<br />
• MusiCares<br />
• Orpheum Theatre<br />
• Peabody Hotel<br />
• Profound Sound<br />
• River City Productions<br />
• Sleep Inn<br />
• Spring Hill Suites<br />
• St. Blues Guitars<br />
• Tas Cru<br />
• Tater Red’s<br />
• Vine Print Group<br />
• Vista Inn<br />
• VividPix & Design<br />
• Yarbrough’s Music<br />
The Blues Foundation • blues.org 39
Sliding Delta<br />
MIchael Jerome Browne<br />
Montreal<br />
Blues Society<br />
2016HFinalists<br />
Double Live Set<br />
lloyd spiegel<br />
Melbourne Blues<br />
Appreciation Society<br />
Sawdust and Gasoline<br />
Matt Woods<br />
South Skunk<br />
Blues Society<br />
Blues in a Bottle<br />
Rob Lumbard<br />
Central Iowa<br />
Blues Society<br />
Blues for Evangeline<br />
John Maxwell<br />
Golden Gate<br />
Blues Society<br />
Past Best Self-Produced CDs<br />
2005 Crazy, Cryin’ Blues by Robin Rogers and<br />
Silver Bird by Collard Greens & Gravy (tie)<br />
2006 Back in Bluesville by Roxy Perry<br />
2007 We are Mighty Lester by Mighty Lester Band<br />
2008 Sophisticated Ladies by Sue Palmer &<br />
Her Motel Swing Orchestra<br />
2009 Hollerin’ by Nathan James & Ben Hernandez<br />
2010 Crime Scene Queen by The Informants and<br />
Fire it Up! by Laurie Morvan Band (tie)<br />
2011 Get Inside This House by Joe McMurrian<br />
2012 Where I’m Coming From by Dave Keller<br />
2013 Solo Recordings by Steve Hill<br />
2014 Account to Me by Hank Mowery<br />
2015 Cryin’ Mercy by Altered Five Blues Band<br />
In 2005, The Blues Foundation<br />
introduced the Best Self-<br />
Produced CD (BSPCD) contest<br />
as another way to celebrate<br />
up-and-coming artists. Where<br />
the IBC has been the measure<br />
of excellence for a band’s live<br />
performance, the BSPCD title<br />
honors musicians that have<br />
achieved excellence in the studio.<br />
In addition to complementing<br />
the live component of the<br />
International Blues Challenge<br />
weekend, this contest further<br />
emphasizes the critical role of<br />
affiliated societies in the Blues<br />
world. BSPCD entries may only<br />
be submitted by affiliated blues<br />
societies in order to support<br />
and foster local blues. The CDs<br />
are evaluated on: (1) musical<br />
performance; (2) audio quality;<br />
(3) cover art and design; and<br />
(4) credits and liner notes.<br />
Prize Package Includes<br />
+ + Personalized Plaque<br />
+ + $1000 cash<br />
+ + Airplay on Music Choice<br />
+ + PLUS additional airplay on<br />
radio shows hosted by our deejay<br />
judges across the country<br />
and around the world<br />
The Blues Foundation • blues.org 43
Vicksburg Blues Society<br />
Eddie<br />
Cotton<br />
H 2015 IBC Band Winner H<br />
photos by scott allen - vividpix.com<br />
Hello, my name is Eddie Cotton, the 2015 IBC<br />
winner in the band division. I have been playing<br />
the blues professionally all of my adult<br />
life. My band and I have been together since<br />
1996, and we have worked very hard to survive<br />
this long in the business. In 2014 we entered<br />
the Vicksburg Blues Society Blues Challenge<br />
and were chosen to represent the society in<br />
Memphis. I have always stayed away from competitions,<br />
but it felt right this time since we were<br />
already playing in the society’s series at the<br />
Bottleneck Blues Bar in the Ameristar casino.<br />
The first day that we went to register on Beale<br />
Street, I saw hundreds of musicians who were<br />
serious about the music business. I felt at home<br />
because it seemed like a music convention. I felt<br />
an excitement that brought out the fight in me and<br />
set my soul on fire. It was so refreshing to be in<br />
a situation where the musicians were so serious.<br />
It was a different kind of fight this time, because<br />
we were being judged. It wasn’t about the prizes,<br />
but the honor and pride. It tested more than our<br />
playing ability; it also tested our professionalism<br />
and heart. It was war in a fun but serious way. We<br />
enjoyed every round, the brainstorming with musician<br />
friends, meeting so many people we didn’t<br />
know, and playing for fans who came to hear great<br />
music. Every night friends and I would meet in the<br />
Peabody Hotel lobby to discuss strategy; it was<br />
like being in a musical battle. I saw some excellent<br />
musicians, and I had a lot of very important<br />
people—my fans—who knew we were there and<br />
wanted a win, and that gave me inspiration. >><br />
47
It was a very hard competition to win,<br />
because it was not just about being a good<br />
player. I want to say that there are a lot of<br />
great independent artists who have their<br />
eyes on the IBC; it has awakened sleeping<br />
giants. We were blessed to win the IBC, and<br />
I want to thank the festivals that showed<br />
us respect and welcomed us and treated<br />
us like champs. Our album One at a Time<br />
has been nominated for a BMA as Best<br />
New Artist Album, and I would put my band<br />
up against any blues band in the world.<br />
I didn’t say everything I wanted to<br />
say, but let me end with this: just participating<br />
in the IBC was very refreshing,<br />
and winning was like having a medal of<br />
honor. To bring home the gold to my fans<br />
was a feeling that money can’t buy, and<br />
being from the birthplace of the blues<br />
makes it even sweeter. They treated us<br />
like kings, and the IBC is a very important<br />
piece to my puzzle of success.H<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge 49
Cape Fear Blues Society<br />
Randy McQuay<br />
H 2015 IBC Solo/Duo Winner H<br />
photos by scott allen - vividpix.com<br />
2015 has been an extraordinary year.<br />
I have been extremely blessed and<br />
humbled by my experiences as 2015<br />
IBC solo winner. As your winner, I traveled<br />
to over a dozen states and Mexico,<br />
performing at all of the awarded dates<br />
and so many more. It was very important<br />
to me to take advantage of every opportunity<br />
afforded by this achievement.<br />
I never thought for a second that<br />
winning the IBC meant overnight success<br />
or that I would immediately get an<br />
awesome record deal. It actually meant<br />
more work. As I stated in my song “Rehab<br />
Blues,” “It works if you work it!” This applies<br />
to winning the IBC as well. Winning<br />
surely opened many doors and allowed<br />
me to book confidently and with more<br />
success, especially in regions where I<br />
hadn’t traveled previously. I did receive<br />
offers from labels that weren’t right for<br />
me, but it was very nice being considered<br />
and to make those connections.<br />
Ultimately, “2015 International Blues<br />
Challenge winner” has a nice ring to it,<br />
and looks pretty good on paper, too.<br />
The single most important thing<br />
about winning was being recognized<br />
by the judges and fans alike for my efforts<br />
as a songwriter and performer, as<br />
I am very passionate about this music.<br />
Second was the opportunity to get out<br />
there and share my brand of music with<br />
blues fans (the most receptive, grateful,<br />
kind, and caring) from all over the world.<br />
It was an honor and a pleasure to<br />
perform alongside so many other talented<br />
artists at the IBC and after. Being<br />
invited to festivals as a performer also<br />
meant having an all-access pass to see<br />
many of my favorite artists as well. >><br />
55
A few highlights of the year:<br />
• whanging with Lee Oskar at the<br />
Heritage Music BluesFest<br />
• wseeing/meeting many of my favorite<br />
artists (some for the first time)<br />
• wtaking my mom on the road<br />
with me from Memphis to Hot<br />
Springs, Arkansas, then all the<br />
way back to North Carolina<br />
• wperforming in the infield of<br />
Jackie Robinson Ballpark at<br />
the Daytona Blues Festival<br />
• wthe Legendary Rhythm and<br />
Blues Cruise with my fiancée<br />
• wNew Orleans<br />
w<br />
• seeing Allen Toussaint perform<br />
before he passed, RIP.<br />
My sincere huge thanks to The Blues<br />
Foundation, the International Blues<br />
Challenge, and the Cape Fear Blues<br />
Society for your support this year.<br />
Thanks to all of you for listening and<br />
sharing the love of the blues! H<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge 57
In its sixth year, The Blues Foundation’s<br />
Generation Blues program was<br />
able to award nearly $23,000 in<br />
scholarships to young musicians in the<br />
summer of 2015. Here are comments<br />
from a number of the recipients.<br />
Roman Barten-Sherman,<br />
12 (Port Townsend<br />
Acoustic Blues Festival/<br />
Workshop) “This year The<br />
Centrum Acoustic Blues<br />
Workshop was an incredible<br />
life-altering experience not only<br />
in the music I heard performed<br />
by the all-star faculty and the<br />
music I personally learned, but<br />
also in the incredible youth<br />
community…the vibrant community<br />
of youth musicians who<br />
are as excited about learning<br />
this wonderful music as I am,<br />
truly created a unique and<br />
unforgettable experience that I<br />
will carry with me and continue<br />
to learn from all year long.”<br />
Matthew Chalk, 16 (Port<br />
Townsend Acoustic Blues<br />
Festival/Workshop) “This<br />
is the second year that I had<br />
the privilege to receive a<br />
Generation Blues Scholarship.<br />
This year, I attended the Port<br />
Townsend Acoustic Blues<br />
Festival/Workshop, and it was<br />
a week that I will never forget.”<br />
Ricky Cordner, 14<br />
(Fernando Jones-Nashville)<br />
“One of my favorite parts of<br />
the camp was when we went<br />
to BMI. I got to learn how musicians<br />
made money and met<br />
Gil Gann and former B.B. King<br />
bassist Micheal Doster.”<br />
Michael Czubaj, 15<br />
(Pinetop Perkins<br />
Masterclass<br />
Workshop)<br />
“This workshop<br />
gave me the<br />
opportunity to<br />
play and meet<br />
Victor<br />
Wainwright<br />
& Michael<br />
Czubaj<br />
great musicians including Victor<br />
Wainwright, John Del Toro<br />
Richardson, Gary Allegretto and<br />
Bob Margolin. Playing Ground<br />
Zero that Friday night truly and<br />
honestly changed my life. I<br />
met Morgan Freeman, who not<br />
only loved all the young artists’<br />
performances but told me how<br />
much he liked my playing!”<br />
Radka Kasparcova, 16<br />
(Berklee Guitar Sessions)<br />
“This camp kept young musicians<br />
busy with things to do<br />
from 10am to 10:30pm with<br />
classes, ensemble practices,<br />
clinics, performances,<br />
and jams of all varieties.<br />
I got the<br />
chance to play<br />
with guitarists my<br />
age from all over<br />
the world, and<br />
learn from actual<br />
college professors<br />
what the music<br />
world is like and how<br />
to improve one’s playing<br />
skills and musicianship.”<br />
Port Townsend Centrum Acoustic Blues<br />
Workshop Participants; Christopher<br />
Wesley, Isaac Hollandsworth, Roman<br />
Barten-Sherman & Savanna Coen<br />
Eryn Kelly, 19 (Roots Rock<br />
Revival) “Being there was like<br />
the perfect dream; the mountains<br />
all around, the rivers, the<br />
colorful flowers, the soft air,<br />
great music. I learned about<br />
being confident as a performer<br />
and about respect for all of<br />
life, not just music. My favorite<br />
H G ENERATION BLUES H 63
moment happened the last<br />
night of Roots. I got to get up on<br />
stage and perform “I’d Rather<br />
Go Blind” by Etta James with<br />
my brother, Luther, Butch, Valor<br />
Trucks, and Roosevelt Collier.<br />
It was truly liberating to do<br />
that in front of my parents and<br />
friends and everyone there.”<br />
David Julia, 14 (Fur Peace<br />
Ranch) “I was little nervous<br />
about being the youngest and<br />
least experienced musician.<br />
I was greeted at the ranch<br />
by two of the nicest guys I’ve<br />
ever met, Brett Thompson and<br />
John Hurlbut and they made<br />
me feel relaxed and comfortable,<br />
showed me around then<br />
introduced me to my instructor<br />
Bob Margolin. To my surprise I<br />
fit in quite nicely and felt really<br />
comfortable, Bob is quite a<br />
character and really knows how<br />
to make learning fun. My experiences<br />
at Fur Peace Ranch<br />
were extremely helpful in my<br />
playing, writing and interaction<br />
with other Musicians and I can’t<br />
thank the Blues Foundation<br />
and Generation Blues enough<br />
for their sponsorship.”<br />
Leilani Kilgore, 18 (Blues<br />
U) “My experience at the Blues<br />
U camp taught me how to collaborate,<br />
exercise creativity<br />
to aid in the development of<br />
David Julia gets a lesson from<br />
Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin at<br />
Fur Peace Ranch<br />
a song, work outside of my<br />
comfort zone, and utilize the<br />
knowledge I gained throughout<br />
my time there. I was given<br />
the opportunity to learn from<br />
and work with numerous professional<br />
musicians, who all<br />
acted as mentors in the education<br />
and musical growth of<br />
the students at the camp.”<br />
Jake Kulak, 15 (Pinetop<br />
Perkins Masterclass<br />
Workshop) “The Shack Up<br />
Inn is the coolest place to<br />
immerse yourself in studying<br />
the blues. Nightly jams at<br />
the Hopson Commissary were<br />
amazing! On the final night, we<br />
had a great show at the famous<br />
Ground Zero Blues Club,<br />
attended by none other than<br />
Morgan Freeman. Every year<br />
I come here and can’t believe<br />
how lucky I am to be a part of<br />
this amazing experience.”<br />
Cole Layman, 17 (Berklee<br />
Roots Weekend) “You guys<br />
have provided Logan and I with<br />
a huge start in not only the<br />
Blues scene, but the Music<br />
Industry, and we couldn’t<br />
thank you enough for that!”<br />
Zachary Salsberry, 15<br />
(Berklee Guitar Sessions)<br />
“Not only were my peers at the<br />
camp an interesting experience<br />
in themselves,<br />
but attending<br />
the camp<br />
allowed me to<br />
tour Berklee’s<br />
campus, see<br />
Boston, and<br />
meet some of<br />
the most highly<br />
acclaimed professors<br />
in the<br />
music industry.”<br />
other scholarship<br />
recipients include<br />
Roots Rock Revival<br />
William Ian Kelly, 16<br />
Grace Kuch, 11<br />
Sean Carney Camp Blues<br />
Calvin Kinateder, 13<br />
DaShawn Charlton, 14<br />
Ian Matthew Harper, 17<br />
Austin Johnson, 17<br />
Berklee Roots Weekend<br />
Logan Layman, 14<br />
Uptown Music Collective<br />
Sydney Powell, 17<br />
Mitchell Gartner, 16<br />
Chloe Taylor, 15<br />
Pinetop Perkins<br />
Masterclass Workshop<br />
Kelsey Carlisle, 14<br />
Carson Diersing, 17<br />
Fernando Jones-Nashville<br />
Samuel Girmai-Jones, 15<br />
Brandon Pettiford, 15<br />
Fernando Jones-Chicago<br />
Jared Hernandez, 7<br />
Fernando Jones-Miami<br />
Maximillian Hernandez, 12<br />
Port Townsend Acoustic<br />
Blues Festival/Workshop<br />
Isaac Hollandsworth, 17<br />
Christopher Wesley, 17<br />
Savanna Coen, 16<br />
The Blues Foundation again will be awarding scholarships for 2016 summer camps.<br />
Participation is open to anyone under the age of 21. Applications are available<br />
at blues.org and must be received on or before March 15, 2016. Please consider<br />
helping a young blues performer by making a donation to Generation Blues.<br />
H G ENERATION BLUES H 65
Keeping the<br />
BLUES Alive<br />
2016 Award Recipients<br />
The Blues Foundation will honor 15 individuals<br />
and organizations with its 2016 Keeping<br />
the Blues Alive Awards during a recognition<br />
luncheon Friday, January 29, 2016, in<br />
Memphis, Tennessee. Each year, The Blues<br />
Foundation presents the KBA Awards to individuals<br />
and organizations that have made<br />
significant contributions to blues music.<br />
Unlike the Blues Music Awards, recognizing<br />
the past year’s best in recordings and<br />
performance voted on by thousands of The<br />
Blues Foundation’s members, the KBAs are<br />
awarded to non-performers strictly on the<br />
basis of merit by a select panel of Blues professionals<br />
who work actively to promote and<br />
document the music. Noted educator, author,<br />
journalist, and KBA Committee Chairman Art<br />
Tipaldi notes, “this year, the Board eliminated<br />
KBA categories as a way for the Committee to<br />
honor individuals who have excelled in a<br />
variety of KBA categories. Thus the slate<br />
of 15 winners includes individuals who<br />
have made a difference with their<br />
lengthy commitments to the blues.<br />
At the same time, the Committee<br />
made sure to continue to recognize<br />
larger, comprehensive<br />
entities like an affiliated<br />
organization, a North<br />
American festival, an<br />
International festival,<br />
a blues club, a record<br />
label, and a<br />
blues radio.”<br />
Chenango<br />
Blues Festival<br />
The Chenango Blues<br />
Festival was first held<br />
24 years ago, and has<br />
been run ever since by<br />
largely the same group<br />
of committed blues fans,<br />
supplemented by some<br />
new younger members.<br />
The nonprofit group has<br />
no paid positions and<br />
takes a “by fans, for fans” approach to all of<br />
its activities. The festival features continuous<br />
music on two stages, on-site camping, and a<br />
free Friday opening night. It was headlined in<br />
its first year by Anson Funderburgh with Sam<br />
Myers; other artists who have appeared include<br />
Luther Allison, Koko Taylor, Rod Piazza,<br />
Irma Thomas, the North Mississippi All-<br />
Stars, Dick Waterman, the Fabulous<br />
Thunderbirds, and many more. The<br />
festival is always two weekends before<br />
Labor Day at the Chenango<br />
County Fairgrounds in Norwich,<br />
New York, and its many regular<br />
fans look forward to this late<br />
summer stop on the festival<br />
circuit. The Chenango<br />
Blues Association also<br />
runs a Free Thursdays<br />
concert series in July<br />
and August. H<br />
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE 71
Noel Hayes<br />
Noel Hayes has been<br />
a blues patron since<br />
he first heard Charlie<br />
Musselwhite live in<br />
1977. As a result of<br />
his extensive blues<br />
knowledge, in 1985<br />
Hayes was asked to<br />
play music from his<br />
collection on listenersupported<br />
KPOO radio and talk about the<br />
artists. He has hosted his own live-streamed<br />
show on Wednesday mornings since 2000.<br />
Working tirelessly to bring blues to the Bay<br />
Area and beyond, Hayes has brought many<br />
musicians to San Francisco, inviting them to<br />
stay at his home to ease their financial burden,<br />
getting them gigs, and helping to back<br />
several recordings. Hayes has interviewed<br />
Floyd Dixon, Gatemouth Brown, Honeyboy<br />
Edwards, Ruth Brown, Howard Tate, Johnny<br />
Copeland, Elvin Bishop, Joe Louis Walker,<br />
Mighty Sam McClain, Denise LaSalle, and<br />
many other musicians. He has also emceed<br />
several IBC events for the Golden Gate<br />
Blues Society, and was the Bay Area Blues<br />
Society’s Blues DJ of the Year in 2008. H<br />
Eric Suher<br />
In 1983, while still<br />
in high school, Eric<br />
Suher began working<br />
in various roles<br />
for the New Rhythm<br />
and Blues Quartet,<br />
launching a promoting<br />
career that has<br />
spanned four decades.<br />
In 1995 Suher<br />
purchased the Iron Horse Music Hall in<br />
downtown Northampton, Massachusetts,<br />
to ensure its continued place in the community,<br />
and shortly thereafter he also purchased<br />
and renovated the historic Calvin<br />
Theater (built in 1924) and Pearl Street<br />
Nightclub. As steward of these three venues,<br />
Suher has kept this small New England<br />
college town on the map for the live blues<br />
circuit. The walls of the 170-seat Iron Horse<br />
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE 73
have many stories to tell, having witnessed<br />
performances by a who’s who of the blues,<br />
including veterans such as Willie Dixon,<br />
Honeyboy Edwards, Johnny Winter, Koko<br />
Taylor, Hubert Sumlin, Mose Allison, and the<br />
Fabulous Thunderbirds, as well as newer<br />
names on the scene such as Shemekia<br />
Copeland, Albert Cummings, and Samantha<br />
Fish. When the Horse couldn’t hold ’em,<br />
the 1,300-seat Calvin Theater has accommodated<br />
larger crowds for legends such as<br />
B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’,<br />
Warren Haynes, Kenny Wayne Shepherd,<br />
Jonny Lang, and Robert Cray—but nothing<br />
beats great live blues music up close and<br />
personal at the Iron Horse. H<br />
Sharon<br />
McConnell-<br />
Dickerson<br />
Sharon McConnell-<br />
Dickerson’s life<br />
masks of legendary<br />
blues musicians form<br />
a stunning collection<br />
that celebrates the<br />
trailblazers of the<br />
music. The 59 Blues<br />
Legends life masks<br />
capture every facial<br />
nuance and detail. Othar Turner, Sam Carr,<br />
Dorothy Moore, Jessie Mae Hemphill, Little<br />
Milton, R.L. Burnside, James Cotton, Robert<br />
Jr. Lockwood, Taj Mahal, Pinetop Perkins,<br />
Hubert Sumlin, Henry Townsend, Charlie<br />
Musselwhite, Bobby Rush, Bobby “Blue”<br />
Bland, Koko Taylor, and Odetta are among<br />
the legendary performers whose masks<br />
McConnell-Dickerson has lovingly created.<br />
This was all accomplished as she was losing<br />
her sight. Since 2005, McConnell-Dickerson<br />
has shared her exhibit with galleries and<br />
blues festivals around the world, including<br />
the National Civil Rights Museum and the<br />
Blues Music Awards, both in 2009. A large<br />
part of her collection will be on display at<br />
The Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame<br />
beginning in December of 2015. H<br />
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE 75
Central Iowa<br />
Blues Society<br />
The Central Iowa<br />
Blues Society was<br />
founded in October<br />
1992 and has been<br />
affiliated with The<br />
Blues Foundation<br />
since 1993. During<br />
the course of its existence,<br />
the society<br />
has weathered many<br />
storms, including crises of finances, membership,<br />
and leadership, and had watched<br />
countless partnerships, programs, venues,<br />
blues acts, and members come and go,<br />
but, standing the test of time, the CIBS<br />
has remained committed to the same purposes<br />
and goals for which it was formed.<br />
Its programs include the Winter Blues Fest,<br />
which began in 1994 and brings national<br />
and local musicians together at various indoor<br />
venues during the winter months, and<br />
the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame, which since<br />
1999 has inducted 59 deserving blues<br />
artists and industry supporters with Iowa<br />
ties. The Iowa Blues Challenge began in<br />
1994, and has been produced in cooperation<br />
with other Iowa blues societies since<br />
1997. It was such a successful model that<br />
in 1999 The Blues Foundation adopted<br />
much of Iowa’s challenge format for the<br />
International Blues Challenge. The CIBS<br />
is very proud of the many partnerships it<br />
has formed throughout the years with area<br />
charitable and community groups to help<br />
support worthy causes while spreading the<br />
news about the blues. H<br />
Though he’s a worldclass<br />
photographer<br />
and writer, Fred<br />
Delforge is best<br />
known for developing<br />
his website, zicazic.<br />
com, 15 years ago as<br />
a portal to promote<br />
all forms of blues and<br />
other musical styles<br />
Fred Delforge<br />
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE 77
to his European audience. His site includes<br />
new reviews of more than 750 CDs and<br />
more than 400 live reports every year from<br />
volunteers around the world who attend festivals,<br />
the IBC, the BMAs, and the European<br />
Blues Challenge, and who report daily activity.<br />
From a modest 1,000 visitors a month<br />
when the site began, it grew to 30,000 four<br />
years later and then to 100,000 at its peak.<br />
Then seven years ago Delforge created a<br />
new team for ZicaZic, which now includes<br />
15 photographers, writers, and web engineers.<br />
In addition to being a writer and photographer<br />
for his site, Delforge has been a<br />
member of the European Blues Union board<br />
of directors for four years. In 2011 Delforge<br />
and others co-founded France Blues, and<br />
with the ZicaZic team he tried to create a<br />
website as efficient as possible for this<br />
new association. After only one year, the<br />
site boasted more than 20,000 visitors a<br />
month; after four years, it reached 65,000<br />
a month. H<br />
Todd Glazer<br />
Todd Glazer is not<br />
only the leader in<br />
blues music radio<br />
promotion—publicizing<br />
new releases for<br />
radio airplay and exposure—he<br />
was the<br />
first in the business.<br />
Todd started promoting<br />
blues albums to<br />
radio more than 20 years ago, setting the<br />
bar for everyone who has followed. His radio<br />
campaigns include work for the Grammynominated<br />
music of Buddy Guy, Gregg<br />
Allman, Warren Haynes, Ruthie Foster, and<br />
others, as well as Blues Music Award winners<br />
such as Janiva Magness, John Németh,<br />
Ronnie Earl, Johnny Rawls, and many, many<br />
more. Todd has worked for record labels,<br />
including 14 years with Stony Plain, and<br />
he handles individual artists with a limited<br />
budget. Ask blues musicians who promotes<br />
their music to radio programmers, and you<br />
will hear Todd Glazer’s name over and over.<br />
In addition to making sure his clients get<br />
the proper airplay and exposure through<br />
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE 79
his work with Todd Glazer Promotions, he<br />
also hosted The Twilight Show, a popular<br />
blues radio show in Anchorage, Alaska, for<br />
14 years. Glazer has also worked pro bono<br />
to promote the online pay-per-view Raise<br />
the Roof fundraising campaign, and helped<br />
promote the Blue Star Connection’s concert<br />
at Knuckleheads and charity CD release.<br />
Cahors Blues Festival<br />
The Cahors Blues<br />
Festival, founded<br />
in 1982, is the oldest<br />
blues festival in<br />
France. Its founder<br />
was Gerard Tertre,<br />
who passed away in<br />
2002. Known throughout<br />
Europe, this July<br />
festival has attracted<br />
several thousand people to each of its evening<br />
main-stage concerts. It has introduced<br />
to the public many little-known or unknown<br />
artists through its talent competition, and<br />
it continues to pursue its goal of promoting<br />
Delta blues and blues music in general.<br />
In 2006 Robert Mauries joined the festival<br />
as president and CEO and continued with<br />
Tertre’s vision. Now more than 20,000 people<br />
attend the festival each year. Its dozen<br />
free afternoon concerts and those on the<br />
café terraces give Cahors the look of a town<br />
in the Mississippi Delta. The main-stage<br />
concerts welcome the most talented Delta<br />
bluesmen and Memphis artists. In 2014<br />
Cahors was granted a Mississippi Blues<br />
Trail marker, the second in Europe. Johnny<br />
Winter’s last performance was on the<br />
Cahors Blues Stage in 2014, and the next<br />
year Mauries had a street in Cahors named<br />
in memory of Johnny Winter. In February<br />
2015 the European Blues Union recognized<br />
Mauries for the Cahors Blues Festival with<br />
the Behind the Stage European Award. H<br />
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE 81
Yellow Dog Records<br />
Yellow Dog Records<br />
was founded in<br />
2002 in Memphis,<br />
Tennessee, by<br />
Michael Powers, with<br />
the goal of cultivating<br />
the American musical<br />
heritage. Named<br />
after the famous<br />
Delta train that W.C.<br />
Handy was waiting for in Tutwiler when he<br />
first heard the blues in 1903, the label<br />
features artists who emphasize innovative<br />
approaches to authentic American musical<br />
roots traditions—blues, jazz, soul, and<br />
Americana styles. By providing support for<br />
recording, production, promotion, and distribution,<br />
Yellow Dog Records brings this<br />
vital music to new and wider audiences.<br />
Artists including Eden Brent, Colin Linden,<br />
The Soul of John Black, Cassie Taylor, Fiona<br />
Boyes, Mary Flower, and others who make<br />
up the label’s extensive roster have been<br />
nominated for more than 30 Blues Music<br />
Awards. Current releases include albums<br />
by the Claudettes and the Ragpicker String<br />
Band with Mary Flower, Rich DelGrosso, and<br />
Martin Grosswendt. H<br />
Erik Lindahl<br />
Erik Lindahl was<br />
born in 1952 and<br />
lives in Sweden’s<br />
second-largest city,<br />
Gothenburg. He is<br />
a photographer and<br />
has focused on blues<br />
musicians and their<br />
environments since<br />
the early 1970s. Erik<br />
has documented the blues in Mississippi,<br />
Texas, Louisiana, St. Louis, Memphis, and<br />
Los Angeles, as well as clubs on Chicago’s<br />
West Side and South Side. Erik likes the<br />
atmosphere of black and white to catch<br />
the musicians and also the clubs where<br />
they perform and their patrons. The world’s<br />
oldest blues magazine, Jefferson (founded<br />
in 1968), has featured Lindahl’s photos<br />
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE 83
through the years. In 2008 Lindahl published<br />
the critically acclaimed photography<br />
book Blue Shots. It consists of 100 pictures<br />
of blues musicians, captured both at work<br />
onstage and in their everyday lives with<br />
friends and at home with their families. The<br />
book is more than just portraits of artists;<br />
it also captures who they are. H<br />
Radio Station KZUM<br />
KZUM, the oldest independent,<br />
noncommercial,<br />
listenersponsored<br />
radio<br />
station in Nebraska,<br />
has been bringing<br />
the blues to Lincoln<br />
since 1978. The<br />
air staff consists of<br />
around 90 volunteer<br />
programmers who work hard to bring great<br />
shows to the airwaves every week. There<br />
is a variety of popular programming on<br />
KZUM, but the blues content is perhaps<br />
what is most closely associated with the<br />
station. KZUM has consistently put the<br />
blues at the forefront of its diverse schedule,<br />
having long dedicated afternoon drivetime<br />
programming to the blues. Each week<br />
includes 28 hours of blues programming,<br />
along with many more hours of roots-music<br />
programs that include a healthy dose<br />
of the blues. The station’s commitment to<br />
the genre extends beyond the airwaves,<br />
as KZUM has served for many years as<br />
the nonprofit partner for ZooFest, the Zoo<br />
Bar’s annual multi-day outdoor blues festival<br />
in the streets of downtown Lincoln, and<br />
has worked for the last two years to host<br />
a free community concert series in a local<br />
park. As the region’s only outlet for regularly<br />
aired blues and roots music, KZUM<br />
continues to work hard to preserve and<br />
develop the fertile music scene in southeastern<br />
Nebraska. H<br />
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE 85
Scott Cvelbar<br />
Scott Cvelbar is an<br />
eighth-grade U.S.<br />
History teacher who<br />
has been establishing<br />
a blues culture<br />
in his community<br />
through the Blues<br />
Project, a Blues in<br />
the Schools program<br />
at Benjamin Franklin<br />
Middle School in Valparaiso, Indiana. The<br />
Blues Project is a six-week education program<br />
that employs music instruction, history,<br />
and public performance. At the end of<br />
the program, students showcase their skills<br />
at a community-wide concert, performing<br />
alongside their peers, community members,<br />
and professional musicians. Since 2007<br />
more than 1,000 students ages 9 to 18<br />
have passed through the project, learning<br />
about the music, personalities, geography,<br />
and cultural significance of the blues.<br />
Because there is no blues club within a 40-<br />
mile radius, Cvelbar’s Blues Project is the<br />
heartbeat of blues culture in northwestern<br />
Indiana. H<br />
Darwin’s Burgers<br />
and Blues<br />
Darwin’s Burgers is<br />
not big and it is not<br />
glitzy. It’s a little old<br />
house bursting with<br />
good food and fantastic<br />
blues music.<br />
Founded in 1995, it<br />
was the home of the<br />
blues in Atlanta. After<br />
it took an economic<br />
stumble in the early years of the 21st century,<br />
Lindsay Wine and Jonathon Akin purchased<br />
the venue in 2011, invested time<br />
and money, and brought the club back to its<br />
original juke-joint popularity. Today Darwin’s<br />
hosts the best local bands and the best<br />
touring acts coming through Atlanta, and<br />
2013 International Blues Challenge solo/<br />
duo winner Little G Weevil, plays monthly.<br />
The blues jams during the week attract the<br />
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE 87
est local musicians and allow new players<br />
to be heard. Because of the mix of young<br />
musicians and older, established groups,<br />
the club attracts people of all ages. Thanks<br />
to the determination and dedication of one<br />
young couple, their friends and staff, and a<br />
lot of people who love Darwin’s, the place<br />
looks set to continue keeping the blues<br />
alive in Metro Atlanta for many years to<br />
come! H<br />
Alan Govenar<br />
Alan Govenar is an<br />
award-winning writer,<br />
folklorist, photographer,<br />
and filmmaker.<br />
He is a Guggenheim<br />
Fellow and is president<br />
of Documentary<br />
Arts, a nonprofit organization<br />
he founded<br />
in 1985 to present<br />
new perspectives on historical issues<br />
and diverse cultures. Govenar received<br />
a B.A. from Ohio State University, an M.A.<br />
from the University of Texas at Austin, and<br />
a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at<br />
Dallas. He is the author of twenty-seven<br />
books, including Texas Blues: The Rise of<br />
a Contemporary Sound (ARSC Award for<br />
Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound<br />
Research), Deep Ellum: The Other Side of<br />
Dallas (co-authored with Jay Brakefield),<br />
Stompin’ at the Savoy, The Early Years<br />
of Rhythm and Blues, Lightnin’ Hopkins:<br />
His Life and Blues (ARSC Award for Best<br />
History in Music), and Osceola: Memories<br />
of a Sharecropper’s Daughter (First Place,<br />
New York Book Festival for Children’s Non-<br />
Fiction). Govenar’s feature-length documentaries,<br />
The Beat Hotel, Master Qi and the<br />
Monkey King, and You Don’t Need Feet to<br />
Dance, are distributed by First Run Features.<br />
The off-Broadway premiere of Govenar’s<br />
new musical Texas in Paris garnered rave<br />
reviews in the New York Times and the<br />
Huffington Post, and was nominated for a<br />
Lortel award and four Audelco awards. H<br />
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE 89
Greg Johnson<br />
For the past 14-plus<br />
years, Greg “Slim<br />
Lively” Johnson has<br />
been president of<br />
the Cascade Blues<br />
Association, one of<br />
the oldest (founded<br />
in 1986) and largest<br />
affiliated blues societies.<br />
He’s also the<br />
principal writer and staff photographer of<br />
the society’s newsletter, and the co-author<br />
of the book Blues on Beale Street: Memoirs<br />
of the International Blues Challenge. He<br />
lives in Portland, Oregon, and helps touring<br />
artists who come through the Pacific<br />
Northwest find venues within the region,<br />
often assisting with housing and equipment<br />
needs. He has booked such acts as Hubert<br />
Sumlin, Paul Oscher, Phillip Walker, Robert<br />
Jr. Lockwood, and many past IBC participants.<br />
He is always willing to offer fundraising<br />
assistance within his region as well.<br />
But that’s not all; Johnson has been an IBC<br />
volunteer since 2003, and in recent years<br />
has been Joe Whitmer’s right-hand man at<br />
both the IBC and the BMAs. He currently<br />
manages the Club 152 stage at the IBC,<br />
and he’s the backstage manager for the<br />
Blues Music Awards, working from before<br />
the show begins until long after it’s over. H<br />
The Blues Store<br />
www.blues.org<br />
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE 91
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
The 519 Band<br />
Canada South<br />
Blues Society<br />
The 519 Band is a seven-piece ensemble<br />
based in Windsor, Ontario.<br />
It plays material from a cross section<br />
of soul/blues and rock/blues<br />
styles. The group generates a full<br />
sound from its energetic and assertive<br />
rhythm section and vocals<br />
combined with prominent horn<br />
accompaniment. The band members<br />
are Jamie Thompson, lead<br />
vocal and lead guitar; Kevin Blok,<br />
rhythm guitar and backup vocals;<br />
Rob Balint, bass guitar and<br />
backup vocals; Brian Jones, keyboards;<br />
Steve Johnson, drums;<br />
Carl Helbich, synth horn; and<br />
David Belch, saxophone. All of the<br />
band members love variety in song<br />
selection, and the goal is always<br />
to entertain through the depth<br />
and layers of instrumentation.<br />
A Different<br />
Shade of Blue<br />
Vicksburg Blues Society<br />
At 16, Tom Penton threw down<br />
the gauntlet when he painted a<br />
mural of Stevie Ray Vaughn in<br />
the hallway at his school. A collaboration<br />
that began in 2013,<br />
this band is dedicated to becoming<br />
a top blues act. The group’s<br />
style, steeped in classic blues, is<br />
edgy and fresh. Their traditional<br />
call and response, with a contemporary<br />
kick, keeps the crowd juking.<br />
All the members bring years<br />
of experience in several genres,<br />
and each is a fine result of growing<br />
up with families grounded in<br />
music. Led by guitarist, writer, and<br />
vocalist Tom Penton, the group includes<br />
his cousin Wayne Penton<br />
on bass, classically trained pianist<br />
Jim Grantham on keyboards, and<br />
Devyn Poole adding flair on drums.<br />
Altered Five<br />
Blues Band<br />
Grafton Blues Association<br />
The Milwaukee-based Altered Five<br />
Blues Band performs a delectable<br />
brew of original, contemporary<br />
blues that Living Blues magazine<br />
proclaims is “turning heads across<br />
the Midwest.” The quintet’s third<br />
album, Cryin’ Mercy, reached No.<br />
3 in the iTunes blues store, hit No.<br />
1 on the Roots Music Report blues<br />
album chart, and won Best Self-<br />
Produced CD at the 2015 International<br />
Blues Challenge. According<br />
to the Minneapolis Star Tribune,<br />
front man Jeff Taylor’s voice is<br />
“gloriously gritty.” Downbeat raves<br />
that Jeff Schroedl’s “high-wire guitar<br />
reaches the high bar of mixed<br />
invention and fluidity,” while Blues<br />
Bytes magazine says the group<br />
features “the funkiest rhythm<br />
section outside of Memphis.”<br />
The Amy Ryan Band<br />
Capital Region<br />
Blues Network<br />
Witnessing Amy Ryan’s solo performances<br />
at open-mic sessions,<br />
guitarist Richard Green saw an<br />
opportunity to combine his own<br />
blues guitar chops with a gutsy female<br />
singer with the potential to<br />
lead a great blues band. The Amy<br />
Ryan Band was soon born. Melding<br />
Ryan’s country blues mojo<br />
and Green’s urban blues sensibilities,<br />
this musical partnership<br />
has been rounded out by the addition<br />
of Eric Miller and Steve<br />
Collins on bass and drums, respectively,<br />
whose jazz, funk, and<br />
rock capabilities complete a great<br />
band. With a repertoire that includes<br />
band adaptations of Amy’s<br />
self-penned solo tunes, new band<br />
originals, and select covers, the<br />
Amy Ryan Band rocks the blues.<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
BANDS H 97
Anthony “Swamp<br />
Dog” Clark<br />
Central Delaware<br />
Blues Society<br />
Arsen Shomakhov<br />
White Rock Blues Society<br />
through in their unique and entertaining<br />
sound. Soulful vocals<br />
and solid guitar riffs make this<br />
band a force to be reckoned with!<br />
Bill Miller Band<br />
Charlotte Blues Society<br />
The Bill Miller Band, 2012 and<br />
2015 quarterfinalist at the International<br />
Blues Challenge and<br />
2013 Charlotte Music Awards<br />
Blues Band of the Year, is sure to<br />
get you moving to its high-powered,<br />
contemporary interpretation<br />
of vintage blues. Father and<br />
son share vocals, with Bill III on<br />
guitar and Bill Jr. on harmonica.<br />
Mike Peters handles the keys.<br />
Randall Cowles holds down the<br />
bottom, while Stuart Sullivan provides<br />
the beat. They’ve been<br />
exciting audiences in the southeastern<br />
U.S. with their high-energy<br />
shows since 2006. The recipe for<br />
their blues is to mix Chicago with<br />
a bit of Texas and some Southern<br />
rock, and add a whole lot of<br />
their own passion and drive.<br />
The Blue Dirt<br />
Daredevils<br />
Wichita Blues Society<br />
A new kind of thunder is emerging<br />
out of the great Kansas<br />
plains. The Blue Dirt Daredevils<br />
have only recently presented<br />
their music, but the true blue<br />
sound of Texas songwriter Lynn<br />
Avants is already turning heads.<br />
Avants is joined by veteran musicians<br />
Sloan Tash, Aaron Underwood,<br />
and Lawrence Sanders, and<br />
the Wichita Blues Society will be<br />
well represented by this group.<br />
The Blues Crusaders<br />
The Blues Alliance of<br />
the Treasure Coast<br />
The Blues Crusaders are a threepiece<br />
band who play blues at its<br />
finest. They emulate the sounds<br />
of a bygone era, while interpreting<br />
the music from their own unique<br />
perspective. There is no shortage<br />
of excitement as the band<br />
weaves in and out of all the different<br />
feels of this diverse genre.<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
BANDS H 99
y his teens he was focusing on<br />
The band captivates audiences sota, in the mid-’70 s, and eventually<br />
100 H BANDS The Blues Foundation • blues.org while staying true to the original<br />
moved to Indiana to work<br />
100 H art form. Whether it be jump with a show band there. She<br />
or Chicago/country blues, the moved to Missouri in the early<br />
Blues Crusaders do a tremendous<br />
’90s to sing and play drums in<br />
job of sharing their excit-<br />
a Branson show. There she met<br />
ing take on these blues gems! her longtime partner and guitar<br />
player, Burl Williams, who introduced<br />
her to the blues style<br />
Blues Expressions of music. Together they formed<br />
Prairie Crossroads a local blues band, which Meyer<br />
Blues Society<br />
says has been the most fulfilling<br />
Blues Expressions was formed in genre of music in her singing experience.<br />
2007 by bassist Adrian Muex Sr.<br />
She now fronts her band,<br />
The band performs a variety of performing a blend of traditional<br />
blues with a twist that leaves a and rock-style blues featuring<br />
lasting impression. Members include<br />
slide guitar on her original songs.<br />
Charles Tiner on keys and<br />
vocals, John Virgin on lead guitar,<br />
Muex on bass guitar, Marcus Bridget Kelly Band<br />
Taylor on drums, Archer Logan<br />
North Central Florida<br />
on sax, and Shayla Logan on<br />
Blues Society<br />
sax. The band is led by front man Inspired by classic and electric<br />
Tony Young, who provides an experience<br />
blues, the Bridget Kelly Band<br />
that is unmatched. (2015 IBC semifinalists) have<br />
placed their unique stamp on the<br />
genre with high-energy performances<br />
that blend Texas blues<br />
Bobby BlackHat Band<br />
Natchel’ Blues Network with various Southern blues traditions.<br />
The sultry vocals of Bridget<br />
Bobby “BlackHat” Walters, coastal<br />
Virginia blues recording artist, Kelly and incendiary lead guitar<br />
harp player, vocalist, songwriter, work of Tim Fik forge a signature<br />
and actor, has been playing harp sound, held together by drummer<br />
for over 40 years and is a retired Alex Klausner and bassist Mark<br />
Coast Guard officer. Band members<br />
include Walters (harp, vo-<br />
in Blues CD was a top-four pick<br />
Armbrecht. The group’s Forever<br />
cals), Tom Euler (guitar), Michael by the International Blues Broadcasters<br />
Association, and No. 1 on<br />
Behlmar (drums), and Von Jose<br />
Roberts (bass). Bobby BlackHat the blues debut chart, with airplay<br />
on Sirius XM and blues radio<br />
performs original, classic, and contemporary<br />
blues tunes that will shows around the globe. The<br />
keep your toes tappin’ and your Bridget Kelly Band ranked No. 3 in<br />
hips shakin’ all night long. Walters<br />
has released five albums, and ducted by Blues-E-News magazine.<br />
a 2015 Women in Music poll con-<br />
his song “I Hear Mama’s Voice”<br />
won the 2012 Blewzzy Award for<br />
Celso Salim<br />
Song of the Year. His latest release<br />
is titled Accidental Blues. The<br />
Southern California<br />
Blues Society<br />
Bobby BlackHat Band advanced<br />
to the 2015 IBC semifinals. Brazilian guitarist Celso Salim is<br />
a rare example of a performer<br />
Brenda Meyer Band<br />
who can effortlessly cross genre<br />
boundaries to create something<br />
Buffalo River<br />
that is personal and compelling.<br />
Blues Society<br />
His music takes on a bevy of<br />
Brenda Meyer and her band have genres, mixing deep blues with<br />
been serving up the blues for over hints of jazz, soul, honky-tonk,<br />
15 years. Meyer started singing and even touches of classic rock.<br />
and playing drums with her first He is a modern bluesman rooted<br />
band, from Rochester, Minne-<br />
in the past. Salim started playing<br />
guitar at the age of 6, and<br />
early blues artists. At age 17 he<br />
moved to the United States, where<br />
he studied a variety of American<br />
styles. Now, with five solo albums<br />
out, Salim has established<br />
a solid and productive career, becoming<br />
one of the busiest and<br />
most respected blues artists residing<br />
in Southern California.<br />
Charlie Love and the<br />
Silky Smooth Band<br />
Windy City Blues Society<br />
Charlie Love’s blues-loving parents<br />
introduced him to blues at<br />
an early age. Born on Chicago’s<br />
gritty South Side in 1956, Love<br />
celebrates the human spirit with<br />
his music. His silky smooth vocals<br />
confirm for his audiences that<br />
blues is one of life’s great elixirs,<br />
simultaneously healing what ails<br />
you and touching you spiritually.<br />
Charlie Love and the Silky Smooth<br />
Band, a mainstay of Chicago’s<br />
vibrant blues community, offers<br />
audiences 100 percent authentic<br />
Chicago blues. Equally comfortable<br />
on guitar and harmonica,<br />
Love has a repertoire that spans<br />
a wide range, from soul-drenched<br />
blues to house-rockin’ boogie.<br />
Whenever this consummate showman<br />
is in the house, the audience<br />
just can’t stay in their seats.<br />
The Chris Canas Band<br />
Detroit Blues Society<br />
The Chris Canas Band brings you<br />
classic and soul-infused blues<br />
from the Midwest. Influenced by<br />
the blues masters of old, the CCB<br />
is keeping the blues alive all over<br />
Michigan and beyond by writing<br />
and arranging music that honors<br />
the traditional roots of the<br />
past with the unique Chris Canas<br />
style. Whether dark, playful, or<br />
in-your-face jammin’, this band<br />
sets the mood and commands<br />
attention when headlining festivals<br />
and venues. CCB members<br />
add their special touch to create<br />
a dynamic mix onstage for the<br />
blues to move you inside and out.<br />
Canas leads the pack on lead guitar<br />
and vocals, with Kevin Schoepke<br />
on bass, Chris Nordman on<br />
piano and organ, Michael Scott on<br />
drums, and Angie C. on vocals.<br />
Christine Jude and<br />
the Gentlemen Callers<br />
Oklahoma Blues Society<br />
Christine Jude’s powerful voice<br />
and magnetic stage presence have<br />
made her a mainstay of the Tulsa<br />
rock scene throughout the early<br />
2000s. After growing weary of the<br />
cover-band circuit and group politics,<br />
she decided to go out on her<br />
own and develop a sound closer<br />
to her heart. The shift was a resounding<br />
success, as the Oklahoma<br />
Blues Society crowned her<br />
(along with guitarist Chris Brown)<br />
as winner of the duo category in<br />
2013 and 2014. Now using the<br />
moniker Christine Jude and the<br />
Gentlemen Callers, the band has<br />
expanded into a high-energy sixpiece<br />
ensemble, versatile enough<br />
to cover a variety of blues styles<br />
from across the country. Simply<br />
put, they are some of Oklahoma’s<br />
finest, and not to be missed!<br />
Chuck Strong<br />
and SRBQ<br />
Santa Clarita Valley<br />
Blues Society<br />
The Strong Rock’n Blues Quest,<br />
fronted by stand-up drummer/<br />
singer Chuck Strong, hail from the<br />
Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society<br />
in Southern California. Guitarists<br />
John Davis and Paul Marshall<br />
team up with bassist David Grover<br />
and sax man Jim Scimonetti to<br />
round out the SRBQ team. Scimonetti<br />
also doubles on organ, while<br />
Strong’s stand-up drumming style<br />
and unique voice add a dimension<br />
that sets them apart from<br />
other blues bands. With a deep<br />
groove, a ton of talent, and a trainload<br />
of soul, Chuck Strong and<br />
SRBQ will not disappoint you!<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
BANDS H 101
The Dangerous national blues artists. In February<br />
2014 the band recorded<br />
Gentlemens its second album, I Believe, in<br />
DC Mudd<br />
102 H BANDS The Blues Foundation • blues.org Piedmont Blues<br />
Preservation Society<br />
Ohio, produced by Sean Carney.<br />
Hailing from western North Carolina<br />
and upstate South Carolina, Darell Christopher<br />
the Dangerous Gentlemens provide<br />
an eclectic mix of house-<br />
and the Ingredients<br />
Blues Society of Tulsa<br />
rockin’ good-time jump rhythm and<br />
blues featuring the harmonica stylings<br />
and stage antics of front man ents have a rich and soulful sound.<br />
Darell Christopher and the Ingredi-<br />
Eddie Martin, Bill “Tombstone” Their music style is a combination<br />
of blues, jazz, R&B, and gos-<br />
Jones on vocals and bass, Brian<br />
“N.C. Slim” Philips on guitar, and pel. As the front man of the group,<br />
newest member Bryan Compton Christopher brings to the stage an<br />
on drums. They have played festivals<br />
and clubs all over the Caro-<br />
it impossible for the audience to<br />
energy and excitement that make<br />
linas for more than 10 years. stay in their seats. The band has<br />
a sound of its own which can be<br />
The Daniel<br />
attributed to Christopher’s sultry<br />
voice. His musical style is influenced<br />
by having grown up singing<br />
gospel and by his mother, who<br />
Dworsky Trio<br />
Israel Blues Society<br />
was a jazz singer. Each member<br />
Daniel Dworsky is a versatile multiinstrumentalist,<br />
of the Ingredients brings a unique<br />
singer, and song-<br />
and special flavor to the band. Sit<br />
writer. His wide-ranging career has back and get ready to enjoy the<br />
earned him Billboard and Soundmaker<br />
Tulsa blues sound that is Darell<br />
songwriting awards, and Christopher and the Ingredients.<br />
he continues to perform in Israel<br />
while spending his summers in the<br />
New York jazz scene. He is joined David Smash Band<br />
on the bottom by Becca Kristovsky, Orange Blossom<br />
who was a singer/songwriter before<br />
Blues Society<br />
taking up the bass. Drummer The David Smash Band is a rock/<br />
Yonatan Bar Rashi spent time in blues band from Florida. David<br />
the Caribbean before moving to Smash, aka Dovydas, is 23 years<br />
Israel, and his versatility includes old and originally from Lithuania.<br />
everything from roots blues to He got to United States less than<br />
gypsy jazz. In one evening, the trio four years ago, and has been playing<br />
blues with most renowned<br />
takes its audience from a New Orleans<br />
nightclub to a New York jazz musicians in the area. In addition<br />
to progressive songwriting<br />
stage to a Memphis blues bar.<br />
and reinvention of blues music,<br />
the David Smash Band has an<br />
Dany Franchi Band amazing instrumentation: double<br />
Mojo Station<br />
bass player Joe Bruno, whose musicianship<br />
Dany Franchi is a young guitarist<br />
and experience have<br />
and singer born in 1990 in Genoa, earned multiple awards; saxophonist<br />
Italy. He graduated in 2008 from<br />
Allan Cook, who has been<br />
the Centro Professione Musica in a session saxophone player and<br />
Milan, one of the most prominent toured with multiple national acts;<br />
music schools in Italy, and immediately<br />
and the timekeeper of the band,<br />
started his professional Sammy B. Warren IV on drums.<br />
music career. The Dany Franchi<br />
Band came to life in 2011, taking<br />
inspiration from the blues guitar<br />
masters. The band’s first solo<br />
album, Free Feeling, released<br />
in 2012, features several inter-<br />
DC Blues Society<br />
DC Mudd oozes authenticity.<br />
Schooled by masters of Piedmont<br />
blues, they’re no schoolboys. This<br />
is a new band of old guys with<br />
“young-fashioned ways.” Veteran<br />
musicians with rich vocal harmonies,<br />
they know how to play, and<br />
don’t stray far from the real blues.<br />
They are a lot closer to the Potomac<br />
than the Mississippi, but<br />
their hearts are in the Delta—and<br />
in Chicago, and in Detroit—striving<br />
to find the essence of the<br />
music that moved America, and<br />
finding ways to bring some of that<br />
magic to today’s audiences.<br />
The Delgado Brothers<br />
Ventura County<br />
Blues Society<br />
The Delgado Brothers deliver a<br />
mighty musical expression of<br />
hand-crafted original songs, seasoned<br />
with a fiery blend of R&B<br />
and soul. Renowned for their<br />
blues-infused, rootsy East L.A.<br />
sound, they are a savory fusion<br />
of soaring guitar, powerful vocals,<br />
and melodious harmonies,<br />
with grooves a mile deep. Striking<br />
a universal chord with the<br />
messages in their lyrics, the Delgado<br />
Brothers reveal the shadow<br />
and light of our shared humanity.<br />
They are native Angelinos, recording<br />
artists steeped in the present<br />
moment of the blues as a<br />
true American art form and fueled<br />
by passion, courage, and heartfelt<br />
love. A Delgado Brothers performance<br />
promises to uplift the<br />
spirit, inspire dance, and maybe<br />
even bring a tear to your eye.<br />
Deuce ’n a Quarter<br />
Columbus Blues Alliance<br />
Deuce ’n a Quarter is a Columbus,<br />
Ohio-based band fronted by<br />
the strong voice and wailing harp<br />
of Brian Peters. He is backed by<br />
one of the tightest rhythm sections<br />
in mid-Ohio, with Steve<br />
Perakis on bass, André Scott on<br />
drums, Jeffrey Allen on guitar,<br />
and John Sipher on keys. Their<br />
rich and smooth sound of original<br />
music is like an old friend, as<br />
they faithfully add to the musical<br />
expressions of their many legendary<br />
influences. Teamed with Peters’<br />
lyrical narrations, the band<br />
fosters the acceptance and romanticism<br />
of life’s physical and<br />
emotional hardships, which, after<br />
all, are what the blues is all about!<br />
Diggin’ Roots Band<br />
Blues Society of<br />
Western New York<br />
Hailing from western New York, the<br />
Diggin’ Roots Band was formed in<br />
the summer of 2013 by a group<br />
of friends who share a passion<br />
for the roots of American music.<br />
The band blends many genres but<br />
maintains a firm dedication to the<br />
roots of Delta blues, with a hint<br />
of jam band for good measure.<br />
Marty Smith’s drums and Toby<br />
Lindberg’s bass lay down the foundation<br />
with a tight rhythm pocket,<br />
while Johnny Mac and Gerry Loiacono<br />
layer in deep traditional harmonica<br />
and smooth guitar leads.<br />
The lovely Whitney Riley is always<br />
on point with powerful vocals, and<br />
adds a hint of brass on her trumpet.<br />
The band shares a common<br />
belief that music is medicine and<br />
has the power to inspire and heal.<br />
Divas On Fire<br />
Ozark Blues Society of<br />
Northwest Arkansas<br />
Divas On Fire’s music blends smoldering<br />
blues stoked with embers<br />
of soul. Listen and you’ll hear the<br />
power and harmony of six voices<br />
blazing with influences from the<br />
classic to the contemporary. Watch<br />
and you’ll see these women burn<br />
it up at festivals such as Arkansas’s<br />
Bikes Blues and BBQ, or<br />
headlining the Greater Ozarks<br />
Blues Festival in Springfield, Missouri.<br />
Presenting sets of original<br />
music, the six vocalists are Brick<br />
Fields, Dawn Cate, Leah Spears,<br />
Liz Lottmann, Ocie Fisher, and Tori<br />
Rudolph. The band includes guitarist<br />
Jody Andrews, drummer Diane<br />
Rudolph, bassist Alma Blecher,<br />
keyboardist Patti Unruh, and honorary<br />
“Div-o” guitarist Matt Perrine.<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
BANDS H 103
Downtown Dave and<br />
the Deep Pockets<br />
Granite State<br />
Blues Society<br />
nated for a 2015 Blues Blast Magazine<br />
quel, Chances Are Slim, was re-<br />
104 H BANDS The Blues Foundation • blues.org award for its debut album,<br />
Too Many Men. Eight O’Five Jive<br />
preserves an exciting era, not<br />
They are a great mix of fine musicians<br />
lost in time but alive and jivin’,<br />
with classic and original material<br />
Eugene Johnson<br />
who are no strangers to that is well suited for festivities,<br />
playing deep, scorching, heartfelt drinks, and a lively dance floor.<br />
music, up-tempo and energetic,<br />
with a firm finger on the pulse of<br />
blues and R&B. Their music is impassioned,<br />
The Elijah Butler Band<br />
with infectious grooves, Magic City Blues Society<br />
while paying tribute and respect<br />
The Elijah Butler Band is a Southern<br />
blues band from Birming-<br />
to the greats in the music that<br />
they truly love. They always play<br />
ham, Alabama, founded by Josh<br />
from the heart and soul, whether<br />
Butler and Gary Edmonds. The<br />
creating their own powerful originals<br />
or giving a new twist to an<br />
duo sought to compose an allstar<br />
lineup of Birmingham’s finest<br />
musicians to complement their<br />
old cover with the unique style<br />
and feel of the Pockets. Passion,<br />
noted teamwork of guitar and<br />
dynamics, and intensity are the<br />
vocals. They employed a powerhouse<br />
rhythm section that rests<br />
spirit of this band. They will groove<br />
you, move you, and soothe you.<br />
on the right foot of local legend<br />
Jesse Suttle on drums and the<br />
rollicking bass of Tuscaloosa native<br />
Eric Simmons. Adding a fifth<br />
Dreamboogie<br />
Melbourne Blues<br />
dimension of sound and rounding<br />
out the twin lead guitar work<br />
Everett and<br />
Appreciation Society<br />
Vocalist Rebecca brings elements and vocals is Matt Willis. Together<br />
of her musical idols—the great they bring a unique blend of soul,<br />
blues vocalists of the 1920s—to blues, and rock to the stage with<br />
the act. She aims to re-interpret harmonies, dual lead guitars, and<br />
Everett and Delta Storm are a<br />
the spirit of those great performers<br />
for today’s audiences, using as much as for their audience.<br />
a sense of playing for one another<br />
modern sounds while retaining<br />
the attitude of the music. Rebecca<br />
conveys the underlying<br />
Eric “Slim” Zahl<br />
truths upon which the blues are<br />
and the South<br />
based, using storytelling and the<br />
impact of the blues lyric. “Blues is West Swingers<br />
about the truth,” she says. “The<br />
Oslo Bluesklubb<br />
joys and sorrows of life, the challenges<br />
and excitements, love and enced by the sounds from the<br />
The band performs music influ-<br />
sex—blues addresses them all.” ’50s—in their own more rockin’<br />
The group has appeared at numerous<br />
festivals, toured Australia, and South West Swingers performs<br />
style. Eric “Slim” Zahl and the<br />
had a No 1 radio airplay track. with humor, musical skill, and impact.<br />
Since the band started in<br />
2006, they have logged an impressive<br />
number of club gigs and<br />
Eight O’Five Jive<br />
Nashville Blues Society festival appearances in Norway<br />
Based in Nashville, Tennessee, and England, and are known as a<br />
jump blues band Eight O’Five Jive fun live band. Zahl and the South<br />
is a three-time Nashville Industry West Swingers write their own<br />
Music Award winner for Best Live music, and released their debut<br />
Blues Performers and Best Blues album, Daddy’O, in 2011. The<br />
Artists. Their sound is reminiscent<br />
album was nominated for a Nor-<br />
of the classic era of the late wegian Grammy in the Best Blues<br />
1940s and ’50s, when blues, jazz, Album category. In 2013 the se-<br />
and swing fused during the birth<br />
of rock ’n’ roll. The band was nomi-<br />
leased. This album, too, received<br />
very good reviews in the press<br />
and Company<br />
St. Louis Blues Society<br />
St. Louis musician Eugene Johnson<br />
is a self-taught artist who has<br />
been playing music for as long<br />
as he can remember. Influenced<br />
heavily by the wide range of music<br />
in St. Louis, his style mixes blues,<br />
R&B, and soul to create a unique<br />
sound that comes through in his<br />
bass playing and powerful vocals.<br />
Johnson’s shows are soulful<br />
and come from the very roots<br />
of American music that simmer in<br />
St. Louis. Performing steadily in<br />
the St. Louis area, Eugene Johnson<br />
and Company have a sound<br />
that is both familiar and original,<br />
and always crowd pleasing.<br />
Delta Storm<br />
Kentucky Blues Society<br />
three-piece guitar, bass, and<br />
drums powerhouse from Cincinnati,<br />
Ohio. Everett Gagnon (guitar/<br />
vocals) was born in Brownsville,<br />
Tennessee, where the soul from<br />
the Stax sound, coupled with the<br />
blues from the neighboring Delta,<br />
infused his musical persona. With<br />
a three-octave vocal range and<br />
formidable guitar chops, Gagnon<br />
performs original blues songs<br />
that reflect a bluesman’s perspective<br />
and everyday life. Iconic<br />
Cincinnati bassist Tony Clark<br />
lays down the bottom, while veteran<br />
drummer Lynn Long nails<br />
the pocket. Long is also owner/<br />
engineer of Piccadilly Studios,<br />
where the group frequently records.<br />
Everett and Delta Storm<br />
released a 15-song all-original<br />
blues album in September 2015.<br />
Fat Bastard<br />
Blues Band<br />
Triangle Blues Society<br />
Two weeks and three rehearsals<br />
after their formation, the Fat Bastard<br />
Blues Band played their very<br />
first gig, winning the Triangle Blues<br />
Society’s 2009 Blues Challenge.<br />
They had no real aspirations of<br />
playing past their first trip to the<br />
International Blues Challenge in<br />
Memphis, but the response was<br />
so positive that there was really<br />
no choice for them but to continue.<br />
The Fat Bastards jump up<br />
and shake the room with performances<br />
that mark this band as a<br />
force of nature, a blue wind that<br />
rattles the trees like an oncoming<br />
storm, all while keeping fans<br />
dancing as if the floor were on<br />
fire. Expect their first EP in 2016.<br />
Fat Head<br />
Fort Smith Riverfront<br />
Blues Society<br />
Fat Head is a four-piece band<br />
from Fort Smith, Arkansas, whose<br />
sound includes influences of<br />
blues, rock, and soul. This quartet<br />
plays with a vigor and drive<br />
that mixes the blues with rockand-roll<br />
overtones. Sean Brinkman<br />
(drums, vocals) keeps the<br />
band tight with solid beats and<br />
tempo, inclining the listener to<br />
move. Michael Campbell (bass,<br />
vocals) drives the band with funky<br />
bass lines and a soulful voice that<br />
booms throughout the performance.<br />
Mike Huff (guitar, vocals)<br />
lends a steady rhythm, periodically<br />
adding leads that complement<br />
the others well. Hunter Smith<br />
(lead guitar) is a superb picker,<br />
but his slide playing truly sets<br />
him apart and takes the band’s<br />
performance to the next level.<br />
Fistful of Bacon<br />
Kentuckiana Blues Society<br />
Fistful of Bacon is a four-piece<br />
blues band from Bloomington and<br />
Nashville, Indiana. They are honored<br />
to be returning to Memphis<br />
to compete in their second International<br />
Blues Challenge this<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
BANDS H 105
year with an all-original set. Their ter Allen, and has played with him<br />
meaty style includes an eclectic for 20 years. He now fronts his<br />
In Layman Terms<br />
106 H BANDS The Blues Foundation • blues.org mix of blues genres. Bassist Jeff own five-member band on lead<br />
Shew and guitarist Marv Druin are guitar and vocals. His guitar skills<br />
the band’s two singer/songwriters,<br />
and voice have gotten as strong<br />
and they are accompanied by as his notable bass playing. Rob-<br />
guitarist Matt Boat and drummer inson was chosen the 2015 Jackson<br />
Eric Gaylord. Fistful of Bacon has<br />
Music Awards Musician of<br />
been described as having a thick, the Year in Jackson, Mississippi.<br />
clear sound. They have recorded<br />
two live EPs, and are looking forward<br />
to releasing their first album Hector Anchondo Band<br />
soon. Fistful of Bacon always<br />
Blues Society of Omaha<br />
leaves the audience wanting more, Aside from the greats, there are<br />
because everybody loves bacon! very few blues artists who truly<br />
embody the spirit of the blues,<br />
especially ones under age 40.<br />
The Forrest<br />
Omaha, Nebraska-based artist<br />
McDonald Band Hector Anchondo, however, defies<br />
River City Blues the odds with his undeniable penchant<br />
Society (Virginia)<br />
for playing the blues. An-<br />
Guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist chondo was drawn to artists who<br />
Forrest McDonald leads his namesake<br />
played Fender Stratocasters, such<br />
band. Forrest is a veteran as Hendrix and Stevie Ray, but<br />
of the Muscle Shoals recording also respected country legends<br />
scene, and has a deep understanding<br />
of the blues, reflected in 2014 full-length, Young Guns, An-<br />
such as Cash. As is evident on his<br />
IV Shades of Blue<br />
Sedalia Blues Society<br />
the many styles of blues he covers<br />
chondo’s uplifting Chicago-style<br />
in his songwriting. His solos blues have a Texas-style fair, but<br />
are never overstated, the lyrics are inextricably his own. Along<br />
are meaningful, and the songs with his band—drummer Khayman<br />
are real blues. Becky Wright, the Winfield, bassist Josh Lund, and<br />
lead singer, began with the band harmonicist extraordinaire Justin<br />
singing backup on McDonald’s Shelton—Anchondo always creates<br />
CD Turnaround Blues. Her distinctive<br />
an unforgettable live experience.<br />
vocal style is certified blue.<br />
McDonald has played with drummer<br />
Robert Robertie for 43 years. The Holla Pointe<br />
On keyboard is longtime associate Blues Lovers United<br />
Brian Berkoff. On bass is Lee Gammon,<br />
of San Diego<br />
who played on McDonald’s Four young bluesmen learning a<br />
last three CDs. Expect dynamic, history they can never fully know,<br />
well-performed original blues. and then crafting a fabled “residence”<br />
from the leavings: call it<br />
the Holla Pointe. The music the<br />
Fred T and the Band four make from that place is not<br />
Central Mississippi anger or regret, but an exclamation<br />
Blues Society<br />
that offers us a glimpse of<br />
Look and listen for a great mix a whole life, true to its roots and<br />
of gospel-infused, soulful Mississippi<br />
its modern needs alike. What<br />
blues from Fred T and makes the Holla Pointe the hot-<br />
J.L. Fulks Band<br />
the Band. Fred T (Frederick T. test emerging act on the West<br />
Robinson) is a Mississippi musician<br />
born into the gospel side of Cabbage and Jimmy Zollo, both<br />
Coast? The two songwriters, Karl<br />
South Florida<br />
Blues Society<br />
music. While immersed in gospel,<br />
looking backward and stunned<br />
playing bass and singing in to find themselves alive but<br />
his family’s band, the Robinson gripped in the powerful rip current<br />
Brothers, he also had a desire to<br />
of the blues they have no<br />
play the blues. He started playing other choice than to make.<br />
bass guitar with bluesman Dex-<br />
Blue Ridge Blues Society<br />
In Layman Terms is a family band<br />
from Virginia. They are joined by<br />
their friend Carson Diersing from<br />
Indiana. Their sound is fresh, original,<br />
and new, while honoring traditional<br />
blues. The two families met<br />
four years ago at the Fernando<br />
Jones Blues Camp, thanks to Generation<br />
Blues scholarships. They<br />
have been friends ever since. Although<br />
three of the band members<br />
are still in high school, they<br />
get together as often as possible<br />
during the summer to make<br />
music and share their love of the<br />
blues. One of their favorite places<br />
to do that is at the Pinetop Perkins<br />
Masterclass workshops, If you<br />
are looking for a good time, you<br />
have to see this band! The future<br />
of the blues is in good hands.<br />
Built on a love for music and<br />
brotherhood, IV Shades of Blue<br />
is a strong three-part-harmony,<br />
gospel-intense, scat-flavored melodic<br />
band that delivers unique<br />
story lines over bluesy bass lines.<br />
Birthed in Southwest Virginia, this<br />
group features lead guitarist Marcus<br />
Bonds, who displays vocal versatility<br />
and chord structure that<br />
will force the music lover in you<br />
to groove and move real smooth!<br />
With Jeff “Silk” Wilkes on bass,<br />
Telly Tucker tickling the organ,<br />
and Bryant “Big Sexy” Davis on<br />
percussion, these Virginia boys<br />
know how to harmonize, vocalize,<br />
and mesmerize! Songs like<br />
“Nurse Betty” and other hits will<br />
easily take care of all your needs<br />
and leave you wanting more!<br />
The J.L. Fulks Band is a South<br />
Florida-based blues band whose<br />
music is a unique blend of both<br />
modern and traditional blues elements.<br />
While focusing on creating<br />
a new sound within the blues,<br />
they are also staying true to the<br />
classic sound. Though just 25<br />
years old, bluesman J.L. Fulks is<br />
a veteran player. A former lead<br />
guitarist for BMA nominee Brandon<br />
Santini, J.L. now fronts his<br />
own band, the J.L. Fulks Band, as<br />
its guitarist, primary songwriter,<br />
and lead vocalist. With drummer<br />
Ian Jones and bass player<br />
Ken Burgner, the J.L. Fulks Band<br />
fuses the blues with jazz, funk,<br />
and rock for a unique act that is<br />
helping to keep the blues alive.<br />
Jamell Richardson<br />
Gulf Coast Blues Society<br />
Jamell “Gulf Coast Blues Boy”<br />
Richardson is an American guitarist<br />
and actor (in the James<br />
Brown biopic Get on Up) based<br />
in Mobile, Alabama. One of the<br />
genre’s rising stars, Richardson<br />
has a resume that includes sharing<br />
the stage with various legends<br />
of the blues. At age 2 his desire<br />
to play the guitar emerged while<br />
he was sitting in church watching<br />
the musicians. His music is<br />
influenced by blues, jazz, soul,<br />
gospel, and rock. Richardson is<br />
known for his unforgettable stage<br />
presence, infectious solos, electrifying<br />
band, and strong, soulful<br />
voice. His second self-produced<br />
album, Bamasippiana, is set to<br />
be released in January 2016.<br />
James Howard Band<br />
Washington Blues Society<br />
The James Howard Band is the<br />
serendipitous collision of four Seattle-based<br />
bluesmen, each with<br />
a world trajectory of experience<br />
and influence that provides substance<br />
and dimension to their<br />
brand of the blues. The band is<br />
centered around James Howard’s<br />
guitar mastery, catchy songwriting,<br />
and soulful vocals. The JHB<br />
rhythm section is fueled by bass<br />
virtuoso Farko Dosumov, the creative<br />
drumming of John Stout, and<br />
B3 maestro Frank Holman. Sparks<br />
ignite when this Seattle A-Team<br />
hits the stage with a sound that<br />
takes traditional blues and does<br />
something truly unique with the<br />
genre. The James Howard Band<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
BANDS H 107
musical experience, with each<br />
has what it takes to lift the blues ples Choice award, a historic first<br />
108 H BANDS The Blues Foundation • blues.org to the next level, and is a mustsee<br />
for the southwest Florida chap-<br />
in Memphis for the 2016 IBC. ter. The band seeks to expand<br />
upon the work of Hendrix, Clapton,<br />
and Vaughn, blending tradition<br />
with innovation, expanding on<br />
Jason Vivone and<br />
the Billy Bats and reinterpreting blues classics,<br />
Kansas City Blues Society and making a mark on the format<br />
with some well-crafted music<br />
Jason Vivone and the Billy Bats of their own. The style is guitardriven<br />
modern electric blues, led<br />
produce a sound that fuses elements<br />
of slide guitar, hokum, by John Allender’s powerful guitar<br />
work and backed up by bass<br />
gospel, blues, and Kansas City<br />
rhythm. Vivone plays guitar and player Mark Appleby mixing funk,<br />
sings. He is backed by Paula Crawford<br />
on guitar, Rick MacIvor on key-<br />
stylings over the solid pocket play-<br />
slap bass, and straight-ahead rock<br />
boards, Jacque Garoutte on bass, ing of well-seasoned and experienced<br />
drummer Gary Van Gorp.<br />
and Matt Bustamante on drums.<br />
This fall will mark the Billy Bats’<br />
10th year recording and performing<br />
in Kansas City. “Jason Vivone John Calvin<br />
is that rare musician who taps<br />
Brewer Band<br />
deep into the roots of the blues to<br />
extract the humor as well as the<br />
Arkansas River<br />
Blues Society<br />
pathos,” says Dave Rubin, recipient<br />
of the KBA in Journalism. A 21st-century blues act, the<br />
John Calvin Brewer Band blends<br />
Jimmy Nick and<br />
high energy, blistering guitar,<br />
and heart-bleeding soulfulness<br />
to take you on a journey<br />
Don’t Tell Mama<br />
deep inside your mind. Residing<br />
in central Arkansas, guitar-<br />
Crossroads Blues<br />
Society of Illinois<br />
ist/vocalist John Calvin Brewer,<br />
Jimmy Nick is an old-fashioned bassist Shannon Sabbatini, drummer<br />
Paul Stivitts, backup vocal-<br />
guitar-slinging blues prodigy who<br />
spent his teenage years being ist Miranda Brewer, and B3 player<br />
schooled by legendary bluesmen Don Collins have muddy water<br />
in the famous Chicago clubs of flowing through their veins. The<br />
Kingston Mines, Rosa’s Lounge, band is electric, tight as a glove,<br />
and B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted. Today and mind-blowing every time.<br />
his mission is to expose the next<br />
generation to the blues. His band,<br />
Don’t Tell Mama, features Rodney<br />
“Hot Rod” Brown on saxo-<br />
Johnny Fink and<br />
the Intrusion<br />
phone, Lowell Todd on bass guitar,<br />
and Joel Bear on drums—a solid<br />
Cincy Blues Society<br />
foundation for Nick’s electrifying Hailing from the southwestern<br />
guitar work, fresh harp, clever lyrics,<br />
Ohio/northern Kentucky region,<br />
and animated stage theat-<br />
the band was formed in the win-<br />
rics. Their high-energy blues and ter of 1992 with real-life guitar<br />
rock ’n’ roll captivates audiences hero Johnny Fink pulling together<br />
and forges instant fans. Find out a powerful lineup of talented players.<br />
what Jimmy Nick will do to you!<br />
Featuring Doug Moore on<br />
drums and Matt Newman on bass,<br />
the band continues into a new era<br />
John Allender Band as a tighter, more dynamic threepiece<br />
Southwest Florida<br />
unit. Its original music con-<br />
Blues Society<br />
tains true conviction and passion<br />
This guitar, bass, and drums often missing from others in the<br />
trio won both the 2015 IBC Regional<br />
genre. The Intrusion sports over<br />
Award and the 2015 Peo-<br />
35 years of overall<br />
professional<br />
member sharing an equal passion<br />
for old-school blues. Once they<br />
simply open a song, it becomes<br />
obvious that the band has talent,<br />
originality, and true showmanship.<br />
Johnny Mac Band<br />
Long Island Blues Society<br />
The Johnny Mac Band has been<br />
exciting audiences all over the<br />
New York metropolitan area for<br />
well over a decade. The group<br />
is a five-piece traditional blues<br />
band with a sound that leans<br />
heavily on the vocals of 78-yearold<br />
bluesman Mohair Sam Wylie<br />
and the stinging guitar of Johnny<br />
Mac. The music is punctuated by<br />
the inspired saxophone solos of<br />
Drew Vandewinckel. These strong<br />
instrumental and vocal performances<br />
are laid over the rock-solid<br />
rhythms of Raymond Hauck on<br />
drums and Dave Ice on bass. Their<br />
originals are steeped in the tradition<br />
of the blues masters. This is<br />
not blues-rock. If you love downhome<br />
blues, then their blues will<br />
leave you feeling right at home.<br />
Johnny Max Band<br />
Great Lakes Blues Society<br />
A Johnny Max Band performance<br />
has always proved to be a hugely<br />
entertaining rockin’ and reelin’<br />
event featuring great music punctuated<br />
with a good dose of humor.<br />
Over the course of six critically<br />
acclaimed and commercially accepted<br />
releases, including two<br />
Juno Award nominations and multiple<br />
Maple Blues Award nominations,<br />
Johnny and his partners<br />
have succeeded in bringing the<br />
musical goods and charm of their<br />
live shows. They are Canada’s ambassadors<br />
of a swampy mélange<br />
of blues and R&B that Johnny calls<br />
“roadhouse soul.” If you’re looking<br />
for foot-stompin’, hip-and-shoulder-shakin’<br />
music laid down by<br />
a hard-hitting band, look no further<br />
than the Johnny Max Band!<br />
Joyann Parker<br />
and Sweet Tea<br />
Minnesota Blues Society<br />
Joyann Parker and Sweet Tea bring<br />
the blues in emotionally charged,<br />
powerful original music as well<br />
as a mix of classic covers done in<br />
their own unique style. Dynamic<br />
vocalist, multi-instrumentalist,<br />
songwriter, and front woman Joyann<br />
Parker has surrounded herself<br />
with a supporting cast of<br />
seasoned professional musicians<br />
in guitarist Mark Lamoine, keyboardist<br />
Mick Zampogna, bassist<br />
Michael Carvale, and drummer<br />
Nick Zwack. Joyann Parker and<br />
Sweet Tea bring energy, passion,<br />
and authenticity to every performance.<br />
With a sound reflecting<br />
a large variety of influences,<br />
they create music that moves<br />
not only your feet but your soul.<br />
Juke Rockets<br />
Blues Band<br />
Maine Blues Society<br />
The Juke Rockets Blues Band has<br />
represented at the IBC in Memphis<br />
two of the past three years. Spearheaded<br />
by the powerful vocals of<br />
blues mama Carlene Thornton, the<br />
group has cemented its reputation<br />
as Maine’s No. 1 blues band.<br />
Bassist Steve Mellor and drummer<br />
Tim Woitowitz anchor a rock-solid<br />
rhythm section, driving high-energy<br />
blues and lighting up dance<br />
floors statewide. Newest member<br />
Ron Casillo lends his versatile<br />
guitar chops to crowd-pleasing<br />
covers and exciting originals from<br />
their debut album, Hungry Soul.<br />
Kev Nichols and<br />
Blue Tuesday<br />
Kalamazoo Valley<br />
Blues Association<br />
Kev Nichols and Blue Tuesday<br />
have been bringing their exciting<br />
brand of blues to Michigan stages<br />
for the past five years. The rocksolid<br />
rhythm section of Heather<br />
Kulaga on bass and Rex Hambone<br />
on drums sets the steady groove<br />
that lets guitarists Kev Nichols and<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
BANDS H 109
in 2013, and following it up with<br />
Tony Riske speak their musical ern blues. Strong singers, they<br />
110 H BANDS The Blues Foundation • blues.org minds. Add multi-instrumentalist serve up a heaping mess of the<br />
Mike Crupi (harp, sax, lap steel, blues! Now, get your dance on!<br />
and keys) to the mix, and this<br />
band will boil right over the top of<br />
your favorite pot of blues gumbo. KoolAide and the<br />
From the first note to the last, Exact Change Band<br />
this band will take you to a party Topeka Blues Society<br />
that you’ll never want to leave.<br />
KoolAide and the Exact Change<br />
Band hail from Kansas City, Missouri.<br />
Sammie Lee “KoolAide”<br />
Kim Doolittle and the<br />
Johnson is a well-known R&B and<br />
Wolfgang Brothers<br />
blues artist originally from Arkansas.<br />
The band has traveled to<br />
Loyal Blues Fellowship<br />
Kim Doolittle’s singing, songwriting,<br />
and storytelling began by lisous<br />
venues and blues festivals.<br />
West Tennessee<br />
many states and played numer-<br />
Little Boys Blue<br />
tening to music being played by Known as one of Kansas City’s<br />
Blues Society<br />
cousins and uncles in the kitchen best-kept secrets, the band will<br />
and tuning in to blues and gospel<br />
invoke a sense of old-school R&B<br />
The original Little Boys Blue<br />
on the radio. She has traveled mixed with a funk beat that will<br />
the world, and has eight original have your toes tapping. Its CD releases<br />
CDs, with her latest, produced by<br />
include Badder Than the<br />
blues/roots Artist Ken Whiteley, Blues Itself, Tears Fallin’ Down<br />
dropping in 2016. She has a big Like Rain, and Blues Rising On Up.<br />
voice and a lot of heart and soul,<br />
and she sings it like she’s lived it.<br />
The Wolfgang Brothers are Delbert<br />
Lampano Alley<br />
Metheral on double bass and Blues Asia Network<br />
“stomp-hat,” and Brian Wakelin<br />
on guitar and harp. They write pion of the blues in the Philippines<br />
Lampano Alley has been a cham-<br />
great tunes, and as a trio they since 1996, when it became the<br />
bring to the music a dynamic assurance<br />
that comes from years of Known especially for the huge<br />
catalyst of a major blues revival.<br />
playing, combined with an acerbic<br />
wit, harmony, and originalable<br />
performances of its leader,<br />
voice and dynamic, unpredictity.<br />
Canada, meet Memphis! Ray “Binky” Lampano, the band<br />
has crafted a distinctive, modern<br />
sound featuring Edwin Vergara’s<br />
razor-sharp guitar lines<br />
King Kom Beaux<br />
South Sound Blues and rich chord voicings on top of<br />
Association<br />
Simon Tan’s flowing bass and Rey<br />
Lizzi Neal Band<br />
King Kom Beaux is Billy Barner Vinoya’s subtle drums. Young harp<br />
River City Blues<br />
(drums) from Tacoma, Washington,<br />
Doug Kearney (guitar) from stepped in to replace original<br />
player Ian Lofamia has recently<br />
Society (Illinois)<br />
Alexandria, Louisiana, and Joe member Tomcat Colvin. Lampano<br />
Hendershot (bass) from Torrance, Alley is known also for its originals,<br />
with captivating arrange-<br />
California. King Kom Beaux was<br />
formed in 2014. With lightning-fast ments and insightful lyrics. The<br />
to melodic picking, emotion-stirring<br />
chording, and soaring slidepore’s<br />
Mosaic Music Festival.<br />
band has twice headlined Singaguitar<br />
riffs, its sound is a musical<br />
narrative of the birthplace of blues<br />
(the American South). These seasoned<br />
Lazy Eye<br />
pros produce high-energy<br />
Adelaide Roots and<br />
music rich with harmonic blues<br />
Blues Association<br />
ingredients. You’ll hear Delta Soul-drenched blues—think<br />
blues, Cajun, second-line, Afro Booker T sharing a scotch with<br />
funk, and swampy bayou rhythms, B.B. King at the crossroads after<br />
all containing the DNA of South-<br />
midnight. With their debut album<br />
Move Me taking Album of the Year<br />
Most Outstanding Group of 2014<br />
at the SA Roots & Blues Awards<br />
and Blues Artist of the Year at<br />
the Fowlers Live Music Awards,<br />
the band kicked off 2015 being<br />
named the winner of the Australian<br />
Blues Music “Chain” Award<br />
for Group of the Year and bagging<br />
a nomination for Song of the Year.<br />
Lazy Eye are Evan Whetter (vocals/Hammond),<br />
Erica Graf (guitar),<br />
and Mario Marino (drums).<br />
group was formed in 1993 out<br />
of Brownsville, Tennessee. Original<br />
member and founder JD Taylor<br />
was part of the group in 1997<br />
when they placed third overall<br />
in the International Blues Challenge.<br />
After at least a 15-year hiatus,<br />
the group has re-formed,<br />
with JD Taylor at the helm and<br />
new members Alex Taylor, Mark<br />
Brooks, Dave Mallard, and Dave<br />
Thomas now a part of the group.<br />
Little Boys Blue is currently touring<br />
the Southeast as well as making<br />
the Rum Boogie on Beale Street a<br />
second home. LBB released their<br />
new album, Bad Love, in the fall<br />
of 2014, and the album is currently<br />
No. 17 on the top-50 roots<br />
music charts as of October 2015.<br />
The Illinois-based Lizzi Neal Band<br />
takes decades of combined experience<br />
and love of all genres to create<br />
a riveting sound. Influenced<br />
at an early age by blues, soul, and<br />
jazz, powerhouse Lizzi Neal displays<br />
wide-ranging vocals and the<br />
ability to write songs that range<br />
from witty, upbeat, jazzy numbers<br />
to sultry, heart-wrenching<br />
soul songs. Touring regionally in<br />
the last several years and winning<br />
blues awards and state recognition<br />
for their hard work has the band<br />
on the brink of success. Their first<br />
full-length release won Album of<br />
the Year in northern Illinois. Currently<br />
working on the next album,<br />
the Lizzi Neal Band looks forward<br />
to many years of continued<br />
success and making new fans.<br />
Lucas Haneman<br />
Express<br />
Ottawa Blues Society<br />
Lucas Haneman is an award-winning<br />
artist widely known for his<br />
distinctive guitar work. Music promoter<br />
Farley Flex said, “A great<br />
performer approaches every performance<br />
as if it is their last. Lucas<br />
absolutely does that. He always<br />
leaves a part of himself on that<br />
stage.” Along with Jeff Asselin<br />
(drums), Martin Newman (bass/<br />
backing vocals), and Megan Laurence<br />
(backing vocals), the LH<br />
Express, formed in 2014, is living<br />
up to that quote. Their sound<br />
combines blues, funk, reggae, and<br />
rock with melodic hooks and undertones<br />
of the jazz spirit. Their<br />
new EP (out in January 2016)<br />
shows an even deeper connection<br />
to the blues tradition, albeit<br />
with a fresh, funky twist that<br />
will leave you wanting more.<br />
Marcus Lovdal Band<br />
Norsk Blues Union<br />
Marcus Lovdal Band is a young<br />
and innovative Norwegian blues<br />
band. With their first album<br />
being released in both Norway<br />
and Germany, and also great reviews<br />
and amazing feedback<br />
after live gigs, 2015 has been an<br />
exciting year for the young Norwegians,<br />
who seek to develop<br />
their own style within the blues<br />
genre. Influenced by jazz, rock,<br />
soul, and other modern genres,<br />
they are working on their second<br />
album. In 2015 the band did an<br />
already legendary gig at Blues-<br />
Baltica in Eutin, Germany. The<br />
Marcus Lovdal Band won the Notodden<br />
Union Blues Cup in 2013<br />
despite heavy competition from<br />
bands from all over the country.<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
BANDS H 111
Mark Green Band ing the lines where styles intersect<br />
and produce something new.<br />
Michael Hornbuckle<br />
East Coast Blues Society<br />
His influences range widely, and<br />
Band<br />
Mark Green was born and raised his original songs feature engaging<br />
stories, soulful vocals, and<br />
From the mountains to Mem-<br />
Mile High Blues Society<br />
on the island of Newfoundland,<br />
and ever since he was old enough infectious grooves. He is joined<br />
phis, the Michael Hornbuckle<br />
to be in high school you could find by longtime friends Greg Griffiths<br />
Band proudly represents Denver’s<br />
him playing guitar in a local blues on bass and Andrew Massey on<br />
Mile High Blues Society. The singing<br />
quartet of Denver native Mi-<br />
club. Over the next 30 years he drums. The Matt Roberts Trio are<br />
honed his incredible showmanship<br />
and unique vocals while tour-<br />
to share their music with audi-<br />
Andrews (bass), Andras Csapo<br />
thrilled to be here in Memphis<br />
chael Hornbuckle (guitar), Jeff<br />
ing throughout Canada, both doing ences and fellow musicians and<br />
(Hammond B3 and harmonica),<br />
his own gigs and playing guitar to absorb all the great music assembled<br />
here for this year’s IBC.<br />
ton (drums) delivers soulful vo-<br />
and Desmond “Motown” Washing-<br />
for some very notable Canadian<br />
blues artists. The band’s current<br />
cals and hard-edged guitar riffs<br />
lineup was formed in late 2014.<br />
in the spirit of their roots in the<br />
Backing up Green are Ron Sims Matthew Robinson<br />
blues. Hailing from Detroit, Oakland,<br />
and Hungary, these gen-<br />
on guitar, Greg Siddall on bass and the Jelly Kings<br />
and backup vocals, and Thom<br />
Austin Blues Society<br />
tlemen were pulled together by<br />
Cooke on drums. The band plays<br />
invisible strings that were spun<br />
songs that are focused on groove, With a tear-your-heart-out guitar<br />
out of Denver, where they all reside<br />
and met Michael. They “keep<br />
emotion, and big-energy performances<br />
that leave audiences no from sweet as a lover’s lips to<br />
style and a voice that can move<br />
it simple, stupid,” says Michael.<br />
choice but to get up and dance. stripping paint off a Missouri-Pacific<br />
freight at 20 paces, all coming<br />
“It’s all about the pocket and<br />
groove these days, and I’ve got<br />
out of a life that is a blues song,<br />
the crew.” From swamp to swing,<br />
Markey Blue there is no more authentic Texas<br />
funk to grit, these guys deliver<br />
Atlanta Blues Society bluesman than Matthew Robinson.<br />
Robinson is Texas to the bone. You<br />
Markey Blue is a dynamic, highenergy<br />
band that fuses classic<br />
Michael Lee Band<br />
won’t fit him into a box. Soul, jazz,<br />
gospel—it’s all in there, and yet always,<br />
with no doubt, Texas blues.<br />
blues and soul into original songs<br />
San Angelo Blues Society<br />
that really connect with the audience.<br />
Their 2014 release, Hey<br />
Matthew brings to the party some<br />
Texas has always been a breeding<br />
of the most respected of Austin<br />
ground for great bluesmen, and<br />
Hey, debuted at No. 1 on the<br />
players, the Jelly Kings: Jeff Hayes,<br />
Michael Lee is no exception. His<br />
blues debut charts and rode high<br />
Pete “The Beat” Langhans, Steve<br />
passionate vocals and expressive<br />
on both the roots music album<br />
Power, and Joe Lee King. Nobody<br />
guitar playing, paired with a commanding<br />
stage presence, make<br />
and singles charts. Markey was<br />
can work that jelly like Matthew<br />
named by the Atlanta Examiner<br />
Robinson and the Jelly Kings.<br />
the Michael Lee Band a must-see!<br />
as a Top Female Blues Artist to<br />
Lee is backed by national touring<br />
Soar, and the band was named<br />
musicians Lewis Fluellen, Chris<br />
one of the 10 emerging artists in Melissa B. Band<br />
Gipson, and “Face” Hayes, providing<br />
an explosive rhythm experi-<br />
blues to watch. They were nominated<br />
for Best Blues Debut Artist<br />
Jazz Society<br />
ence. Often compared to a ’50 s<br />
Wyoming Blues &<br />
at the 2015 Blues Blast Awards,<br />
soul singer, Lee has a voice that<br />
and Best Blues Act, Best Blues<br />
Melissa B. is a powerful singer<br />
takes you back to another place<br />
Performance for the 2015 NIMA<br />
with a confident, nuanced, and<br />
and time. His guitar playing is an<br />
Awards. After they signed a multimedia<br />
publishing deal, Mar-<br />
evocative voice. She is both classically<br />
trained and steeped in<br />
honest, simple, yet innovative approach<br />
that expresses his soul.<br />
key Blue’s music is now playing<br />
American roots music—a combination<br />
that brings a fresh feel<br />
Original songs like “Ain’t Missing<br />
You” and “Don’t Leave Me”<br />
on TV shows and in movies.<br />
to this classic form. A Wyoming<br />
native, Melissa B. has been gigging<br />
regularly across the region<br />
show the truthfulness conveyed<br />
through the most honest and passionate<br />
genre in music, the blues.<br />
Matt Roberts Trio<br />
since the late ’90s. She is backed<br />
Sydney Blues Society<br />
by blues veterans Gary Small on<br />
The Matt Roberts Trio have come guitar and Rick Davis on blues<br />
all the way from Sydney, Australia,<br />
and this is their first time pertion<br />
of Fred Serna (drums) and<br />
Soul Drivers<br />
harp. A rock-solid rhythm sec-<br />
The Mighty<br />
forming in the U.S.A. Matt is a Jobe Jennings (bass) provides<br />
Connecticut Blues Society<br />
lover of all kinds of blues and roots a killer groove. The Melissa B.<br />
music, and especially enjoys walk-<br />
The Mighty Soul Drivers bring the<br />
Band proudly plays the blues.<br />
classic soul/blues sounds of Mem-<br />
112 H BANDS The Blues Foundation • blues.org<br />
phis, Muscle Shoals, and points<br />
south to the hills of New England.<br />
The Mighty Soul Drivers take<br />
their inspiration from the giants of<br />
Southern soul and blues, and combine<br />
that with contemporary tunes<br />
written in the classic style. Years<br />
of playing all kinds of gigs, from<br />
major festival stages to corner taverns,<br />
have honed each member’s<br />
skills to a fine edge. They mine the<br />
deepest old soul/blues nuggets<br />
and breathe new life into them<br />
while finding the cream of Memphis-style<br />
contemporary tunes and<br />
creating their own soulful originals.<br />
Mojo Risin’<br />
The Music Preservation<br />
Society<br />
Based out of the Muscle Shoals<br />
area of Alabama, Mojo Risin’ was<br />
formed in 2009. The band is committed<br />
to keeping the blues and<br />
old-school R&B alive, entertaining<br />
audiences with covers by some of<br />
the greatest musicians in those<br />
genres. They have performed at<br />
Mississippi State College’s BBQ<br />
& Blues benefiting the Children’s<br />
Miracle Network, blues festivals<br />
such as Champy’s Blues Festival<br />
in Chattanooga and Muscle<br />
Shoals, and have performed annually<br />
since 2010 at events during<br />
the W.C. Handy Music Festival<br />
in Florence, Alabama. The band<br />
consists of dynamic vocalist Shirley<br />
Rowell, guitarists Zachariah<br />
Thigpen and Edward Armstead<br />
II, bassman C.J. Anderson, and<br />
drummer Skip Skipworth.<br />
Mojo Theory<br />
Northeast Ohio<br />
Blues Association<br />
Mojo Theory is a five-piece ensemble<br />
that unwittingly carved out a<br />
niche in our blues community. This<br />
unique band from Columbus, Ohio,<br />
holds true to the rich traditions of<br />
the blues, which blend perfectly<br />
with their signature sound. They<br />
write and produce their music in<br />
different styles, drawing the admiration<br />
of blues enthusiasts as well<br />
as today’s progressive listeners.<br />
With three all-original CDs to their<br />
credit, They continue to ignite and<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
BANDS H 113
The Night Owls<br />
Massachusetts<br />
Blues Society<br />
excite their audiences with memorable<br />
modern blues into a powerful<br />
114 H BANDS The Blues Foundation • blues.org stage shows and perfor-<br />
mances. Mojo Theory is powered<br />
by Todd Mollette on drums, Brian<br />
Beatty on lead guitar, Curtis Justus<br />
Categorizing the Night Owls into<br />
on bass guitar, Jeff Morris on keys,<br />
one specific style is no easy task.<br />
and Mark Richard on vocals. A performance<br />
you don’t want to miss!<br />
Their mutual appreciation for all<br />
things blues runs too deep to be<br />
pigeonholed, and is reflected in<br />
all areas of their music. They draw<br />
Mojomatic<br />
from their collective and eclectic<br />
musical heroes and genres,<br />
Huntington Blues Society<br />
while still managing to produce<br />
Teacher Kayla Massie and her a pure and spirited product all<br />
band Mojomatic have been doing their own. The quality and attention<br />
to detail in terms of tone and<br />
some blues-based education all<br />
their own. With a youthful burn, feeling from their vocals and instruments<br />
is uncanny, and unex-<br />
the soul-powered blues band<br />
is turning new generations on pected from such a young bunch.<br />
to classic blues belters such as They may have only recently found<br />
Big Mama Thornton up through each other frequenting the same<br />
Beth Hart, and diving down into late-night Massachusetts blues<br />
their originals. Based in Huntington,<br />
West Virginia, Mojomatic sion and energy radiating from<br />
jams and venues, but the pas-<br />
testifies to a new birth of blues their unified performances is<br />
from clubs to festivals, putting sure to take them any distance.<br />
its own tattoo on tunes from rare<br />
Led Zep covers to roots-twisting<br />
1980s pop songs and back to<br />
The Norman<br />
the blues. Armed with marchingband<br />
percussion history, Mojo-<br />
Jackson Band<br />
matic has a rock-solid rhythmic<br />
Lake of the Ozarks<br />
Blues Society<br />
backbone for a new era of blues.<br />
Norman Jackson, the “Soul Machine,”<br />
Mother Ship grew up in Detroit and<br />
Chicago singing alongside many<br />
Blues Band<br />
of the fathers of soul and blues<br />
music. He has a genuine and rare<br />
The Blues Societies<br />
voice. He’s also an virtuoso guitarist.<br />
Saxophonist Rick Shortt<br />
of Iowa<br />
This aptly named quintet was born grew up watching Norman Jackson<br />
perform. He approaches the<br />
in the heart of Iowa. Jeff Banks,<br />
James Biehn, Justin Appel, Jon saxophone with aggression and<br />
Locker, and Scott Dawson have fire. Like a blazing turbine, he creates<br />
the energy of the band; you<br />
been performing together since<br />
1999, and bring it every time with never know what he’ll do next.<br />
a sound that is funky, greasy, and Jackson and his soul-soothing,<br />
high-energy. Even though they groove-inducing band will amaze<br />
have a tightness most bands only you with the most sincere and true<br />
dream of achieving, they know how blues you’ll find anywhere. True<br />
to get loose and stretch out, and it to the moniker “The Baddest Soul<br />
has become their trademark. The Band in the Land,” they strive to<br />
Mother Ship’s aim is to be true help you “get your happy on”!<br />
to the spirit of the blues, with an<br />
original voice—because in the end,<br />
the music must speak for itself. Odell Gray and the<br />
House Rules Band<br />
Houston Blues Society<br />
Hailing from Houston, Texas, Odell<br />
Gray and the House Rules Band<br />
blend a mixture of classic and<br />
sound that is unique and all their<br />
own. The band members, Odell<br />
Gray (vocals), Shawn Allen (bass<br />
guitar), Dan Carpenter (sax), Jon<br />
Cometta (guitar), Tommy Hampton<br />
(drums), and Aaron Lakey (organ<br />
and keyboards), are all seasoned<br />
musicians who learned their craft<br />
playing in bands around Texas<br />
before this inspiring collaboration<br />
paired Gray’s dynamic vocals<br />
with the band’s stellar musicianship.<br />
These guys deliver a soulful,<br />
high-energy show that grabs<br />
the audience’s attention and<br />
leaves them roaring for more!<br />
The Paul<br />
DesLauriers Band<br />
Montreal Blues Society<br />
The Paul DesLauriers Band is<br />
made up of singer/guitarist<br />
Paul DesLauriers, bassist Greg<br />
Morency, and drummer Sam Harrisson.<br />
These three pillars of<br />
the Quebec blues scene bring a<br />
unique interplay, subtlety, and intensity<br />
to the stage, blending a<br />
modern approach with tradition.<br />
Released in March 2014, their current<br />
album reached No. 1 on the<br />
iTunes Canada blues chart within<br />
a month. Collectively they have<br />
won three Maple Blues Awards,<br />
including Guitarist of the Year<br />
and Bassist of the Year, as well<br />
as 14 Quebec Lys Blues Awards.<br />
They are currently complementing<br />
their busy touring schedule<br />
with work on their newest album,<br />
set for release in April 2016.<br />
Phil Bee’s Freedom<br />
Dutch Blues Foundation<br />
At the Dutch Blues Challenge<br />
2015, the jury was unanimous,<br />
saying Phil Bee’s Freedom showed<br />
“outstanding skills, repertoire,<br />
and stage presence.” This sensational<br />
eight-piece band excites<br />
the crowds with original<br />
blues tunes, mixing jazz and soul<br />
grooves, played by the finest musicians<br />
around. Imagine 1960s-’70s<br />
Hammond and Rhodes, a tight,<br />
groovy rhythm section, two amazing<br />
lead guitarists, and sultry<br />
background singers, topped by<br />
Phil Bee’s blue–eyed-soul vocals.<br />
It’s show-stopping quality that<br />
will hit you like a freight train.<br />
RD Olson Blues Band<br />
Northern Arizona<br />
Blues Alliance<br />
RD Olson, bandleader and harp<br />
player, grew up on the farm in<br />
Zumbrota, Minnesota, and now resides<br />
in Prescott. His blues style<br />
is high-energy, gritty, and downhome.<br />
Dr. Bob Sellani, drummer,<br />
is president of the Sedona-based<br />
Northern Arizona Blues Alliance.<br />
Darryl Porras, “Big Daddy D,”<br />
from Phoenix, has been honing<br />
his blues guitar skills for 30 years<br />
and is a former 2008 IBC contestant.<br />
Phoenix bassist Jamie Waldron<br />
is an accomplished guitarist<br />
with 25 years’ experience, and<br />
now adds upright bass to his credentials.<br />
Rounding out the lineup<br />
are Flagstaff stage veteran Tom<br />
McMillian on the Hammond B3,<br />
and the “Sedona horns” featuring<br />
Andy Neilson on slide trombone<br />
and Lee Sullivan on tenor sax.<br />
Rebel Airplane<br />
Black Swamp<br />
Blues Society<br />
Rebel Airplane, a dynamic blues<br />
trio, took flight from Toledo, Ohio,<br />
in August of 2015. Scott Hafferkamp<br />
(drums) and Mike Klein<br />
(bass) unite to forge a swampy,<br />
lucid rhythm backbone while<br />
Scott Biddle (vocals/guitar) lends<br />
his snarl and color to round out<br />
the trio’s groove-laden grasp of<br />
the blues. Rebel Airplane personifies<br />
the new blues of the<br />
Midwest—a sound that is familiar,<br />
yet fresh. Nestled between<br />
a dose of Motown poise and a<br />
dash of buttery Southern charm,<br />
you can hear a testimony of what<br />
the band knows best—booze,<br />
women, and trouble. Rebellious?<br />
Perhaps, but likable enough to<br />
make your momma smile.<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
BANDS H 115
Rendezvous and<br />
the Hookups<br />
Lowcountry Blues Club<br />
116 H BANDS<br />
2007, and is intentionally spelled<br />
without the O to represent that little<br />
part of music that’s been missing.<br />
All songs are originals inspired<br />
together last summer<br />
by the Almighty. Steeped in gospel<br />
and blues, X Factr attempts to<br />
sultry one-night stand<br />
Charleston, South Carolina. keep the music simple. Reminders<br />
of history, love, marriage, and<br />
original all-star engagement<br />
for one night, but because<br />
heartbreak flash back to the special<br />
moments in life that make you<br />
musical connection<br />
powerful, and the crowd say “That’s my song!” Professional<br />
was so positive, that musicians Dan Haynes, Bob Tiger,<br />
united. Their music Carleton Pike, and Jim DeSchamp<br />
from heartbreak to jubilation,<br />
play with true emotion, backing<br />
classics and originals Peoples’ smooth and powerful<br />
from belly-rubbing slow vocals, getting audiences up on<br />
tried-and-true shuffles their feet and shouting for more—<br />
foot-stomping dance tunes. that’s Rex Peoples and X Factr.<br />
moonlight and hotter than<br />
influence of soul colors<br />
The vocal palette extends<br />
Roharpo the<br />
buttery to weathered. Bluesman and the<br />
of sax and organ top Real Blues Band<br />
unique sound, and the<br />
The Golden Gate<br />
award-winning rhythm section truly<br />
Blues Society<br />
apart from the rest.<br />
Roosevelt Lands, also known as<br />
Roharpo the Bluesman, is a selftaught<br />
harmonica player and<br />
Rent Party<br />
singer with big-time stage appeal<br />
Blues Band<br />
and presence. Born in New Orleans<br />
and raised in Baton Rouge<br />
Santa Barbara<br />
Blues Society<br />
by a family of gospel and blues<br />
Party Blues Band was musicians and singers, Lands<br />
November of 2014 in learned how the down-home<br />
Barbara, California. The blues feel and how the sound<br />
idea behind the band gets you deep in your soul, bringing<br />
people together to feel good.<br />
perform lesser-known<br />
songs that came out of He has created his own unique<br />
and Memphis during style of soulful singing, high-energy<br />
harmonica playing, and inspir-<br />
and ’60s, as a way<br />
the current generation’ing<br />
showmanship. He has been<br />
perspective on the blues. pleasing audiences wherever he<br />
chose its name as a performs. He is a celebration of<br />
evoke the ”let loose and music and life, and he will make<br />
spirit of a house party, you feel inspired and move you<br />
or juke joint. Still in its with the energy of the groove.<br />
performances, the<br />
Blues Band is building<br />
from its influences and The Romeo Kings<br />
upon them to create<br />
Smoky Mountain<br />
that is refreshing while<br />
Blues Society<br />
true blues music. The Romeo Kings drag Texas blues<br />
through the hills of East Tennessee<br />
and distill it in a shot of Memphis<br />
tradition to flash-bang a<br />
Rex Peoples<br />
and X Factr progressive blues sound careening<br />
Colorado Blues Society around a different edge. Originals<br />
created by singer,<br />
and tributes smack off the drums<br />
and Blues in the<br />
of Kenny Rehder and boom from<br />
educator Rex Peoples in<br />
the bass of Brian “Little Jesus” Jol-<br />
The Blues Foundation • blues.org ley. Roger Hay adds the smoky-bacon-greased<br />
guitar lead, and the<br />
mangled rasp of lead singer William<br />
Butler chemically catalyzes<br />
the sound into a rattlesnake bite<br />
that will leave a mark. The Romeo<br />
Kings are the naughty preacher’s<br />
kids who broke the rules to get<br />
it right. Come appreciate American<br />
blues with a Southern groove<br />
from four friends from Knoxville<br />
who play their hearts out for you.<br />
Rooster Davis Group<br />
Edmonton Blues Society<br />
The Rooster Davis Group achieve a<br />
full-band sound using only piano,<br />
drums, trombone, and vocals to<br />
create a unique sound and an exciting<br />
blues experience each time<br />
they perform. Steeped in the tradition<br />
of the New Orleans piano<br />
greats, the group is based around<br />
bandleader Rooster Davis’ driving,<br />
rhythmic piano style. Audrey<br />
Ochoa, one of Canada’s finest<br />
trombonists, and drummer<br />
Peter Hendrickson, with his intricate<br />
second-line snare grooves,<br />
add to this heavy-hitting band.<br />
Completing the group is wellknown<br />
Canadian singer/songwriter<br />
Ann Vriend, whose soulful<br />
vocals contrast beautifully with<br />
Rooster’s gruff vocal style. Together<br />
they deliver their version<br />
of New Orleans-style blues.<br />
Sister Mercy<br />
Cascade Blues Association<br />
Sister Mercy possesses a highenergy,<br />
blues-driven sound. Lead<br />
singer April Brown is mesmerizing<br />
with her powerful, beautiful<br />
presence, full-range vocals, and<br />
complete joy in performance. Her<br />
sister Kelsey Brown gives strong<br />
vocal background support, Steven<br />
Savoie creates memorable<br />
licks on guitar, and Roger Espinor<br />
(drums), Ron Camacho (bass), and<br />
Debby Espinor (keyboards) hold<br />
the rhythms down tight. Representing<br />
the Cascade Blues Association<br />
of Portland, Oregon, Sister<br />
Mercy presents original music that<br />
is a pleasure for the ears, and a<br />
show that is a feast for the eyes.<br />
for a<br />
the<br />
They came<br />
in<br />
The<br />
was only<br />
was so<br />
response<br />
the group<br />
with<br />
from<br />
moves<br />
that range<br />
grinds to<br />
to<br />
Sexy as<br />
fever, the<br />
every song.<br />
Splashes<br />
off their<br />
sets them<br />
The Rent<br />
formed in<br />
Santa<br />
original<br />
was to<br />
blues<br />
Chicago<br />
the 1950s<br />
to broaden<br />
The band<br />
way to<br />
get down”<br />
rent party,<br />
first year of<br />
directly Rent Party<br />
innovating<br />
a sound<br />
preserving<br />
X Factr was<br />
songwriter,<br />
Schools<br />
Smoke Wagon<br />
Blues Band<br />
Grand River Blues Society<br />
Featuring funky blues harmonica,<br />
whiskey-stained vocals, slick guitar<br />
work, soulful saxophone, ragtime<br />
piano, and a solid rhythm<br />
section, Corey Lueck and the<br />
Smoke Wagon Blues Band have<br />
been performing in clubs and<br />
on festival stages for over a decade.<br />
Formed in 1997, the Smoke<br />
Wagon Blues Band became a<br />
crowd favorite in Hamilton, Ontario’s<br />
Hess Village. Four independent<br />
releases, international<br />
radio play, and a large local fan<br />
base propelled the band to national<br />
stages across the province.<br />
Their last two albums have been<br />
international hits, reaching the<br />
top of the roots and blues charts<br />
and garnering five-star reviews in<br />
blues magazines and blogs, and<br />
the Best New Blues Artist award<br />
by the Toronto Blues Society.<br />
Smokestack Lightning<br />
Phoenix Blues Society<br />
Smokestack Lightning gets right<br />
to the point by using the wisdom<br />
of the blues and the mesmerism<br />
of rock and roll to split tuneful<br />
atoms each time they hit the<br />
stage. Since Smokestack Lightning<br />
formed in 2009, they’ve taken<br />
cues from their blues and rockand-roll<br />
forebears to create a truly<br />
American sound. The artists of<br />
this rising outfit are all members<br />
of the Gila River Indian Community<br />
in Arizona, and have spread<br />
their music far beyond the reaches<br />
of their reservation. Bassist Mark<br />
Leos and drummer Pat Antone<br />
hold up the groove like twin Atlases,<br />
while guitarist Rik Leos and<br />
harmonica player Robert Jackson<br />
pounce on audiences with<br />
their exciting lead work and fills.<br />
The SoulFixers<br />
Dayton Blues Society<br />
The big sound of a four-piece horn<br />
section playing sharp arrangements<br />
is just one of the uncommon<br />
assets of this band from Ohio,<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
BANDS H 117
It has been two years since Catherine<br />
Rhodes and Bryan Morris<br />
formed the band Cat Rhodes and<br />
the Truth. Besides playing all over<br />
the Gulf Coast, they competed in<br />
the Blues Society of Northwest<br />
Florida’s Challenge coming in second<br />
in 2013, winning in 2014<br />
and again in 2015, and heading<br />
back to Memphis in 2016.<br />
The band, now the Truth featuring<br />
Cat Rhodes, with Rhodes on lead<br />
vocals, Bryan Morris on drums,<br />
brother Jojo Morris on bass, and<br />
Bob Erickson Jr. on guitar, per-<br />
sylvania, and working toward its<br />
named for Blues Hall of Famer be played on blues radio stations<br />
118 H BANDS The Blues Foundation • blues.org Luther Allison’s song “Soul Fixin’ around the world. Steve’s songwriting<br />
Man.” Seasoned blues veterans<br />
has been well received, with<br />
on drums and bass, lively keys, reviews saying that the band is<br />
searing guitar, and honest vocals taking blues music into the future.<br />
complete the band. The SoulFixers<br />
bring an energy and intensity<br />
to their music that is both reminiscent<br />
of our blues forefathers and and the Kingfish<br />
T-Roosters<br />
Steve Morgan<br />
contemporary. The sound is horninfused,<br />
guitar-driven, and funky.<br />
Boston Blues Society<br />
DeltaBlues<br />
Fresh off the release of their BMAnominated<br />
CD Fix It Up, the Soul- keys—bluesy, soulful, jazzy, rootsy,<br />
Horns, harmonies, congas, and<br />
Fixers play their original songs and rocking, even a taste of the islands—the<br />
original tunes by Steve<br />
from the heart and from the soul.<br />
Morgan and the Kingfish explore<br />
Southern Avenue<br />
the boundaries of the blues and<br />
never leave the dance floor.<br />
Memphis Blues Society<br />
Deeply rooted in blues, Southern Steve Pineo Band<br />
Avenue, from Memphis, Tennessee,<br />
brings infectious rhythms,<br />
Association<br />
Calgary Blues Music<br />
soulful guitar sounds, masterful<br />
musicianship, and riveting vo-<br />
The Steve Pineo Band is a blues<br />
and roots band which specializes<br />
cals to the stage and studio alike.<br />
in great original songs, tasty playing,<br />
tight arrangements, and soul-<br />
Their sound represents an ideal:<br />
to come together in music, spirit,<br />
ful vocals. Hailing from Calgary,<br />
and the love of life. Southern Avenue<br />
consists of award-winning<br />
TC Carr and<br />
Alberta, Pineo learned his craft<br />
at the legendary King Edward Hotel—a<br />
major stop for touring blues<br />
Israeli-born guitarist Ori Naftaly,<br />
vocalist Tierinii Jackson, and her<br />
bands. After many years of delving<br />
into rock, country, jazz, and<br />
younger sister Tikyra Jackson on<br />
drums. Backed by some of Memphis’<br />
best, Daniel Mckee on bass<br />
pop styles, Pineo has gone back to<br />
the blues. A full-time working musician,<br />
he has set aside Monday<br />
and Pete DeGloma on keys, Southern<br />
Avenue is the high-energy<br />
nights for Blue Mondays at Mikey’s<br />
blues band that you don’t want to<br />
Juke Joint. For the last eight<br />
miss. In their hometown of Memphis,<br />
they are considered by many<br />
years the band has been serving<br />
up new songs and cool grooves,<br />
to be the future of the genre.<br />
with no sign of stopping! This is<br />
a band whose time has come.<br />
Steve Cal’ Band<br />
Jersey Shore Jazz and Stevee Wellons Band<br />
Blues Foundation<br />
Blues Society of<br />
Steve Cal’ is a blues guitarist,<br />
Western Pennsylvania<br />
singer, and songwriter from Philadelphia,<br />
Pennsylvania. In 2011 he<br />
The Stevee Wellons Band layers a<br />
smokin’ rhythm section of Steve<br />
formed the Steve Cal’ Band, which<br />
Binsberger (keys), Allen Muckle<br />
features Sandy Eldred (bass) and<br />
(drums), Jim Spears (bass), and<br />
Felix Manzi (drums). Through their<br />
Cheryl Rinovato (guitar) behind the<br />
instrumental virtuosity the trio<br />
powerhouse vocals of Stevee Wellons.<br />
This is a unique combination<br />
Tee Dee Young<br />
raise the musical bar with the electrifying,<br />
soul-filled live sets that<br />
of seasoned musicians. They draw<br />
The Blues, Jazz and<br />
they’ve become known for. The<br />
on traditional, modern, and rockin’<br />
Folk Music Society<br />
Steve Cal’ Band’s latest self-produced<br />
and independently released<br />
What makes Tee Dee Young<br />
blues roots in a musical partnership<br />
that is winning over enthusiastic<br />
fans at their live shows. The<br />
CD has been included on over 20<br />
unique is the style in which he<br />
top-10 blues radio album monthly<br />
Stevee Wellons Band is on the<br />
charts this year, and continues to<br />
club and concert circuit in Penn-<br />
first full-length CD, for release in<br />
early 2016. The band is proud to<br />
represent western Pennsylvania<br />
this year and is looking forward to<br />
making new friends in Memphis!<br />
The T-Roosters were born from the<br />
common love of four musicians<br />
for black music of the 1950s and<br />
’60s. Drummer Giancarlo Cova<br />
and bass player Lillo Rogati are a<br />
perfect rhythm section for the guitar<br />
of Tiziano “Red Rooster” Galli<br />
(also the voice of the band) and<br />
the Mississippi saxophone (blues<br />
harp) of Marcus Tondo, finding a<br />
priceless blend of swing, blues,<br />
rock and roll, and boogie-woogie.<br />
In 2012 they released their<br />
first album, No Monkey but the<br />
Blues, followed by their new recording<br />
project, Dirty Again.<br />
Bolts of Blue<br />
Suncoast Blues Society<br />
Blues singer TC Carr is also an<br />
expressive harmonica player nurtured<br />
for decades in the sun of<br />
Gulf Coast Florida. Writing intriguing<br />
shuffles that reflect his life<br />
experiences, often with humorous<br />
overtones, Carr sings with<br />
heartfelt intensity that is matched<br />
by his unique approach to playing<br />
the harp. Touring across the<br />
country and through the European<br />
market, Carr continues to<br />
build his fan base with each spirited<br />
performance. You hear all<br />
of the elements of his artistry<br />
on the band’s latest self-titled<br />
release. His backing band, the<br />
Bolts of Blue, features the exceptional<br />
guitar picker Josh Nelms.<br />
plays the blues. His guitar is a<br />
weapon, wielded with total authority,<br />
assailing the listener with his<br />
sheer virtuosity! He writes and<br />
performs his own music, while still<br />
being able to maintain his originality<br />
covering music written by<br />
other artists and his love for pleasing<br />
his audience. Tee Dee Young<br />
is a blues legend in his own time.<br />
He has definitely got the blues,<br />
and he loves “firing down on that<br />
guitar.” While he plays his own<br />
unique style of the blues, his dynamic<br />
stage presence, exciting<br />
harmony, and energy will put<br />
you in the mood for dancing!<br />
Tripwire<br />
Blues Society of<br />
the Ozarks<br />
Tripwire has been performing and<br />
promoting the blues since first<br />
forming in the summer of 1999.<br />
Drawing inspiration from the legendary<br />
blues icons of the past as<br />
well as the blues rockers of today,<br />
this high-energy trio continues to<br />
carry on the long-standing tradition<br />
of guitar-driven blues. Tripwire<br />
performances feature an<br />
extensive set list of original music<br />
mixed with inventive covers and<br />
blues standards that are delivered<br />
with the full-on passion of<br />
the blues. Taking the stage with<br />
its own unique blend of showmanship<br />
and unrivaled musicianship,<br />
this three-piece band is a<br />
rock-solid, high-energy blues machine,<br />
truly built for the blues.<br />
The Truth featuring<br />
Cat Rhodes<br />
Blues Society of<br />
Northwest Florida<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
BANDS H 119
forms covers of blues, R&B, jazz,<br />
and Motown, fusing these genres<br />
to create a unique chemistry and<br />
musical expression. They are excited<br />
to be releasing their first<br />
CD, Knee Deep in the Blues.<br />
Twice As Good<br />
Clear Lake Blues Society<br />
Twice As Good is Paul and Rich<br />
Steward, son and father, Native<br />
American, the ultimate blues<br />
duo! Backed by their amazing<br />
2XG band, they play the blues<br />
and soul with dance grooves and<br />
a hint of the Indian beat. Paul<br />
sings and plays lead guitar, inspired<br />
by the great B.B. King.<br />
Pomo Indians of the Elem Indian<br />
Colony in Clearlake Oaks, California,<br />
they have won a West Coast<br />
Blues Award, a Native American<br />
Music Award, and an Indian Summer<br />
Music Award. Founded in May<br />
2003, the band has performed<br />
all over the U.S.A. and been written<br />
about in newspapers and<br />
magazines. From humble beginnings<br />
they have risen up, spreading<br />
the good news of the blues.<br />
Twyla Birdsong<br />
Capital Area Blues Society<br />
From the first moment Twyla Birdsong<br />
sets free a deep, soulful<br />
note, audiences are moved by the<br />
raw talent and radiance that pours<br />
from this incredible woman. Her<br />
rich, resonant voice strikes a balance<br />
of grit and power worthy of<br />
the blues, yet she can deliver with<br />
softness any blues ballad. “Everyone<br />
lives the blues—but I love<br />
singing the blues,” she says. “The<br />
blues is raw and honest. I like it<br />
rough—and every now and again,<br />
a bit easy. I am a blues singer that<br />
joyfully sings the blues, receiving<br />
a rush from exciting the crowd and<br />
making them feel what I feel.”<br />
The Used Blues Band<br />
Sacramento Blues Society<br />
The Used Blues Band is a fivepiece,<br />
high-energy guitar- and<br />
harmonica-driven dance blues<br />
band. This internationally recognized,<br />
award-winning group features<br />
great songwriting with catchy<br />
hooks set to clever and authentic<br />
blues licks. As one of the most<br />
popular blues bands in Northern<br />
California, the Used Blues Band<br />
has competed at the IBC in 2012<br />
as a duo act and in 2013 as a<br />
full band, making it to the semifinals<br />
both times. The band released<br />
a self-produced CD in<br />
early 2013 and was signed with<br />
TMG Records in 2014, with a new<br />
CD due out at the end of 2015.<br />
The Used Blues Band is ready<br />
to perform anywhere, anytime!<br />
Vanessa Collier<br />
Billtown Blues<br />
Association<br />
Dubbed an “old soul,” Vanessa<br />
Collier is a multitalented saxophonist,<br />
vocalist, and songwriter<br />
packing soulful, bluesy vocals,<br />
gritty saxophone solos, and masterful<br />
musical skill into each incredible<br />
high-energy performance.<br />
Flashing her warm trademark<br />
smile and humbly taking control of<br />
the stage, Collier leads a remarkably<br />
talented band through blues<br />
standards and originals, paying<br />
tribute to blues greats while bringing<br />
her own twist to each song. In<br />
2014 Collier released her debut<br />
album, launched a debut tour,<br />
and earned honors as a Best of<br />
2014 Blues Breaker (Dan Aykroyd’s<br />
BluesMobile) and a topthree<br />
finalist in the John Lennon<br />
Songwriting Competition. Come<br />
watch her burn up the stage!<br />
Vintage#18<br />
Central Virginia<br />
Blues Society<br />
Vintage#18 is a soul blues band<br />
based in the Washington, D.C.,<br />
area. Robbin Kapsalis, Bill Holter,<br />
Mark Chandler, and Alex Kuldell,<br />
original members since 2013,<br />
have a vintage sound created by<br />
blending their edgy style with traditional<br />
blues and soul. Kapsalis<br />
and Holter met at a local blues<br />
jam and immediately started<br />
brainstorming on how to present<br />
a different kind of band to the<br />
local music scene. Their vintage<br />
sound is influenced by Chicago<br />
blues and a host of Stax artists.<br />
The energy of Vintage#18 is undeniable,<br />
and together they deliver<br />
gritty soul blues rhythms. The band<br />
is currently working on its debut<br />
album of original music, with an<br />
expected release date in 2016.<br />
Vulgarxito<br />
Colombian Blues Society<br />
Vulgarxito is a rock and blues band<br />
created in 1999 in Bogota, Colombia.<br />
They have produced five CDs<br />
over the past 15 years. Their musical<br />
productions have evolved from<br />
rock, punk, and blues into one<br />
of the most recognizable bands<br />
of blues-rock in Colombia. With<br />
more than 1,500 performances<br />
on concert tours and at festivals,<br />
the band has a strong fan base in<br />
Colombia. They have toured in Argentina,<br />
Peru, and Ecuador, and<br />
have been leading participants in<br />
festivals such as Rock Al Parque<br />
in Bogota, Altavoz in Medellin, and<br />
the Blues and Folk Festival in Cali.<br />
WellBad<br />
Baltic Blues<br />
WellBad plays blues for people<br />
who didn’t even know that they<br />
liked blues music! The young German<br />
blues band convinces the<br />
audience with an authentic, impulsive<br />
sound! It’s stomping and<br />
sentimental at the same time!<br />
The 26-year-old singer and songwriter<br />
Daniel Welbat fascinates<br />
with his whisky-drenched, “stonewashed”<br />
voice and his powerful<br />
half-acoustic/half-electrified<br />
band of five. WellBad’s second<br />
album, Judgement Days, has<br />
been in stores since May 2015.<br />
White Knuckles Trio<br />
Finnish Blues Society<br />
Formed in 2011, White Knuckles<br />
Trio rely on a vintage sound with<br />
a stinging guitar and a pounding<br />
piano instead of a bass. They take<br />
a traditional recipe and add their<br />
special flavor to it. With a repertoire<br />
of not-worn-out blues classics<br />
mixed with their own numbers, the<br />
odd instrumental, and even gospel,<br />
WKT keeps it authentic but<br />
rocks it, too. Above all, they like to<br />
keep their music rough around the<br />
edges. They’re not re inventing any<br />
wheels, but they’re not stale and<br />
boring, either. Regardless of the<br />
tempo, intensity is the key word.<br />
Zach Day and<br />
Full Throttle<br />
Indy Crossroads Blues<br />
Zach Day and Full Throttle are a<br />
high-energy blues band out of a<br />
small town called Summitville, Indiana.<br />
Zach Day, at 21, is sure to<br />
have the crowd on their feet with<br />
his mesmerizing guitar solos and<br />
soul-testifying vocals. Though Day<br />
is young, he has surrounded himself<br />
with veteran musicians who really<br />
know what it takes. The sound<br />
that comes from this fine group is<br />
like no other. It has a heavy blues<br />
base but has many other elements<br />
mixed in, such as jazz and funk.<br />
This makes for a very dynamic experience.<br />
Zach Day and Full Throttle<br />
just released their second CD,<br />
Redefined, which takes these aspects<br />
and mixes them to form their<br />
own take on modern blues. This is<br />
an act you do not want to miss.<br />
Zack Linton Band<br />
Blues at Bridgetown<br />
Incorporated<br />
The Zack Linton Band is a West<br />
Australian blues-rock band that<br />
formed in 2015 in the city of Perth,<br />
comprising singer/songwriter<br />
and guitarist Zack Linton, bassist<br />
Dario Juritano, and drummer<br />
Ryan Daunt. Performing their own<br />
original songs, they have a unique<br />
sound that captures hard-rock essence,<br />
modern blues, and reminiscent<br />
influences. The band’s<br />
first single, “Maybe I’m in Love,”<br />
released in February 2015, was<br />
well received, getting over 17,000<br />
downloads and being picked for<br />
the Best of 2015 on Jamendo.<br />
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50 Shades of Blue<br />
Mile High Blues Society<br />
This Denver duo’s music will tear<br />
you apart and put you back together<br />
again. Having played together<br />
for years in a blues band,<br />
Christine Webb and Jim “Doc”<br />
Seely launched a duo act, 50<br />
Shades of Blue, to bring a new<br />
voice to their music and reach a<br />
broader audience. Audiences are<br />
consistently intrigued because the<br />
duo’s appearance doesn’t match<br />
their sound or expectations of how<br />
blues players look. Yet Webb’s<br />
soulful vocals and solid bass playing,<br />
combined with Seely’s rippin’<br />
acoustic, slide, and electric guitar<br />
work, transports the listener<br />
from back-porch country jams,<br />
flavored with wood smoke and<br />
barbecue, to gritty urban corner<br />
bars filled with spirits and loss.<br />
Adrian Duke and<br />
Theresa Richmond<br />
Central Virginia<br />
Blues Society<br />
Adrian Duke is a piano player/<br />
singer/songwriter steeped deeply<br />
in the New Orleans blues tradition,<br />
and Theresa Richmond a<br />
seasoned gospel singer drawn<br />
into the blues through their friendship<br />
and musical collaboration.<br />
The combination of Duke’s New<br />
Orleans blues and Richmond’s<br />
Southern gospel roots makes<br />
for a surprising yet natural fit.<br />
Duke’s raw, unprocessed vocals<br />
and Crescent City piano are perfectly<br />
balanced against Richmond’s<br />
blast-furnace delivery and<br />
sassy grace. Together the duo<br />
have been collaborating for over<br />
a decade, performing and writing<br />
songs that best complement their<br />
special chemistry in the blues.<br />
Alonzo Pennington<br />
and Michael Gough<br />
Kentuckiana Blues Society<br />
Two of western Kentucky’s most<br />
celebrated blues musicians, Michael<br />
Gough and Alonzo Pennington,<br />
have been making music<br />
together since 2006. Both front<br />
their own bands but make the<br />
time to schedule several dates<br />
each year performing as a duo<br />
or as two parts of a collaborative<br />
group called ZoGo. Pennington,<br />
an up-and-coming guitar virtuoso,<br />
is a world-class thumb picker with<br />
national and international titles<br />
among his awards and accomplishments.<br />
Gough is a well-seasoned<br />
veteran with 41 years making<br />
music professionally; he dates his<br />
first paying gig back to the age of<br />
19. You will most definitely want<br />
to make this soulful blues duo a<br />
part of your 2016 IBC experience.<br />
Amays and Blue<br />
Kalamazoo Valley<br />
Blues Association<br />
Alex Mays and Eddie “Blue” Lester<br />
team up to meld their personal<br />
styles into a unique sound<br />
that pleases the ear and covers<br />
the spectrum of blues music. The<br />
smooth blend of Lester’s sax and<br />
Mays’ acoustic guitar creates a<br />
warmth and energy. Amays and<br />
Blue’s sound is a blend of original<br />
and tasteful covers of roots, Deltastyle,<br />
jump, and smooth jazzy<br />
blues music molded by the personalities<br />
and expressions of the<br />
two players. Mays and Lester bring<br />
their individual voices and musical<br />
sensibilities to the table in an<br />
intriguing, perfectly blended performance.<br />
The show picks you up<br />
and moves you through the various<br />
moods and colors of the blues.<br />
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Andrew Wheeler<br />
Capital Region<br />
Blues Network<br />
Ben “Swamp<br />
Donkey” Brenner<br />
Buffalo River<br />
Blues Society<br />
of Moscow and performing in several<br />
juke joints all over Mississippi<br />
when he was traveling from<br />
Chicago to New Orleans in 2012.<br />
Andrew hails from Albany, New<br />
With his raw but soulful voice, Big<br />
York, and has been researching Ben “Swamp Donkey” Brenner<br />
Bo accompanies himself on the<br />
and playing blues and roots guitar<br />
for over 20 years. He has per-<br />
tradition yet distinctly modern.<br />
resonator guitar, cigar-box guitar,<br />
plays blues in a style rooted in<br />
acoustic and electric guitar, steel<br />
formed everywhere from large Born in Tujunga, California, the<br />
bass drum and high hat, creating<br />
city stages and orchestra pits to Swamp Donkey lives and plays in<br />
a powerful one-man-band sound<br />
bistros and cafes. Wheeler is currently<br />
enrolled with the Berklee like he looks. In his songs you will<br />
fields and juke joints and on the<br />
Little Rock, Arkansas. He sounds<br />
reminiscent of blues played in the<br />
School of Music online as a guitar<br />
student, and has completed iar. He believes that the blues is<br />
find blues both new and famil-<br />
porches of the Mississippi Delta.<br />
the first of three certificates in a deeply honest thing, charged<br />
guitar. His goal is to pay homage with electricity, lightened by laughter,<br />
and sweetened with sorrow.<br />
The Golden Gate<br />
Big Bones<br />
to often-overlooked blues originators<br />
while passionately crafting “With the blues,” says the Swamp<br />
Blues Society<br />
new, meaningful forms of expression<br />
that he hopes will touch your have to lean back and take in the<br />
the artist known as Big Bones is<br />
Donkey, “sometimes you just<br />
Self-taught and self-motivated,<br />
soul. Wheeler also stays busy as whole of humanity, love as hard<br />
an integral part of the blues community<br />
in the San Francisco Bay<br />
the owner and lecturer of The as you can, and get Donkey!”<br />
Blues Journey, his interactive<br />
Area and is known internationally.<br />
blues performance and lecture. He<br />
His playing has been described<br />
holds a BA and an MA in history. Ben Hunter and<br />
as both traditional and funky.<br />
Joe Seamons<br />
His deep bass voice resonates<br />
Barbara Paul<br />
Washington Blues Society<br />
with confidence, allowing audiences<br />
to feel that his music is a<br />
North Central Florida Hunter and Seamons bounce<br />
Blues Society<br />
true representation of the blues.<br />
around on the limbs that spread<br />
Big Bones lives the blues and expresses<br />
its history through music,<br />
Barbara Paul learned early about from the branches and roots of the<br />
love, loss, and change as her army American blues tradition. Based in<br />
connecting it with black American<br />
family moved often. When she Seattle, Washington, they spread<br />
folklore and experience. He is a<br />
was a young girl her mother taught the glory and whimsy of traditional<br />
song through house con-<br />
songwriter, storyteller, and troubadour,<br />
and in 43 years of play-<br />
her to sing and harmonize while<br />
they were doing dishes together, certs, community jam sessions,<br />
ing, he has earned great respect<br />
and bought Barbara her first guitar<br />
in the late 1950s. While sing-<br />
are American songsters, musi-<br />
and schoolroom workshops. They<br />
from fellow musicians and audiences<br />
alike. Whether he’s solo<br />
ing on the coffeehouse circuit, she cians whose repertoire is much<br />
or with a big band, Big Bones<br />
was exposed to the music that broader than the old blues and<br />
is the real deal, guaranteed.<br />
would become her passion—the spans many of the genres that<br />
early blues—and as she learned to they inhabit. These two make<br />
“double-thumb” and “knife” she American music, the kind that<br />
Bill Weiner and<br />
developed a deep respect for the hews to the rough-and-tumble<br />
Al Taylor<br />
artists of the early 20th century. collisions of musical inspirations<br />
from the early 20th cen-<br />
Blues Society of<br />
Although she has played many<br />
Western Pennsylvania<br />
styles of music over the years, tury—music that paved the way<br />
she always returns to the blues for everything we enjoy today.<br />
Bill Weiner (guitar and vocals) and<br />
that so deeply influenced her as a<br />
Al Taylor (bass) are lifelong fans<br />
young musician, and in every performance<br />
she lovingly pays hom-<br />
Big Bo<br />
and 1930s blues and rags. The<br />
of country blues. They play 1920s<br />
age to those musical greats.<br />
Dutch Blues Foundation<br />
regional differences in music and<br />
Big Bo Brocken has been touring<br />
artistry of the Depression era are<br />
Europe and the world for almost<br />
great; by listening to the old recordings,<br />
they re-create and in-<br />
30 years. In his long career he<br />
has become a renowned and wellrespected<br />
blues musician, playterpret<br />
the songs. They play a<br />
variety of styles: songs to share<br />
ing venues and festivals all across<br />
your blues or to dance to. Weiner’s<br />
technique is a combination<br />
Europe, touring Scandinavia, even<br />
playing the Svetlana Music Hall<br />
of fingerpicking, strumming, and<br />
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pounding either his six-string or<br />
his baritone guitar, while providing<br />
stylish vocals. Taylor’s walking<br />
bass lines perfectly complement<br />
and sustain the musical foundation.<br />
He also keeps the beat by<br />
doubling on hand drums, and<br />
adds a blues flavor on the Dobro.<br />
Billy Joe Daniel<br />
Natchel’ Blues Network<br />
Billy Joe Daniel has been a musical<br />
ambassador of the blues since<br />
the age of 7, writing original music<br />
with a “one foot in the past and<br />
one in the future” approach, singing<br />
and playing guitar anywhere<br />
people will listen. Residing in Virginia<br />
with a 7-year-old son of his<br />
own, Billy continues to play more<br />
than 150 live shows a year.<br />
Bing Futch<br />
Orange Blossom<br />
Blues Society<br />
Orlando, Florida-based Bing Futch<br />
shares his love of the blues by<br />
performing and teaching with an<br />
unusual instrument; the Appalachian<br />
mountain dulcimer. Using<br />
a special double-necked model,<br />
along with a custom resonator dulcimer<br />
for slide playing, Futch performs<br />
original songs steeped in<br />
Delta, Chicago, Texas and North<br />
Mississippi Hill Country styles. His<br />
unique approach and high-energy<br />
performances resulted in advancing<br />
to the semifinals during his<br />
first International Blues Challenge<br />
last year. He is the author of the<br />
best-selling instructional book<br />
Blues Method for Mountain Dulcimer,<br />
and his album Unresolved<br />
Blues has received widespread<br />
radio play and critical acclaim.<br />
Birddog and Beck<br />
Crossroads Blues<br />
Society of Illinois<br />
Ken Olufs and Warren Beck deliver<br />
harmonica-spiked piano<br />
blues with two of the most soulful<br />
voices you’ll want to hear. Beck’s<br />
impressive musical chops have<br />
taken him from Chicago and Nash-<br />
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Blues and Greens<br />
Fort Smith Riverfront<br />
Blues Society<br />
ville as a studio/backing artist to<br />
ber of 1973, forging an amazing<br />
tours with blues singer Mike Farris<br />
and Canadian blues/rock guitarist<br />
Trevor Finlay. Olufs, also<br />
from Chicago, bought his first harmonica<br />
after seeing the Siegel-<br />
Take a guy born and raised in<br />
Crawford County, Arkansas. Add<br />
Schwall Band at age 17. But he<br />
another who is a transplant from<br />
credits his friendship, mentoring,<br />
the Chicago area. They realize that<br />
and a couple hundred gigs with<br />
both love the blues, in lots of different<br />
flavors. Both love greens,<br />
blues piano great Barrelhouse<br />
Chuck for inspiring him the most.<br />
too! It’s just that simple, like most<br />
With great chemistry and a clear<br />
good things. It might be gutbucket<br />
love for their craft, this is a blues<br />
blues, might be jazzy-tinged blues<br />
duo you will truly come to enjoy!<br />
with a half-step modulation, or<br />
something you just have to clap<br />
your hands and stomp your feet<br />
Blind Cadillac to. Maybe a version of a song you<br />
already love, but with a whole new<br />
Atlanta Blues Society<br />
twist. Perhaps an original tune<br />
Blind Cadillac is a partnership between<br />
Jeremy Neese and David time you hear it. Harmonicas by<br />
you’ll feel familiar with the first<br />
Pippin. Both are dedicated to playing<br />
all-original music while keeping nator lap steel acoustics by Steve<br />
Boyce Wofford, 12-string and reso-<br />
Bobby G and<br />
the traditional feel and essence of<br />
Cory Swift<br />
Dragos. Straight-up. Strippeddown.<br />
Nothing but the blues.<br />
Blues Society of<br />
the blues alive. They met in Carrollton,<br />
Georgia, at Neese’s family<br />
the Ozarks<br />
music store. Pippin began teaching<br />
guitar, while Neese worked Blues Chronicles<br />
on instruments and amplifiers. Cleveland Blues Society<br />
Each admired the other’s ability,<br />
and late one night, while<br />
Blues Chronicles is an acoustic<br />
duo formed in Cleveland,<br />
sharing a bottle of spirits, they convinced<br />
each other that they could<br />
Ohio, by vocalist and harmonica<br />
and would write the next great<br />
player Reese Black and guitarist<br />
Al Moses. Their no-nonsense<br />
blues album, and so they did.<br />
approach preserves the traditional<br />
sound of the blues and reflects<br />
their musical influences,<br />
Blind-Dog Gatewood<br />
which originated from the Mississippi<br />
Delta, Piedmont plateau,<br />
Piedmont Blues<br />
Preservation Society<br />
Chicago, and Memphis. Black’s<br />
Blind-Dog Gatewood is a native<br />
strong vocal delivery paired with<br />
of the Motor City and has been a<br />
Moses’ guitar accompaniment<br />
music teacher, instrument technician,<br />
and professional musician<br />
gives the listener a sound much<br />
larger than one would expect<br />
since the age of 16. His early exposure<br />
to some of the diverse<br />
from an acoustic duo. Their performances<br />
have taken them from<br />
musical influences in Detroit created<br />
the framework for his ex-<br />
local juke joints to international<br />
music festival stages, but regardless<br />
of the venue the audience will<br />
tensive mastery of the blues via<br />
R&B, funk, rock, and fusion. He<br />
feel as if they are with friends playing<br />
the blues on the back porch.<br />
is an award-winning one-man act<br />
who has polished his chops in<br />
places as diverse as the Sierra<br />
foothills, the Mojave Desert, the<br />
Bobby and<br />
Mississippi Delta, and the streets<br />
of New Orleans. Truly a one-man Joanne Duo<br />
band, he is now based out of Long Island Blues Society<br />
Greensboro, North Carolina. Bobby and Joanne Nathan, a guitar-<br />
and keyboard-driven duo, met<br />
at a band audition in Septem-<br />
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bond of love and music spanning<br />
more than 42 years. Their blues<br />
and R&B foundation has taken<br />
them on tours all over the U.S.<br />
Their music legacy includes the<br />
Memphis Soul Review and the<br />
Bobby Nathan Band. Bobby’s guitar<br />
work and vocals represent stylings<br />
of all the masters, backed<br />
up by Joanne’s keyboard work.<br />
They have hosted over 20 years<br />
of blues jams in Manhattan and<br />
Long Island. From 1979 to 2004<br />
they owned Unique Recording<br />
Studios in New York City, making<br />
world–class, top-selling records.<br />
The couple currently perform<br />
throughout the eastern seaboard.<br />
Bobby Gardner and Cory Swift<br />
have an aggressive blues style that<br />
commands attention from the audience.<br />
The duo’s talent cannot<br />
be questioned. Gardner’s harddriving<br />
guitar riffs and vocal flexibility,<br />
paired with Swift’s smooth<br />
harmonizing skills on the harmonica,<br />
create a unique foot-tapping<br />
blues sound that has something<br />
for everyone to enjoy. Gardner is<br />
the songwriter for the duo, and his<br />
songs vary from heartfelt blues<br />
ballads to humorous stories to<br />
downright rockin’ blues! Gardner<br />
and Swift grew up together in<br />
southwestern Missouri. As longtime<br />
friends, they have played<br />
music together for many years.<br />
This is evident in the rare blending<br />
of harmonies that is typically<br />
the product of sibling duos.<br />
Bygone Blues<br />
Charlotte Blues Society<br />
Bygone Blues, featuring Aaron<br />
Price (keys) and Peggy Ratusz (vocals/hand<br />
percussion), was born<br />
from a shared passion for vintage<br />
blues and women in blues history.<br />
They’ve been working together on<br />
and off within blues-infused configurations<br />
for 10 years. Price is a<br />
superb, sought-after player, producer,<br />
and engineer, as well as an<br />
accomplished songwriter. Chanteuse<br />
Ratusz has been voted Best<br />
in Blues in an area poll, placing<br />
or winning for eight years. She<br />
writes a monthly music column<br />
for an Asheville, N.C., woman’s<br />
magazine, and she’s a booking<br />
manager, vocal coach, and songwriter.<br />
Vintage blues and originals<br />
inspired by a bygone era is yet<br />
another blues sub-genre where<br />
their interpretive skills shine.<br />
Camden Blues<br />
Thunder Bay Blues Society<br />
Camden Blues was born and<br />
raised in the rugged northern town<br />
of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Camden<br />
has been playing various instruments<br />
and styles of music for over<br />
25 years. Influenced by all genres<br />
of music (jazz, blues, and punk<br />
being his specialties), by the rugged<br />
natural settings of his hometown,<br />
and by his vast array of<br />
musical collaborators, Camden’s<br />
sound is like no other, and has<br />
been described as “avant-garde<br />
post-bop blues punk.” He continues<br />
to strive to push the borders<br />
of blues, and all things musical,<br />
into the future and beyond.<br />
Charlie A’Court<br />
East Coast Blues Society<br />
Charlie A’Court is synonymous<br />
with impassioned performances<br />
that grip an audience the very<br />
moment he takes the stage.<br />
Planted at the crossroads of roots<br />
and soul, A’Court’s mighty voice,<br />
fierce guitar work, and contemporary<br />
songwriting have earned<br />
him an international following<br />
and a host of awards and nominations<br />
from Music Nova Scotia,<br />
the East Coast Music Awards,<br />
and the Maple Blues Awards. His<br />
latest release, Come On Over,<br />
was recognized with both 2015<br />
ECMA and 2015 Music Nova Scotia<br />
Blues Recording of the Year<br />
awards. Fearlessly bridging genres<br />
and challenging stylistic conventions,<br />
A’Court has secured his<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
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Dave Muskett<br />
place as one of Canada’s fresh with a bevy of tasty fingerpicking<br />
generation of artists taking the guitar flourishes that mix Piedmont<br />
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international stage by storm.<br />
and prewar Delta styles of<br />
132 H melody and moan, before laying<br />
down greasy slide on his resonator.<br />
He resides in Dayton, Ohio,<br />
Chris English<br />
DC Blues Society performs often, and also holds<br />
Chris English offers a combination<br />
of deep traditional blues and blues guitar. He lives to study all<br />
workshops on learning acoustic<br />
solid original material. Delta blues aspects of blues music, but puts<br />
is his forte, singing, playing guitar, an extra emphasis on songwriting<br />
technique. In October 2015<br />
blowing harp, and stomping out<br />
the time on an old wooden Coca- he released his latest album, titled<br />
The Next Place I Leave.<br />
Cola crate. English’s performances<br />
are raw and unrelenting. His stabbing<br />
slide style is reminiscent of<br />
Clarence “Bluesman”<br />
some of the Delta greats. His voice<br />
ranges from a deep, mellow texture<br />
Davis and Jock Webb<br />
to something close to a field Gulf Coast Blues Society<br />
holler. He uses vintage guitars Clarence “Bluesman” Davis plus<br />
from the 1920s and 1930s to create<br />
his own heartfelt renditions of They deliver the mix of tradition,<br />
Davis Coen<br />
Jock Webb equals Ole Delta blues.<br />
the blues. There are few solo performers<br />
as competent, passionpect<br />
from Alabama’s Black Belt.<br />
Blues Society<br />
gritty sound, and emotion you ex-<br />
West Tennessee<br />
ate, and dedicated to the art form. Growing up immersed in music has<br />
He lives and breathes the blues! created a personal and spiritual<br />
relationship with the blues. Davis’s<br />
unique guitar picking combines<br />
Chris O<br />
flawlessly with Webb’s juke-joint<br />
Sydney Blues Society harmonica. Their decades of experience<br />
Chris O is a solo blues artist from<br />
in preserving this genre will<br />
the Blue Mountains in Australia<br />
rejuvenate your love for the blues.<br />
who plays acoustic blues, fin-<br />
gerpicking originals and classics<br />
with a real roots flavor. Playing<br />
Dan Holt<br />
vintage blues the way it used to<br />
Black Swamp<br />
be, she cooks up sounds of the<br />
Blues Society<br />
Delta from greats such as Memphis<br />
Dan Holt has been bringing his<br />
Minnie, Son House, and Mis-<br />
brand of blues to audiences<br />
sissippi Fred McDowell, stirring in around the country for nearly 20<br />
a load of her own songs, all with years. In early 2015 he released<br />
that traditional vibe. Traveling Pleasure and Shame—his ninth<br />
like a pack pony, she carries her album and one of his best. “I see<br />
“band” around with her—lap slide, the blues as tradition, but I don’t<br />
Dobro, uke, and even a few plain see it as traditional music,” says<br />
ole guitars. In 2014 her blues CD Holt. “At its core, the blues tradition<br />
Peckman’s Plateau shot onto the<br />
is based on stories. Without<br />
Australian blues airplay charts, great stories, the blues is just a<br />
staying there for five months. Roll sound.” Pleasure and Shame is an<br />
up for vintage jelly roll and jinks album of great stories performed<br />
with the Mama from Down Under! with the same passion and style<br />
that Holt brings to his live performances.<br />
His distinctive voice,<br />
Chris Yakopcic dynamic guitar, and soulful harmonica<br />
Dayton Blues Society<br />
combine for a sound that<br />
Chris Yakopcic first charms you is as powerful as it is unique.<br />
with his easy, small-town, boynext-door<br />
voice and smooth storytelling.<br />
Then he draws you in<br />
Indy Crossroads Blues<br />
Dave Muskett, Piedmont fingerstyle<br />
blues guitarist and vocalist<br />
from the 2015 IBC finalist duo<br />
Muskett and Carnes, returns to<br />
represent the city of Indianapolis.<br />
Highlighting his artistic evolution,<br />
Muskett offers an intimate<br />
solo set of original blues to the<br />
2016 International Blues Challenge,<br />
sprinkled with finger-style<br />
interpretations of traditional blues<br />
themes. The Dave Muskett Acoustic<br />
Blues Band, whose album Live<br />
from the Slippery Noodle Inn is set<br />
to release in February 2016, will<br />
be appearing during IBC week at<br />
the Blind Raccoon showcases.<br />
Coen describes his music as contemporary<br />
country blues, although<br />
he’s what would have been considered<br />
in years past a traveling<br />
minstrel, writing and singing songs<br />
based on personal life experiences.<br />
He has a warm and captivating<br />
voice that’s well suited for<br />
this particular style, and wraps<br />
itself around the listener like an<br />
afghan knitted by a loved one.<br />
He paints vivid portraits, whether<br />
working solo or with a band, and<br />
delivers small slices of his life with<br />
power and passion. Coen was<br />
billed twice at the King Biscuit<br />
Blues Festival in Helena, Arkansas,<br />
has enjoyed regular airplay on<br />
Sirius XM satellite radio, and has<br />
had music included in the Martin<br />
Scorsese PBS special The Blues.<br />
Debra Power<br />
Calgary Blues Music<br />
Association<br />
Pianist, singer, and songwriter<br />
Debra Power is known for her powerhouse<br />
vocals and sparkling keyboard<br />
skills, having built a long<br />
list of performance and recording<br />
credits across Canada and in<br />
the U.S.A. The Calgary, Alberta,<br />
blues community has embraced<br />
her great talent as a solo performer<br />
and in ensembles, recording<br />
and performing in a variety of<br />
settings. She’s become a fixture<br />
on the Calgary blues club scene,<br />
and was a featured performer at<br />
the Calgary International Blues<br />
Festival in 2011. In 2014 Debra<br />
was honored with the Calgary<br />
Blues Music Association Award<br />
for Keyboard Player of the Year.<br />
Debra will be releasing her longanticipated<br />
CD in early 2016.<br />
Delanie Pickering<br />
Granite State<br />
Blues Society<br />
Delanie Pickering is a blues singer<br />
and guitarist from New Hampshire.<br />
Doug “Suitcase”<br />
Hasch<br />
Lake of the Ozarks<br />
Blues Society<br />
Doug “Suitcase” Hasch has loved<br />
listening to the blues greats<br />
since he was young. He traveled<br />
in the Southeastern states playing<br />
in clubs to build his skills<br />
on guitar, harmonica, vocals,<br />
and songwriting. In his songwriting,<br />
he has used these blues influences<br />
and his own personal<br />
style to create a modern blues<br />
sound all his own. His stories of<br />
life are embodied in his songs.<br />
Doug McMinn<br />
Billtown Blues<br />
Association<br />
Doug McMinn has played many<br />
styles of music over a 35-year<br />
performing career, but he always<br />
comes back to the blues. He first<br />
connected with the music through<br />
the British blues-rock bands; after<br />
dropping the needle on his first<br />
Howlin’ Wolf album in 1969, he<br />
knew where it really came from.<br />
McMinn’s solo show is based on<br />
dynamic slide guitar and shouting<br />
vocals, with some side trips to<br />
the swamps and the finger-picking<br />
Piedmont. A deft songwriter,<br />
McMinn salts his sets with strong<br />
original tunes, some of which will<br />
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make you laugh out loud. He tours Eric Ramsey<br />
Gretchen<br />
widely in north-central Pennsylvania<br />
from his home near Balls Mills.<br />
Bostrom Duo<br />
Phoenix Blues Society<br />
Eric Ramsey believes that the<br />
Massachusetts<br />
blues are everywhere, that the<br />
Blues Society<br />
Doug Skoog and blues are a universal truth, transcending<br />
class, culture, and gener-<br />
Brian Feist Duo<br />
ation. He is honored to be a part of<br />
South Sound Blues<br />
Association<br />
the International Blues Challenge.<br />
Doug Skoog and Brian Feist are<br />
award-winning blues musicians Franc Robert<br />
from Washington state. Skoog is<br />
Suncoast Blues Society<br />
from Tacoma and Feist is from<br />
Centralia, just a bit farther south. Based on the north side of Tampa<br />
Skoog’s piano playing is funky, Bay, Florida, for 25 years, Robert<br />
tight, complicated playing that has been paying his dues playing<br />
you could expect to hear with the blues! His 2014 album Ride<br />
any top national act. His soulfulness<br />
is heavily influenced by Delta Records received critical praise<br />
the Iron Road on Blue Chihuahua<br />
blues, Chicago blues, and gospel and extensive airplay across the<br />
piano styles. Feist possesses expert<br />
songwriting talent. His virtu-<br />
has been touring throughout Flor-<br />
U.S. and around the world, and he<br />
oso blues guitar stylings and his ida and the Southeast and even<br />
stalwart singing, in a style all his up to Canada in support of the<br />
own, epitomize the blues. Skoog album. His sound draws on the<br />
and Feist have played together off raw, deep-down Mississippi Delta<br />
and on for the last six years and blues, with a more modern sense<br />
Greyhound George<br />
are co-founders of the award-winning<br />
Blues Redemption Band. in new directions. It ain’t pretty<br />
and Andy Grünert<br />
of arrangement taking the blues<br />
and polished, more like rough and<br />
Baltic Blues<br />
unadorned, and while Robert’s<br />
Down in the Roots blues draws on the past, by no<br />
Wyoming Blues and means is it a copy. He calls it “original<br />
blues for the 21st century.”<br />
Jazz Society<br />
When you think of Wyoming, blues<br />
is not the first thing that comes<br />
Graham Guest<br />
to mind—but don’t be fooled, this<br />
duo authentically rocks the blues.<br />
Edmonton Blues Society<br />
Bob Greenspan is one of the better<br />
electric blues/rock guitar playham<br />
Guest is a veteran of numer-<br />
Maple Blues Award nominee Graers<br />
out there. Add in his stomp ous music projects. He is a pianist,<br />
board, his smoky vocals, and singer, songwriter, producer, and<br />
Mama T (Teresa Bollermann) holding<br />
a steady, low-down groove group of artists who advanced to<br />
radio host, and was one of a select<br />
on the bass guitar, and what you the final round at the International<br />
get is a sound that will make you Blues Challenge in 2013. Guest’s<br />
want to get up and dance. Born album Relief, which charted on<br />
in Chicago, Greenspan spent his CKUA radio in Canada, is a hybrid<br />
formative years playing in blues of urban styles veering in and out<br />
clubs there with many blues legends.<br />
He is a published songwriter form. For Guest, sometimes throw-<br />
of blues yet always rooted in the<br />
with both Polygram-Universal ing down boogie-woogie piano is<br />
and EMI, and had a song that the feeling for the day; sometimes<br />
went to No. 1 on a French internet<br />
radio station in 2006. tion with the audience by sing-<br />
making a very personal connecing<br />
one of his own songs is the<br />
way to go. The bottom line is finding<br />
the music in the moment and<br />
the colors between the keys.<br />
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Gretchen Bostrom and Tom Carroll<br />
are fixtures on the Boston, Massachusetts,<br />
blues scene. Bostrom is<br />
a songwriter/solo artist as well as<br />
co-founder and lead singer for the<br />
popular Boston rhythm-and-blues<br />
band the Juke Joint 5. Berklee<br />
College of Music graduate Carroll<br />
plays in several Boston-area blues,<br />
rock, and country bands, and has<br />
taught guitar, ukulele, and banjo<br />
for the past 10 years. Together<br />
they perform blues-influenced original<br />
music as well as their interpretation<br />
of the “B sides” of blues,<br />
rockabilly, early rock–and-roll, and<br />
rhythm-and-blues records. It’s<br />
the music you might’ve heard in<br />
the early ’50s on a distant, staticcrackling,<br />
late-night radio show.<br />
Greyhound George and Andy<br />
Grünert are a German acoustic<br />
duo whose music ranges from<br />
Delta country blues to modern<br />
Chicago-style and soul. Their performing<br />
style has a back-porch<br />
intimacy that draws you in and<br />
a driving energy that makes you<br />
want to dance all night and hope<br />
the sun never rises. Greyhound’s<br />
mastery of the Delta slide guitar<br />
is matched by his delicate<br />
Piedmont picking. Grünert’s harmonica<br />
licks give power to Greyhound’s<br />
Chicago-style songs, and<br />
mellows out with his acoustic<br />
playing to accentuate the authentic<br />
old-time feel of Greyhound’s<br />
slide-guitar work. Greyhound’s<br />
original songs, from autobiographical<br />
to bitingly topical, show that<br />
the future of blues is secure.<br />
Hat and Matching<br />
Suitcase<br />
The Blues Alliance of<br />
the Treasure Coast<br />
After 20 years together keeping<br />
the groove going from Key West<br />
to Montreal, bassman Deny Rowand<br />
and drummer Rich Corricelli<br />
come to Memphis to share<br />
their insight into the blues from<br />
the rhythm section’s perspective.<br />
Using guitar, bass, and a vintage<br />
Samsonite suitcase, they<br />
give you a feel-it-in-your-gut, frontporch-style<br />
blues where you can<br />
imagine that once the party got<br />
started, whatever was close at<br />
hand to thump on became part of<br />
the music. It is blues you feel in<br />
your hips more than in your head<br />
or heart. Providing you with “blues<br />
to go,” the duo Hat and Matching<br />
Suitcase fits just right, makes<br />
you move in your seat, and gives<br />
you a laugh or two along the way.<br />
Idan Shneor<br />
Israel Blues Society<br />
Idan Shneor is one of Israel’s<br />
leading young guitarists. Moving<br />
from backstage to the front in<br />
the last couple of years, Shneor<br />
performs all over the country<br />
with his original music, reaching<br />
out and touching all audiences.<br />
His music is intimate and<br />
haunting; he combines traditional<br />
grooves with contemporary<br />
licks and modern singing, uniting<br />
them in a fresh 21st-century<br />
blues you certainly should hear!<br />
InnerVision<br />
Columbus Blues Alliance<br />
InnerVision is the duo of Westerville,<br />
Ohio, natives and Ohio State<br />
School for the Blind grads Genene<br />
Blackwell and Sam Shepherd.<br />
They are proud to represent<br />
the Columbus Blues Alliance in<br />
the 2016 International Blues Challenge.<br />
They are lifelong friends,<br />
and spent the first months of life<br />
together at Children’s Hospital recovering<br />
from extreme prematurity<br />
that robbed them of their sight.<br />
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the Kentucky, Nashville, Smoky<br />
But they realized as small children<br />
ing and songwriting stays true to<br />
136 H SOLO/DUO The Blues Foundation • blues.org<br />
that God had blessed them his blues roots while being both<br />
with great musical gifts, perfect vital and relevant to today’s music.<br />
pitch, and superhuman memories.<br />
Formed in 2009 and playing<br />
around 100 gigs a year, InnerVision<br />
Jay Pollmann<br />
fell in love with the blues Grand River Blues Society<br />
in 2013, especially old-school Jay Pollmann a Canadian musician/songwriter<br />
born and raised<br />
blues with classic vocals, innovative<br />
chords, and great stories! just outside the small town of Cayuga,<br />
Ontario. In 2013 he set out<br />
to launch a solo career, finding<br />
Janelle Frost and<br />
an outlet for his ideas through<br />
Greg Tolbert his acoustic guitar with help from<br />
Magic City Blues Society his brass slide and the odd tambourine<br />
stomp. He sings songs<br />
After experiencing personal tragedy,<br />
this duo has risen up like a about the things he knows, from<br />
phoenix from the flames. Sometimes<br />
you choose the blues, and ing down the local watering hole.<br />
Picture yourself camping in the<br />
steering with your knees to clos-<br />
sometimes it chooses you. Featuring<br />
Janelle Frost on lead voates<br />
a sound that he calls ”foot-<br />
Channeling many styles, he crecals<br />
and guitar, and Greg Tolbert stompin’, rootsy blues.” Never<br />
on lead guitar and slide, the duo one to mimic or model himself<br />
combines blues, rock, gospel, after other artists, Pollmann has<br />
and R&B for a Southern blues a sound that is organic, original,<br />
sound that is eclectic and electrified.<br />
The duo cite influences ing to the studio to record his<br />
raw, and full of energy. He is head-<br />
of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Sister Rosetta<br />
Tharpe, Duane Allman, B.B. his brand of foot-stompin’ blues!<br />
debut EP and continue to push<br />
King, and Buddy Guy. Frost’s original<br />
songs of love, loss, and luck<br />
Jeremy Short<br />
will have you tapping your foot<br />
while wiping a tear, and her vocals<br />
Huntington Blues Society<br />
shine brighter than a full Jeremy Short developed an in-<br />
moon over the Mississippi.<br />
terest for music and an ear for<br />
harmonies as a child, singing traditional<br />
Methodist hymns around<br />
Jason King Roxas a piano with his family. At 14 his<br />
Reno Blues Society grandfather bought him his first<br />
Jason King Roxas is an accomplished<br />
singer, songwriter, and himself to making the instrument<br />
guitar, and he has since devoted<br />
guitarist. His love for blues music his own unique vehicle of self-expression.<br />
He is a student of many<br />
began after hearing B.B. King on<br />
the radio. The music moved him different styles of American music,<br />
so much that he asked his mother and his influences range widely,<br />
for a guitar and began seeking out with heavy emphasis on jazz and<br />
other blues artists to listen to and blues, with some country and bluegrass<br />
thrown in for good measure.<br />
learn from. His exposure to bluesmen<br />
such as Muddy Waters, B.B.<br />
King, Freddy King, Albert King,<br />
Jesse Black<br />
John Lee Hooker, Lightnin’ Hopkins,<br />
Hubert Sumlin, and Jimmy Kentucky Blues Society<br />
Rogers, as well as more contemporary<br />
Jesse Black (17) comes from Jas-<br />
artists such as Eric Clapton, per, Tennessee, west of Chatta-<br />
Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Keb’ Mo’, nooga. He was first introduced to<br />
helped shape his musical style. the blues when he performed at a<br />
His soulful approach to perform-<br />
jam with the Kentucky Blues Society<br />
in October of 2011. Since then,<br />
he has performed at events with<br />
Mountain, Kansas City, and Dayton<br />
blues societies, winning fans<br />
and friends among those who love<br />
the blues. Black attended the Pinetop<br />
Perkins Masterclass guitar<br />
workshop in 2014 and 2015,<br />
learning from the masters, and<br />
has taken traditional blues and his<br />
own blues compositions to more<br />
than 450 events and 175 venues<br />
across 17 states. His strong<br />
commitment to the blues is evident<br />
in every heartfelt note.<br />
Jesse Roper<br />
White Rock Blues Society<br />
rain somewhere cold. Now picture<br />
somebody handing you a hot<br />
bowl of the chunkiest, tastiest<br />
chili, with just the right amount<br />
of spice, and a glass of wine to<br />
chase it down with. That’s what<br />
Jesse Roper’s music sounds like:<br />
chunky, tasty, spicy, with just a<br />
hint of class. Roper has shared the<br />
stage with many great artists and<br />
has won awards, but his musical<br />
existence is more than that; it is<br />
purely about performing, touring,<br />
and loving it until the day he joins<br />
that great jam session in the sky.<br />
Jiggy and the Source<br />
Prairie Crossroads<br />
Blues Society<br />
What is Source? It is the vibratory<br />
resonance that flows to and<br />
through all things; the essence<br />
that is the energy of creation.<br />
What are you? You are a fractal of<br />
Source. We are all conduits and<br />
manifestations of Source. What is<br />
Jiggy and the Source? Jiggy and<br />
the Source is but a single entity,<br />
which is simultaneously a collective<br />
of entities, constantly shifting,<br />
in every version of now. The<br />
real show occurs when all present<br />
are engaged and sharing<br />
energy without resistance. Remember<br />
to breathe, remember to<br />
wake up. You are perfect as you<br />
are, always. You are never lost,<br />
always found. All is Self. There<br />
is no separation. You are loved,<br />
unconditionally. Remember to<br />
breathe. Wholeness and balance.<br />
Jimmy Wayne<br />
Garrett<br />
Ozark Blues Society of<br />
Northwest Arkansas<br />
Jimmy Wayne Garrett is an Arkansas-born<br />
singer, songwriter, and<br />
blues guitar player with a driving<br />
passion for blues music that reflects<br />
styles from the American<br />
art form’s beginning to its current<br />
status. Over the past year, he has<br />
been bringing his raw energy to<br />
local blues festivals and venues<br />
both as a solo performer and with<br />
his group, the Liberty Bell Rhythm<br />
Band. Garrett believes in remaining<br />
true to one’s genuine self and<br />
living through artistic expressions<br />
to make the world a better place.<br />
From somewhere between the<br />
Delta and the Ozarks, his style<br />
is fresh and reminiscent of the<br />
space where the blues was born.<br />
John Latini<br />
Detroit Blues Society<br />
John Latini is a three-time Detroit<br />
Blues Challenge solo winner, but<br />
he’s also the recipient of songwriting,<br />
performance, and film-credit<br />
awards. His voice, his gravitas, and<br />
his subject matter are reminiscent<br />
of the blues, but his chord structures,<br />
disarmingly affectionate wit,<br />
and eclecticism sometimes transcend<br />
that musical format. In addition<br />
to being a serious crafter<br />
of clever, literate songs, Latini<br />
is the purveyor of a slick, bluessoaked,<br />
economically hard-driving<br />
guitar style—but more than anything<br />
he’s an intense, incandescent<br />
performer with an emotional,<br />
testosterone-charged voice that<br />
the Ann Arbor Observer called<br />
“alternately celebratory, remorseful,<br />
seductive and dangerous.”<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
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Josh “The Pitbull<br />
of Blues” Rowand<br />
Southwest Florida<br />
Blues Society<br />
and different.” Musically, Kalo’s<br />
it is all about the song and the<br />
138 H SOLO/DUO The Blues Foundation • blues.org sound is like the rich water of the<br />
lower Mississippi River, carrying<br />
with it so many pieces as it flows<br />
that its parts are hard to distinguish.<br />
Josh “The Pitbull of Blues” Rowand<br />
Imbued with blues with<br />
is an electrifying master of flecks of jazz and rock, Kalo’s<br />
his guitar. He allows the guitar to sound is electric, genre-bending,<br />
come alive and speak to his audience<br />
and infectious. Kalo continues to<br />
with his energized, soul-<br />
tour the U.S. with her trio, and is<br />
ful renditions of the blues. Born working on a third studio album.<br />
in New Jersey in 1983, Rowand<br />
has been playing professionally<br />
for 20 years and is now based in Karla Peterie and<br />
South Florida. In addition to being Jim Herbert<br />
an accomplished guitarist and vocalist,<br />
he is well versed in many<br />
Kansas City Blues Society<br />
other instruments and is a songwriter<br />
as well. Rowand has led board beat, and mandolin, this<br />
Combining guitars, a mean wash-<br />
his own group on the festival circuit<br />
from the Florida Keys to Can-<br />
acoustic blues to life. Guitarist Jim<br />
Kansas City duo brings old-time<br />
ada. His hope is to continue to Herbert is a master of the Piedmont<br />
style and bottleneck Delta<br />
grow as a musician and travel the<br />
world sharing his brand of blues. slide, while Karla Peterie plays<br />
mandolin and a unique and spirited<br />
Joshua Yarbrough washboard complete with<br />
bells and whistles. These two trade<br />
Blues Society of Tulsa vocals and are especially evocative<br />
delivering old-time come-ons<br />
Joshua Yarbrough is local to Tulsa,<br />
with glee and bringing gravity to<br />
Oklahoma. As many blues musicians<br />
do, he plays guitar and har-<br />
somber ballads. Beautifully reviving<br />
the works of 20th-century legends<br />
while also delivering spry<br />
monica, but what sets him apart<br />
from the rest is a voice that demands<br />
your attention. Hailing<br />
originals, these talented musicians<br />
have played together for<br />
from the Midwest, Yarbrough was<br />
15 years demonstrating that history<br />
has never sounded so good.<br />
exposed at an early age to country-and-western<br />
music, which<br />
he credits as part of his unique<br />
sound. His sound pays homage Kelly Howerton<br />
to many different styles of blues<br />
Triangle Blues Society<br />
and American roots music. His<br />
raw tone will take you back in Kelly Howerton is a singer/songwriter<br />
originally from Missouri who<br />
time and leave you wanting more.<br />
Whether belting out a field holler now finds himself living in Durham,<br />
North Carolina, by way of Des<br />
and slapping his leg or picking a<br />
Delta slide tune, he’s guaranteed Moines, Iowa. Musically, Howerton<br />
to take you somewhere special. wears a lot of hats, but when he<br />
plays the blues he tends to focus<br />
Kalo<br />
on electric bottleneck blues guitar.<br />
He excels at bringing a diverse<br />
Topeka Blues Society spectrum of sounds to his live performances,<br />
taking influence from<br />
In a lineup of straitlaced blues<br />
local rock and blues musicians<br />
artists, Kalo is sure to stick out,<br />
of Iowa and North Carolina. What<br />
gender, accent, and daring guitar<br />
solos aside. “I’m from Israel—<br />
remains constant throughout his<br />
performances is his commitment<br />
the land of a million chords,” says<br />
to good quality songwriting and<br />
Kalo. “My country is young, and<br />
meaningful lyrics. For Howerton,<br />
Israelis come from all over the<br />
world, so everything seems unique<br />
story within it; the music is simply<br />
a vehicle, but it’s a hell of a ride!<br />
Libby Rae Watson<br />
Mississippi Delta Blues<br />
Society of Indianola<br />
Libby Rae Watson plays her blues<br />
from the heart, like the Mississippi<br />
masters who inspire her. The<br />
Pascagoula native plays country<br />
blues in a style with roots from<br />
the 1920s and ’30s. As a college<br />
student in the ’70s she traveled<br />
extensively around Mississippi,<br />
visiting and learning alongside<br />
blues greats such as Big Joe Williams,<br />
Furry Lewis, and Sam Chatmon.<br />
The special friendship she<br />
and Chatmon shared in the years<br />
before his death in 1983 is reflected<br />
in her guitar style. Watson<br />
genuinely shines onstage,<br />
while her vocals embody blues<br />
at its best. Don’t miss her!<br />
Louisville “White<br />
Lightning” Curtis<br />
Minnesota Blues Society<br />
Louisville “White Lightning” Curtis<br />
has been influenced by the Delta<br />
blues since age 11. Curtis would<br />
frequently visit an old-timer playing<br />
blues with an acoustic guitar on<br />
the front porch of his house. That<br />
person happened to be bluesman<br />
Sylvester Weaver, credited with the<br />
first country blues recordings for<br />
guitar on the Okeh label. Those inspirational<br />
encounters launched<br />
the next 55 years of Curtis performing<br />
many Delta blues styles.<br />
He plays a unique amalgamation<br />
of these styles, and blends his<br />
contemporary sound and his own<br />
life experiences into the music,<br />
exposing the world to his unique,<br />
personal expression of the blues!<br />
Luther Trammell<br />
and John Sutton<br />
Northeast Ohio<br />
Blues Association<br />
Luther Trammell and John Sutton<br />
come to you from northeastern<br />
Ohio. Trammell is an authentic<br />
bluesman right down to his homemade<br />
stomp pedal. He brings his<br />
dynamic voice and guitar-picking<br />
style to the forefront of acoustic<br />
blues, and his strong voice gives<br />
his songs depth and meaning.<br />
Sutton picked up his first harmonica<br />
in 1975 and bought his first<br />
guitar in 1976. He plays the harmonica<br />
with an energy that lets<br />
everyone know he feels what he<br />
plays. Together the two of them<br />
have developed a sound like no<br />
other duo around. With classic<br />
blues as well as originals, they<br />
surprise audiences wherever<br />
they go after the first note comes<br />
through with their soulful sound.<br />
Maness Brothers<br />
St. Louis Blues Society<br />
The Maness Brothers are an<br />
American primal blues duo from<br />
Saint Louis, Missouri, formed in<br />
2012 and composed of drummer<br />
Jake Maness and guitarist<br />
David Maness. Their musical<br />
style blends Mississippi Hill Country<br />
blues, psychedelic rock ’n’<br />
roll, and doom metal, creating<br />
a unique and progressive concept.<br />
The brothers gang up on<br />
vocals, which enhances intensity<br />
as well as creativity within their<br />
music. Since they began touring<br />
they have spent over six months<br />
on the road, traveling mostly<br />
through the South, frequenting<br />
dive bars, basements, juke<br />
joints, and formal music clubs.<br />
Marcus and the<br />
Washboard Machine<br />
San Angelo Blues Society<br />
Composed of friends Marcus Morales<br />
and Tara Miller, Marcus and<br />
the Washboard Machine is an<br />
acoustic blues duo that formed in<br />
2013 in central Texas. The multiinstrumentalists<br />
first met as teenagers<br />
while attending mariachi<br />
lessons. Ten years later, the two<br />
were reunited through mutual<br />
friends. Singer/songwriter Morales<br />
provides powerful vocals while<br />
playing postmodern blues progressions.<br />
With her animated personal-<br />
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ity and bullet gloves, Miller delivers album using only his unique collection<br />
of acoustic guitars and his<br />
top eight at the Orpheum The-<br />
her own unique rhythm using unconventional<br />
percussion setups 1929 National resonator guitar.<br />
such as the washboard, spoons,<br />
cajón, and duct tape. Together<br />
they merge various elements of McCarthy and<br />
blues, folk, and classic rock to create<br />
their own distinctive sound.<br />
Blues Society of<br />
Headley<br />
Northwest Florida<br />
Mark Telesca<br />
McCarthy and Headley are a blues<br />
duo based in Pensacola, Florida,<br />
South Florida<br />
Blues Society<br />
featuring Mike McCarthy and Justin<br />
Headley. Their friendship was<br />
As well as being a songwriter, formed at the IBC a few years ago<br />
singer, and guitarist, Mark Telesca<br />
spent years as a bassist and Headley with a band. They<br />
when McCarthy was playing solo<br />
backing up many artists. He has enjoyed each other’s talents, and<br />
been a semifinalist in the IBC have been playing together ever<br />
band competition twice before,<br />
Mick Kidd with<br />
since. The duo are rooted in stomp<br />
fronting his former band, Blues and Hill Country blues, paying<br />
Dragon, and with his own band. homage in their original material to<br />
In 2014 he started a solo career the likes of Hound Dog Taylor and<br />
playing acoustic guitar in the vein Junior Kimbrough, to name a few.<br />
of Charlie Patton, Son House, et The real power of the duo comes<br />
al., focusing on pre-World War II from McCarthy’s songwriting; he<br />
blues, Americana, and his own can tug on your heartstrings and<br />
music. This is his first time competing<br />
as a solo act, combining know . . . all at the same time.<br />
put a boot in your . . . well, you<br />
blues roots with a modern twist.<br />
His use of different open tunings<br />
gives him a unique sound, with Micah Kesselring<br />
his lower-register voice a perfect<br />
The Blues Jazz and<br />
complement to the finger-style<br />
Folk Music Society<br />
guitar work and storytelling of his<br />
Micah Kesselring is a 22-year-old<br />
mostly original compositions.<br />
acoustic blues musician hailing<br />
from Columbus, Ohio. Raised in a<br />
Max Russell<br />
log cabin nestled in the foothills of<br />
the Appalachian Mountains, Kesselring<br />
began playing blues music<br />
The Music Preservation<br />
Society<br />
professionally at the age of 14. He<br />
Maxwell Russell was born and has since gone on to perform internationally,<br />
and has self-released<br />
raised in northwestern Alabama,<br />
home to the famous Muscle two albums. Known for his soulful,<br />
Shoals sound and blues legend dynamic vocals and Delta-bluesstyle<br />
guitar playing, He is a com-<br />
W.C. Handy. Russell started playing<br />
the guitar as a youngster, but his pletely self-taught musician who is<br />
journey into the music business widely regarded as one of the most<br />
began at age 26, forming bands promising young acoustic blues<br />
along the way and playing his originals<br />
at gigs. Some of his influ-<br />
musicians on the circuit today.<br />
ences are old-school Delta music,<br />
slide, boogie, shuffles, swing, and Michael Schatte<br />
old rock and roll. In 2006 he won Toronto Blues Society<br />
first place in a blues challenge in<br />
Birmingham, Alabama, and competed<br />
in Memphis at the IBC. He competition, Michael Schatte re-<br />
A finalist in the 2015 IBC band<br />
has two albums of original music turns to Memphis this year as a<br />
with his band the Shakedown solo performer with the same energy<br />
and musical daredevilry that<br />
Kings, and a solo Delta blues<br />
saw his band reach last year’s<br />
140 H SOLO/DUO The Blues Foundation • blues.org<br />
atre. Schatte is a Toronto-based<br />
guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter<br />
who has been called “a dream<br />
of a guitar player, a dashing performer,<br />
but also a thoughtful and<br />
self-conscious artist” (Numéro<br />
Cinq magazine) and “Canada’s<br />
hidden treasure” (Stratford Rib<br />
and Bluesfest). With influences<br />
as diverse as Peter Green, John<br />
Lee Hooker, Danny Gatton, and<br />
Davey Graham, Michael will prove<br />
that his acoustic fingerstyle boogie<br />
is just as enticing and exciting<br />
as his electric trio work.<br />
Dave Blight<br />
Adelaide Roots and<br />
Blues Association<br />
Lovers of harpin,’ slidin,’ stompin’<br />
acoustic blues will have no trouble<br />
seeing why Mick Kidd and David<br />
Blight were named Outstanding<br />
Solo/Duo at the 2014 South Australian<br />
Blues and Roots Awards,<br />
with Kidd picking up Outstanding<br />
Male Performer to boot. With both<br />
of them having independently paid<br />
their dues on the Australian music<br />
scene for over 20 years, their recent<br />
collaboration was bound to<br />
produce something special, and it<br />
did, with their album Winter Sun<br />
reaching the top 10 on the Australian<br />
blues charts. Together Kidd<br />
and Blight produce authentic blues<br />
with a dynamic sound that almost<br />
belies the fact that there are only<br />
the two of them on the stage, such<br />
is the power of their delivery.<br />
The Mighty Orq<br />
Houston Blues Society<br />
The Mighty Orq has been performing<br />
solo and with his band across<br />
the U.S. and Europe since 2002.<br />
An IBC finalist in 2011 and 2012,<br />
he has won multiple awards and<br />
has released six albums and an<br />
instructional DVD for solo resonator<br />
slide guitar. Orq is a uniquely<br />
talented singer, songwriter, and<br />
multi-instrumentalist with a focus<br />
on the American roots music<br />
genres, whose seventh album,<br />
Love in a Hurricane, is slated for<br />
release in early 2016 on the independent<br />
Americana/blues label<br />
Connor Ray Music. Look forward<br />
to a unique presentation of blues<br />
delivered with a soulful passion<br />
from this remarkable talent.<br />
Mike and the Mojo<br />
Maine Blues Society<br />
Mike and the Mojo is an acoustic<br />
blues partnership between Mike<br />
Schools on guitar and Chris Hamer<br />
on bass that brings power and<br />
passion to their original blues compositions.<br />
Schools began guitar at<br />
an early age and traversed the folk<br />
and rock genres on the way to his<br />
home with the blues. He has won<br />
various guitar and band competitions<br />
along the way. After winning<br />
the Maine Blues Society’s 2016<br />
competition, he said, “It’s a major<br />
validation of the work I’ve put into<br />
the writing and relationship with<br />
the blues I’ve been developing<br />
over the years.” Hamer’s bass supplies<br />
structure and a solid backup<br />
to complete the duo’s mojo.<br />
Miss Whiskey<br />
Melbourne Blues<br />
Appreciation Society<br />
The gritty female blues duo Miss<br />
Whiskey put an original stamp on<br />
harmonica-driven swamp blues.<br />
Formed in 2014 to focus on the<br />
music they love, they quickly made<br />
their mark on the blues scene in<br />
Melbourne, Australia. With Anna<br />
Scionti on guitar, slide, stomp, and<br />
vocals, and Julie Noble on harmonica,<br />
these ladies mix up their own<br />
original music with classic blues<br />
standards from the greats. With a<br />
raw and original sound, Miss Whiskey<br />
will keep you moving, clapping,<br />
and hollering, and your foot a-<br />
stomping! Scionti’s haunting, gravelly<br />
vocals and percussive guitar<br />
style combined with Noble’s howling<br />
harmonica will leave you only<br />
wanting more of Miss Whiskey.<br />
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Mississippi<br />
Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, and<br />
each brings over 40 years of performance<br />
experience to the Mem-<br />
G-n-H Blues<br />
Rick Rushing and<br />
142 H SOLO/DUO The Blues Foundation • blues.org<br />
Vicksburg Blues Society phis stage. They have recorded<br />
Chris Gill and Johnny Hubbard an album of fresh originals titled<br />
form this consummate duo. Singer Taste of the Blues Life specifically<br />
and writer Gill, on slide, cigarbox,<br />
for this competition, and are<br />
and acoustic guitars, delivers<br />
anxious to bring their unique full<br />
an earthy finger style that and funky sound to the world.<br />
springs from years of rolling along<br />
the back roads of Mississippi<br />
and playing on front porches with Ramblin’ Dan Stevens<br />
blues guitar masters. Add Piedmont<br />
and Clayton Allen<br />
blues and Chicago influ-<br />
Connecticut Blues Society<br />
ences, and you get the versatility<br />
In a melding of diverse blues<br />
and scope that defines this act.<br />
styles, Ramblin’ Dan Stevens<br />
Hubbard—jazz, gospel, and blues<br />
and Clayton Allen have forged<br />
musician, adjunct professor, and<br />
a unique sound representing a<br />
Willie Dixon look-alike—is the tall,<br />
wide variety of traditionally based<br />
dark, and handsome component<br />
fingerpicking peppered with a<br />
of the pair. He plays the double<br />
tinge of primitive blues and early<br />
bass with feeling and flair, infusing<br />
rich, sensual tones into each<br />
blues rock and roll. Allen’s raw<br />
energy and emotional delivery<br />
arrangement. Their music conjures<br />
classic roots of the blues.<br />
contrast with Stevens’ soulful approach,<br />
creating a dynamic mix.<br />
A dose of diddley bow and cigarbox<br />
guitar, backed with a driving<br />
Nick Wade<br />
rhythm and gospel-influenced vocals,<br />
helps to convey an undeni-<br />
Sedalia Blues Society<br />
Nick Wade specializes in the country<br />
blues traditions of old. He<br />
able rock-bottom authenticity.<br />
seeks to write music in the way the<br />
old masters did, which is a difficult<br />
Randall Dubis and<br />
thing to do nowadays, in an-<br />
Dan Treanor<br />
other time and generation. His<br />
Colorado Blues Society<br />
music emphasizes both a bass<br />
and a treble/melody line, to be Randall Dubis and Dan Treanor<br />
played at the same time. On top have been active blues musicians<br />
in Colorado for over 30<br />
of that he sings, sometimes in<br />
a different time signature than years. They have performed together<br />
many times, including two<br />
what he is playing. This all gives a<br />
“band in a box” feel to his music. tours of the Netherlands. Dubis is<br />
a strong vocalist and uses a combined<br />
North Delta Duo rhythm/lead guitar style,<br />
while Treanor’s harmonica stylings<br />
Blues Society of<br />
range from Sonny Boy No.<br />
Western New York 2 to Little Walter and James Cotton.<br />
Treanor’s Afrosippi Band<br />
Based in Buffalo, New York, the<br />
North Delta Duo is a keyboard-anddrums<br />
unit that blends the soul IBC. He was honored to receive<br />
placed third overall at the 2013<br />
sound of the ’60s with rootsy Delta the 2012 KBA for Education.<br />
Rodney Polk and<br />
blues and zydeco. Keyboardist Ron Both Dubis and Treanor perform<br />
Davis, aka LeeRon Zydeco, plays the blues with passion and style.<br />
a swampy style of organ/bass, They are honored to be sponsored<br />
piano, and accordion, with vocals by the Colorado Blues Society.<br />
to match. Drummer Pete Holguin<br />
lays down a powerful groove and<br />
adds his soulful singing to the mix.<br />
Both men are inductees of the<br />
Dakari Kelly of the<br />
Blues Strangers<br />
Smoky Mountain<br />
Blues Society<br />
Bluesman Rick Rushing has combined<br />
with classically trained double<br />
bassist Dakari Kelly to create<br />
a duo that convincingly screams<br />
the blues. Rushing returns to the<br />
2016 IBC ready to showcase his<br />
acoustic blues guitar playing along<br />
with Kelly, who demonstrates his<br />
skill on the double bass. Rushing,<br />
who is kin to famous Count Basie<br />
big band shouter Jimmy Rushing,<br />
has tapped into the genes of the<br />
past vocally to deliver original new<br />
blues for audiences. What you will<br />
hear when listening to this duo<br />
is the blues, then excellent musicianship<br />
and phrasing and soulful<br />
emotions. Get ready to hear some<br />
moving blues music from the duo<br />
of Rick Rushing and Dakari Kelly.<br />
Robert Sampson<br />
Illinois Central Blues Club<br />
Robert “Lefty Preacher” Sampson<br />
is one blues act you don’t want<br />
to miss. Combining real-deal oldschool<br />
blues, gospel, and soul, he<br />
brings a unique brand of blues to<br />
the table. Through his rough childhood,<br />
Sampson found that the<br />
blues spoke to him in a very special<br />
way. Being in foster care and<br />
constantly moving as a child, he<br />
had plenty of experiences from<br />
which to draw the emotions that<br />
fuel his brand of blues. Sampson<br />
always says that without his past<br />
and hard times, his love for blues<br />
wouldn’t be near as strong. “I was<br />
born with the blues,” he says, “and<br />
they are in my heart and soul.”<br />
Johnny Riley<br />
Memphis Blues Society<br />
Rodney Polk (drums) from Memphis,<br />
Tennessee, and Johnny<br />
Riley (guitar and harmonica) from<br />
Groveton, Texas, merge their extensive<br />
backgrounds of performing<br />
professionally, from the back<br />
roads of Texas to the bright lights<br />
of Beale Street, with some Delta<br />
crossroads juke joints thrown<br />
into the mix. They come from a<br />
background of blues, country,<br />
rock, gospel, outlaw blues, and<br />
more. They perform a high-energy<br />
show, drawing from a catalogue<br />
of highly acclaimed original<br />
music and numerous cover songs.<br />
The sound they create is a blend<br />
influenced by Mississippi, Tennessee,<br />
and Texas music history,<br />
with their own contemporary<br />
edge. This adds up to dynamite!<br />
The Rogue Rage Duo<br />
Cascade Blues Association<br />
The Rogue Rage Duo plays in the<br />
traditional Delta blues style, with<br />
Dan Tiller singing and playing slide<br />
guitar on his Dobro in open tuning.<br />
Harpo De Roma sings and<br />
plays the harmonica. They feature<br />
a vast repertoire of classic folk<br />
blues as well as original music.<br />
They are as much fun to watch as<br />
they are to listen to. The Rogue<br />
Rage Duo are two veteran musicians<br />
who have enjoyed increasing<br />
popularity in the southern Oregon<br />
area, and beyond, in the year since<br />
they chose to team up together.<br />
Root2 Music<br />
River City Blues<br />
Society (Virginia)<br />
Root2 Music is the musical intersection<br />
of Deep South country<br />
blues and Celtic/Appalachian fiddle.<br />
David Frank (guitar, harmonica,<br />
vocals) and Nancy Reid (fiddle,<br />
vocals) perform traditional and<br />
original blues with a distinctive<br />
Appalachian flavor. When Frank<br />
moved up to the Blue Ridge Mountains<br />
of Virginia, where the sounds<br />
of Reid’s fiddle had echoed for<br />
years, this duo formed a musical<br />
partnership that blends downhome<br />
slide and traditional fiddle.<br />
Frank and Reid hear the commonalities<br />
in the two roots of their<br />
music. They deliver haunting, lively,<br />
original blues in Root2 Music.<br />
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Sonny Jim Clifford<br />
Boston Blues Society<br />
Sonny<br />
just as<br />
preciation<br />
it does<br />
ment<br />
DIY music<br />
teeth<br />
and basement<br />
long<br />
derground<br />
developed<br />
environment.<br />
sis on<br />
intensity—instead<br />
rhythm<br />
ity of<br />
Clifford’s<br />
urgent,<br />
impression<br />
Sonny<br />
Sonny<br />
ilton,<br />
nightclubs<br />
hearing<br />
artists.<br />
ment,<br />
work<br />
career<br />
decades.<br />
album<br />
for Hittin’<br />
Ector<br />
one of<br />
ticularly<br />
capable<br />
man.”<br />
picking<br />
or playing<br />
guitar<br />
is classic<br />
the way<br />
Capital<br />
Stan<br />
of Stan<br />
gree,<br />
blues<br />
IBC entrant.<br />
a chance<br />
rootsy<br />
is a multi-instrumentalist 144 H SOLO/DUO<br />
harmonica, uke, and washboard.<br />
He’s the front man for the retroeclectic<br />
combo The Further Adventures<br />
of FatBoy and JiveTurkey.<br />
Clifford’s sound comes<br />
much from a love and ap-<br />
He has diverse musical tastes,<br />
of traditional blues as but has always been drawn to<br />
from an active involve-<br />
the blues. Together Stan and Ben<br />
Boston’s subterranean weave a musical tapestry drawing<br />
on the back-porch, swampy<br />
culture. Cutting his<br />
playing in the same houses style of the blues, with vocals and<br />
venues that have instruments engaging in a lively<br />
home to Boston’s un-<br />
conversation that invites you in.<br />
punk scene, Sonny<br />
a sound suited to that<br />
Placing the empha-<br />
Stuart Baer and<br />
songwriting and emotional Lance Womack<br />
of the strict<br />
Spa City Blues Society<br />
instrumental virtuos-<br />
modern blues acts— Stuart Baer and Lance Womack<br />
sound is personal and play a raw acoustic mix of traditional<br />
Delta- and New Orleans-style<br />
always leaving a distinct<br />
on every audience. blues. By sprinkling in a blend of<br />
fine jazz, rumba, gutbucket shuffle,<br />
and boogaloo, Baer, on the<br />
Moorman piano, and Womack, on the drums,<br />
Blues Society create a unique stripped-down<br />
sound. The music of this Arkansas<br />
duo evokes visions of sec-<br />
Moorman was born in Ham-<br />
and grew up in the<br />
ond-line bands marching down<br />
his parents owned,<br />
Bourbon Street and conjures up<br />
some of the world’s best<br />
days gone by when one could<br />
Immersed in that environ-<br />
hear the music from upright pianos<br />
shaking the walls of back-<br />
Sonny was able, by his hard<br />
dedication, to build a<br />
woods churches and honky-tonks.<br />
now spans nearly five<br />
In his review of Sonny’s<br />
at the Cincy Blues Fest Sweet Baby Ray<br />
the Note magazine, Bill<br />
Northern Arizona<br />
“Live acoustic blues is<br />
Blues Alliance<br />
God’s great gifts to us, par-<br />
when it is placed in the<br />
Sweet Baby Ray hails from Chicago,<br />
and he recalls that his<br />
hands of Sonny Moor-<br />
Whether Sonny is finger-<br />
first stage experience was sitting<br />
in with Muddy Waters’ leg-<br />
Zeiler acoustic guitar<br />
slide on his Oahu lap<br />
endary sidemen Pinetop Perkins<br />
Dobro resophonic, this<br />
and Jimmy Rogers. He has been<br />
blues played and sung<br />
inspired by the great Chess record<br />
artists such as Little Wal-<br />
was supposed to be.<br />
ter, George Harmonica Smith,<br />
Big Walter Horton, Jimmy Reed,<br />
Stan and Ben Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson,<br />
Junior Wells, and James Cotton.<br />
Sweet Baby Ray is known<br />
Area Blues Society<br />
Budzynski is the guitarist in Arizona for his artistic renditions<br />
of the national anthem, and<br />
Budzynski and 3rd De-<br />
Lansing, Michigan-based for weaving through the audience<br />
during festivals playing his<br />
and 2005 and 2009<br />
This duo gives him harmonica and singing. He won<br />
to highlight Dobro and the Phoenix Blues Society’s Ari-<br />
guitar. Benjamin Hall<br />
playing<br />
The Blues Foundation • blues.org zona Blues Showdown as top traditional<br />
solo act in 1998, and<br />
has been a finalist three times.<br />
TD MacDonald<br />
TD MacDonald and Nel Nichols<br />
They Call Me Rico<br />
France Blues<br />
Jim<br />
in<br />
been<br />
and<br />
most<br />
Cincy<br />
Ohio,<br />
and<br />
that<br />
Live<br />
said:<br />
his<br />
or<br />
it<br />
a<br />
band<br />
slide<br />
and Nel Nichols<br />
Cape Fear Blues Society<br />
are a dynamic, foot-tappin’ duo<br />
rooted in old times, ragtime, hard<br />
times, and good times. MacDonald’s<br />
deep, dusty vocals and his<br />
National guitar (affectionately<br />
dubbed Sweet Georgia Brown) intertwine<br />
with Nichols’ expressive<br />
style on diatonic and chromatic<br />
harmonica. Raw. Emotive. Real.<br />
Based in Wilmington, North Carolina,<br />
they began their careers in<br />
different locales—MacDonald near<br />
Washington, D.C., and Nichols in<br />
New York City. Both have paid their<br />
dues as musicians—in clubs and<br />
concerts, with recordings and studio<br />
work, as soloists, sidemen,<br />
teachers, and songwriters. Kindred<br />
spirits in blues, this duo deliver a<br />
freewheeling, high-energy show.<br />
Born in Canada, They Call Me Rico<br />
is a one-man recording and touring<br />
musician who now lives in<br />
Lyon, France. Driven by a powerful<br />
voice, bottleneck slide guitar,<br />
and simultaneous bass drum and<br />
hi-hat playing, his music blends<br />
acoustic blues, folk, and straightahead<br />
rock and roll. Rico’s ability<br />
to perform on multiple instruments<br />
at the same time is an exciting<br />
spectacle. Playing mostly original<br />
songs, he draws you into his<br />
world of road-movie soundtracks,<br />
songs of lost love, and dust-raising<br />
rhythm and blues. About to release<br />
his third album, They Call Me Rico<br />
has gathered critical acclaim for<br />
breathing new life into a familiar<br />
genre and for an ability to singlehandedly<br />
bring down the house!<br />
Tina and Brandon<br />
The Blues Societies<br />
of Iowa<br />
Tina and Brandon are a bluesified<br />
force to be reckoned with. Married<br />
since January of 2005, these<br />
true soul mates are beloved by<br />
their fans as “the lovebirds of the<br />
blues.” They have enjoyed their<br />
numerous appearances on blues<br />
stages big and small on their challenging,<br />
exciting, and fulfilling melodic<br />
journey. The award-winning<br />
vocals of Tina plus the sought-after<br />
“guitartistry” of Brandon create<br />
a compelling union all their<br />
own, in their duo shows or with<br />
their blues band, Diva and the<br />
Deacons. Celebrating one lovely<br />
decade of performing, Tina and<br />
Brandon love sharing the gospel<br />
of inspiration, authenticity, and<br />
the thrill of a sweet blues groove.<br />
Tony Lee King<br />
Croatian Blues Forces<br />
Antonio Culina, aka Tony Lee King,<br />
was born in Croatia in 1970. He<br />
was educated in Paris, France,<br />
and as a child he showed a great<br />
deal of talent for music. At the<br />
age of 7 he fell in love with the<br />
music of Ennio Morriccone, and<br />
by the age of 17 he discovered<br />
B.B. King’s 1985 album Six Silver<br />
Strings, which determined his<br />
life path and musical orientation.<br />
When he turned 21 he left Croatia,<br />
and the streets of Europe became<br />
his home. The idea of becoming<br />
a bluesman sent him on a non-return<br />
journey where he had to learn<br />
how to survive playing his blues.<br />
Trey Johnson and<br />
Jason Willmon<br />
Arkansas River<br />
Blues Society<br />
Trey Johnson and Jason Willmon<br />
are two fairly decent guys from Arkansas<br />
who grew up around folks<br />
who loved great music. Learning to<br />
respect their elders and keep their<br />
mouths shut until the song was<br />
finished, they developed a love for<br />
the American song. Hearing Little<br />
Walter and Willie Dixon changed<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
SOLO/DUO H 145
everything for these two. Fast-forward<br />
to 2015. The two met at a<br />
round-table blues discussion and<br />
hit it off. They began playing every<br />
chance they got. Their only goal<br />
was to deliver the blues as authentic<br />
and genuine as possible. Both<br />
are well versed in blues, folk, and<br />
Hill Country music, and they have<br />
learned to make a cornbread salad<br />
of it all. It seems to be just right!<br />
Trimmed and Burning<br />
Austin Blues Society<br />
Trimmed and Burning entered the<br />
Austin music scene in 2010 after<br />
having relocated from Boulder,<br />
Colorado. The two seasoned musicians<br />
share a love for the Deltainspired<br />
blues music that was first<br />
recorded in the early 1920s. Ben<br />
Stevens has been labeled a revivalist<br />
of traditional blues, and a<br />
master of the rhythm and bottleneck<br />
slide stylings characteristic<br />
of Delta music. Known for gutsy,<br />
passionate, and refined vocals,<br />
Skye Downing weaves an introspective<br />
story line into a soulful<br />
outcry with ease. Here to deliver<br />
you into the arms of “the devil’s<br />
music,” Trimmed and Burning<br />
proudly brings you stripped-down,<br />
soulful, bare-bones blues. Listen,<br />
and you shall be saved!<br />
Wayne Holden and<br />
Mikey Ethelston<br />
Great Lakes Blues Society<br />
Wayne Holden and Mikey Ethelston<br />
hail from southern Ontario.<br />
Holden brings a unique voice and<br />
energy to every performance, with<br />
solid guitar skills and an intensity<br />
that will lock you in for an entire<br />
show. He is a pure, unapologetic<br />
bluesman. Ethelston is a seasoned<br />
harmonica player and a true entertainer.<br />
His skills and experience<br />
are evident in each note he plays.<br />
Together, this duo create an energy<br />
and a joy that audiences cannot<br />
help but feel a part of. They happily<br />
share their musical journey,<br />
and they’ll take you along through<br />
the stories of heartache and happiness,<br />
all for the love of the blues.<br />
146 H SOLO/DUO<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
6th Street Blues Band<br />
Smoky Mountain<br />
Blues Society<br />
The 6th Street Blues Band formed<br />
in the early summer of 2015 because<br />
Aaron Karney, John Hooper,<br />
and Roland Pullen shared an interest<br />
in playing in a blues band.<br />
The band played several gigs in<br />
2015, at Chattanooga’s Barking<br />
Legs Theater, Bessie Smith Hall,<br />
and other venues. Acoustic guitar<br />
was the first love for Aaron,<br />
and he has worked hard on his<br />
electric blues lead and rhythm<br />
guitar playing. John (bass) and<br />
Roland (drums) play with natural<br />
rhythm and instinct for time. Chelsea<br />
Ketchersid enjoys singing and<br />
writing music, and her smooth<br />
vocals push the band along.<br />
A.J. Fullerton<br />
Mile High Blues Society<br />
A.J. Fullerton is a 20-year-old<br />
blues/roots artist from rural western<br />
Colorado. Playing guitar since<br />
the age of 14, he has steadily<br />
built a reputation around Colorado,<br />
as well as out of state, by<br />
spending most of his time on the<br />
road touring. A.J. is most wellknown<br />
for powerful, gritty, but<br />
soulful vocals. His instrumental<br />
style is centered around his nimble<br />
fingerpicking and raw bottleneck<br />
slide and the steady thump<br />
of his homemade stomp box. Living<br />
alone on the road and getting<br />
by with whatever he makes at his<br />
shows, A.J. lives an authentic, doit-yourself<br />
approach to the blues<br />
that comes through in his music.<br />
Alex Oatman<br />
DC Blues Society<br />
Alex Oatman, age 16, lives in<br />
Ocean City, Maryland. He began<br />
playing drums at age 5 and guitar<br />
at age 7, and is mostly selftaught.<br />
At the age of 13, Alex<br />
played both drums and guitar<br />
with a local band, even filling in<br />
for the drummer for an entire gig.<br />
Since then Alex has played numerous<br />
venues around Ocean<br />
City. A true gearhead, Alex also<br />
enjoys the mechanics behind<br />
the music, and has recorded,<br />
mixed, and mastered two original<br />
albums on which he sang and<br />
played all parts. Alex loves many<br />
styles of music, but he is most at<br />
home playing rock and blues. His<br />
strongest influences come from<br />
Queens of the Stone Age, Gary<br />
Clark Jr., and Foo Fighters. Music<br />
is the driving force in his life.<br />
Ally Venable Band<br />
Houston Blues Society<br />
A powerhouse from the Lone Star<br />
State, the Ally Venable Band has<br />
ignited the blues scene. Just four<br />
years ago, 16-year-old Ally Venable<br />
picked up the guitar, and she<br />
has never looked back. Through<br />
her vocals, songwriting, and onstage<br />
presence, this female packs<br />
a punch. Both of Ally’s bandmates<br />
are versatile on multiple instruments.<br />
Eighteen-year-old bassist<br />
Zach Terry brings his passion and<br />
energetic flair to every show, and<br />
20-year-old self-taught drummer<br />
Elijah Owings brings a steady but<br />
dynamic beat that is the backbone<br />
of their rockin’ blues sound. As<br />
the 2015 East Texas Blues Band<br />
of the Year, the Ally Venable Band<br />
represents the future of blues.<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
YOUTH H 153
The BITS Band to a broad spectrum of styles to<br />
Darren “Lil’<br />
expand his musical horizons. Audiences<br />
love his passionate shows,<br />
Bluesman” Thiboutot<br />
Cincy Blues Society<br />
This is the BITS Band’s second infused with clever licks and tricks.<br />
Maine Blues Society<br />
year participating in the IBC’s<br />
154 H YOUTH The Blues Foundation • blues.org youth showcase. The BITS Band<br />
plays at special events such as Brittany Russell<br />
the Cincy Blues Fest, the Terrace and the King City<br />
Park Music Series, Holiday on the<br />
Hill, and the Winter Blues Fest,<br />
Blues Band<br />
along with special performances<br />
Southwest Florida<br />
at Hamilton County Library<br />
Blues Society<br />
branches and Cincinnati recreation<br />
Brittany Russell and the King City<br />
centers. They are the youth Blues Band are a group of highly<br />
of America, and they appreciate talented musicians from southwest<br />
the blues, they have learned the<br />
Florida. Driven by a love<br />
blues, and they play it with a great for music and a greater love for<br />
passion; it is amazing how teenagers<br />
blues and soul, the band brings<br />
can perform at such a high a youthful feel to older classics<br />
level of musicianship. They are and an old-soul feel in a brandnew<br />
led by their mentor, John Redell.<br />
groove. The band consists of<br />
Andrew Morrison (bass), Andon<br />
Blues Horizon<br />
Burns (drums), Sam “Sambo<br />
Sugar” Thomas (guitars), and Brittany<br />
Columbus Blues Alliance<br />
Russell (vocals). For those<br />
Blues Horizon, from Columbus,<br />
of you who have yet to see this<br />
Ohio, includes Zayne Harshaw<br />
amazing group of musicians,<br />
David Julia<br />
(20), Kira Heydt (15), Brandon<br />
here is your opportunity to enjoy<br />
South Florida<br />
Pettiford (16), and Amelia Walsh<br />
what crowds from Memphis have<br />
Blues Society<br />
(19). Zayne plays guitar, with Kira<br />
been seeing for quite some time,<br />
on vocals, Brandon on drums,<br />
and you will find yourself agreeing<br />
with everyone in the City of the<br />
and Amelia on keys. They have<br />
played music since they were<br />
Blues that this is indeed the “little<br />
lady with the great big voice.”<br />
very young. They’ve been in competitions<br />
and organized bands,<br />
and have been given numerous<br />
Celestial Blue<br />
awards. These talented kids give<br />
an incredible voice to the blues!<br />
Minnesota Blues Society<br />
This bright cluster of young talent<br />
Brian Kabala shining down on Memphis<br />
from the great state of Minnesota<br />
Phoenix Blues Society<br />
includes Dylan Salfer (16)<br />
Sixteen-year-old Brian Kabala was<br />
on guitar and vocals, Mikey Lasusa<br />
(17) on guitar, Isaac Gadient<br />
born in Buffalo, New York, to Polish-American<br />
parents, and was<br />
(17) hitting the skins, and Robert<br />
Northrup (18) laying down the<br />
just 13 when he picked up the<br />
guitar and discovered his love for<br />
bass. R&B, funk, and good old<br />
the blues. In just two years, this<br />
blues all come together to make<br />
self-taught musician has taken<br />
Celestial Blue. So sit back, relax,<br />
Dylan Whitney Band<br />
the Valley of the Sun by storm with<br />
and lend them your ear; they’ll<br />
Blues Society of Tulsa<br />
performances in his hometown of<br />
take you on a trip through the<br />
The Dylan Whitney Band, from<br />
Chandler, Arizona, and all over the<br />
stratosphere on a smooth, flowing<br />
groove of celestial blues.<br />
Tulsa, Oklahoma, brings high energy,<br />
charisma, and passion to<br />
Phoenix area on big festival and<br />
state fair stages. He also has been<br />
the stage. The DWB performs in<br />
featured in the local paper and on<br />
a modern blues-rock style while<br />
the local news channel. Brian’s influences<br />
honoring traditional blues and<br />
run from the classic blues<br />
incorporating the historic Tulsa<br />
all the way to the psychedelic<br />
sound. Audiences of all ages<br />
sounds of the ’60s. He also listens<br />
truly appreciate the musicianship<br />
Darren “Lil’ Bluesman” Thiboutot<br />
is an old soul in a young body. His<br />
love for old-school blues and roots<br />
music is evident in his playing. He<br />
derives his soulful style from all<br />
aspects of the blues, having been<br />
drawn to the blues at a young age<br />
due to his close personal relationship<br />
with the late great Eddie<br />
“Bluesman” Kirkland. Having been<br />
taught the true meaning of the<br />
blues by the legend himself, Darren<br />
carries on the tradition through<br />
his passionate playing and his<br />
high-energy live performances.<br />
From the Delta to Chicago to Louisiana<br />
and all styles in between—<br />
this is the palette that Darren uses<br />
to draw inspiration in creating his<br />
own unique brand of the blues.<br />
David Julia 14, has developed<br />
into quite a bluesman. David, a<br />
2015 Generation Blues scholarship<br />
recipient, uses the knowledge<br />
he has gained attending the Fur<br />
Peace Ranch workshop in Pomeroy,<br />
Ohio, to sharpen his skills as<br />
a blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter.<br />
He credits all the great<br />
blues artists of the past, as well<br />
as the many blues musicians he<br />
has met along his musical journey,<br />
for instilling the blues deep<br />
within him. Having recorded his<br />
debut CD, Simple Things, in the<br />
summer of 2015, David is doing<br />
his part in keeping the blues alive!<br />
and showmanship of this band,<br />
which is focused on entertaining<br />
the crowd. The band consists<br />
of 18-year-old guitarist and front<br />
man Dylan Whitney, 17-year-old<br />
bass player William Elliot, 20-yearold<br />
drummer Blake Bush, and<br />
17-year-old vocalist Kelsie Hammons.<br />
Although the group is made<br />
up of young artists, they have a<br />
sound that fits together as though<br />
they have been playing and living<br />
the blues for many years.<br />
Emerald City<br />
Blues Band<br />
South Sound Blues<br />
Association<br />
Emerald City Blues Band is a dynamic,<br />
crowd-pleasing band, presenting<br />
a mix of classic blues and<br />
high-energy blues-rock. A blend of<br />
youthful exuberance and musical<br />
talent, this band creates an energetic<br />
and exciting performance.<br />
Band members range in age from<br />
13 to 18 and were hand-picked by<br />
the Puget Sound Music for Youth<br />
Association and the South Sound<br />
Blues Association to be the first in<br />
a new program aimed at introducing<br />
the blues to young musicians.<br />
This band is learning through experience,<br />
and we invite you to be<br />
part of their educational journey<br />
“down the road to Memphis” by<br />
watching them perform and sharing<br />
with them your stories, experiences,<br />
and love of the blues.<br />
Geoffrey Gentry<br />
Indy Crossroads Blues<br />
Geoffrey Gentry first picked up<br />
the guitar at the age of 10. Three<br />
years later, after playing out with<br />
a blues-influenced group, he<br />
began listening to blues music.<br />
His style is influenced by old and<br />
modern blues musicians alike. He<br />
has performed at many events<br />
in his hometown of Linton, Indiana.<br />
What was his main reason<br />
for participating in the Indiana<br />
Blues Challenge? “I want to learn<br />
about new aspects of the blues<br />
that I never discovered before,”<br />
he says. His guitar-playing style<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
YOUTH H 155
Jamiah on Fire and<br />
the Red Machine<br />
Windy City Blues Society<br />
Cincinnati, and beyond, they’ve hit<br />
the scene hard among blues and<br />
rock players and fans. Band leader<br />
Joe Tellmann has twice won scholarships<br />
to the prestigious Pinetop<br />
Perkins Masterclass workshops<br />
held on the Hopson Plantation in<br />
Clarksdale, Mississippi. Joe is a<br />
proud member of The Blues Foundation<br />
and is listed on Generation<br />
Blues as a Blues Kid. This is<br />
the band’s first trip to the IBC.<br />
Juliana and A Soul<br />
Purpose Band<br />
Central Iowa<br />
Blues Society<br />
Juliana Logan is an aspiring<br />
singer/songwriter, a Davenport,<br />
Iowa, native who draws inspiration<br />
for her music from her life experiences<br />
living in a river town. Her<br />
roots go deep here, and her music<br />
reflects a blues, folk, and roots influence.<br />
Her band, A Soul Purpose,<br />
is made up of teens from the Quad<br />
Cities. They are some of the most<br />
talented kids in this area, and they<br />
bring a nice balance of old blues,<br />
funk, rock, and soul to the sound.<br />
Their energy and skill will amaze<br />
you. In addition to singer and<br />
founder Juliana Logan, band members<br />
include Matt Fuller and Nick<br />
Dicklin on guitar, Matthew Dilulio<br />
on drums, Cloey Johnson on bass,<br />
Ethan Good on keys, and Haley<br />
Teel on tambourine and vocals.<br />
Justus Reece<br />
Cascade Blues Association<br />
suggests a return to basics, and<br />
a half. Currently playing Dayton,<br />
156 H YOUTH The Blues Foundation • blues.org his vocal style always has a light<br />
quality. His songwriting skills are<br />
equal to his performing skills, and<br />
he always manages to evoke the Jamiah on Fire and the Red Machine<br />
are one of Chicago’s hottest<br />
greatest aspects of the blues.<br />
young bands. The band members,<br />
all cousins, are Jamiah Rogers,<br />
Grace Kuch<br />
20 (vocals and guitar), Jalon, 16<br />
Colorado Blues Society (drums), and Kenyonte, 14 (bass).<br />
Grace Kuch is a 12-year-old blues They play blues, blues-rock, soul,<br />
guitarist from Colorado who has and R&B. Their second CD, Winners<br />
had an amazing musical journey<br />
Never Quit, was named the<br />
thus far in her life. She began with best self-produced CD at the 2015<br />
piano at a young age, and played Chicago Blues Challenge, and the<br />
bluegrass mandolin starting at band won the Chicago Blues Challenge<br />
age 7. After getting her first electric<br />
youth division. This is their<br />
guitar at the end of 2013, she second IBC appearance for the<br />
was absolutely called to the blues. Windy City Blues Society; in 2010<br />
Ever since, she has been on an they won the Windy City Blues<br />
incredible music pilgrimage, playing<br />
Society youth showcase. They re-<br />
blues festivals and attending leased their first CD, titled Takin’<br />
music camps across the country.<br />
the Stage, in 2012. The band has<br />
Grace has been in love with played several international music<br />
music since she was born, and festivals, including the Montreal International<br />
that passion continues every day<br />
Jazz and Blues Festival.<br />
as she is drawn more strongly to<br />
the blues. Her natural style aligns<br />
with the advice of many mentors:<br />
Say more with less. At the<br />
Blues Band<br />
Jimmy Bez<br />
2016 IBC she is accompanied by Boston Blues Society<br />
A.J. Fullerton and Grace Ritter.<br />
The Jimmy Bez Blues Band, from<br />
Boston, Massachusetts, formed<br />
Jake Kulak and in 2015. The guitar-driven power<br />
trio features songwriter Jimmy Bez<br />
the LowDown (17) on vocals and guitar, Zack<br />
Connecticut Blues Society Sahagian (17) on bass, and Gavin<br />
Jake Kulak and the LowDown are Burke (16) on drums. Their original<br />
back at the IBC and excited to songs have a modern British rock<br />
bring their blend of modern and edge while remaining true to their<br />
traditional guitar-driven blues blues roots. Blues and rock fans<br />
back to Beale Street. Guitarist and alike will delight in the impressive<br />
singer Jake Kulak, 15, has played guitar chops, powerful songwriting,<br />
his soulful guitar solos and expressive<br />
and outstanding musicianship of<br />
improvisations for audi-<br />
this up-and-coming young band.<br />
Justus Reece is a young musi-<br />
ences all over the country and the<br />
world. Anthony Dailey, 15, from<br />
Longmeadow, Massachusetts, is The Joe Tellmann<br />
back with his quiet swagger and<br />
Band<br />
tasteful bass grooves. On drums Dayton Blues Society<br />
is 19-year-old Jeremy Peck, a formally<br />
trained multi-instrumen-<br />
The Joe Tellmann Band is a bluesrock<br />
trio from Dayton Ohio. Influences<br />
ranging from Muddy Waters<br />
talist whose killer, high-energy<br />
beats anchor the band. These<br />
and Robert Johnson all the way to<br />
young artists, influenced by the<br />
modern greats such as Slash and<br />
likes of Son House, Jack White,<br />
Joe Bonamassa have created a<br />
and Gary Clark Jr., are excited to<br />
distinctive blues sound. The band<br />
showcase new originals as well<br />
has been together for a year and<br />
as unique covers of older tunes.<br />
cian who has been playing guitar<br />
for more than half his life. The<br />
music he will be performing at the<br />
IBC includes a variety of American<br />
music such as ragtime, Piedmont<br />
blues, American primitive, Delta<br />
blues, and other roots music. At<br />
hometown gigs, in the studio, and<br />
at home he plays a wide range of<br />
music—not only blues, but jazz,<br />
folk, funk, jam band, and more.<br />
Some of his inspirations are Herbie<br />
Hancock, Frank Zappa, Blind<br />
Blake, Yes, Mississippi John Hurt,<br />
Charlie Hunter, and Funkadelic.<br />
Kentucky Blues<br />
Crusade<br />
Kentucky Blues Society<br />
From the Kentucky Blues Society’s<br />
youth program comes the Kentucky<br />
Blues Crusade! The members<br />
are Patrick Long (16, vocals<br />
and lead guitar); Ian Matthew<br />
Harper (18, drums), the recipient<br />
of Generation Blues scholarships<br />
to the Sean Carney Blues<br />
Camp in 2013, 2014, and 2015;<br />
Daniel Walker (18, bass); and<br />
Connor Stith (17, slide/rhythm<br />
guitar), a Pinetop Perkins Masterclass<br />
scholarship recipient in<br />
2014 and 2015. Mesmerizing<br />
and well balanced, these musical<br />
progenies of a genre that has<br />
shaped just about every form of<br />
music do an outstanding job of<br />
delivering in their performance<br />
every aspect that makes blues so<br />
great. These kids are hip, energetic,<br />
young, and they are here!<br />
Leah and the<br />
Troublemakers<br />
Detroit Blues Society<br />
Leah and the Troublemakers are<br />
a young band whose talent and<br />
passion for music far surpass<br />
their ages. The teenage musicians<br />
are led by the fiery vocals of<br />
16-year-old Leah Giesey, whose<br />
soulful style has been compared<br />
to music legends Janis Joplin and<br />
Etta James. She met her fellow<br />
musicians at the School of Rock,<br />
and they formed their own band.<br />
With a great young drummer and<br />
punk-rock-tinged bass, tasty lead<br />
guitar and rock-solid rhythm guitar,<br />
they are a band you will not<br />
want to miss! They have been<br />
entertaining audiences for the<br />
past two years with their powerful<br />
performances of classic rock<br />
and blues covers and originals.<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
YOUTH H 157
Lexi Parr and<br />
Korey Steil<br />
Crossroads Blues<br />
Society of Illinois<br />
Nashville recording artist Lexi Parr<br />
has been singing the blues since<br />
the age of 12. Having recorded her<br />
first full-length album at the age<br />
of 19, and now deep into her second<br />
one, Lexi evokes shades of<br />
Janis and thunders like Etta. Born<br />
in the Midwest, Lexi has a soulful<br />
voice beyond her years. Korey<br />
brings the stylings that he has<br />
perfected as a professional musician<br />
since the age of 14. Born<br />
into a musical family, Korey has<br />
learned a lot from his father and<br />
uncles. He is currently recording<br />
an album in his bedroom studio<br />
and will be unleashing his new<br />
album in 2016. Together, Korey<br />
and Lexi hope to blow you away<br />
with their new sound of the blues.<br />
Lüsë Güsë<br />
Sacramento Blues Society<br />
Lüsë Güsë is composed of the surviving<br />
members of the One Eyed<br />
Jacks: Joseph Panida, Vincent Pantages,<br />
and Landon Gonzales. They<br />
were originally assembled by the<br />
great John Ousley himself at West<br />
Campus High School. The soon-tobe<br />
power trio performed as part<br />
a six-piece blues band, the One<br />
Eyed Jacks, for a little over a year.<br />
Three members went off to pursue<br />
other ventures, and Lüsë Güsë,<br />
left as Sacramento’s next great<br />
power trio, began to develop and<br />
discover themselves as musicians,<br />
drawing influence from greats<br />
such as the Grateful Dead, Jimi<br />
Hendrix, Sublime, and the Blues<br />
Brothers. Lüsë Güsë is stoked to<br />
play in Memphis come January.<br />
Mindfreakz<br />
Blues at Bridgetown<br />
The Mindfreakz are a freshly<br />
formed band currently gaining<br />
momentum on the Perth scene.<br />
Consisting of Jack Lowrie on guitar<br />
and vocals, Adam Lowrie on<br />
drums, and Michael Klynnyk on<br />
bass, the trio punch way above<br />
their weight. Mindfreakz played<br />
at the Perth Blues Club and were<br />
highly acclaimed by the other<br />
musicians and PBC management.<br />
They played the 2013 Pipeline<br />
Festival, where Adam was<br />
named best performer. Mindfreakz<br />
played at the inaugural Gidgestock<br />
Music Festival in October<br />
2015, and in the Western Australia<br />
Blues Challenge at Blues at<br />
Bridgetown in November 2015,<br />
where they won the right to represent<br />
Western Australia in the<br />
youth showcase at the International<br />
Blues Challenge in 2016.<br />
Missing Blue<br />
Kansas City Blues Society<br />
Missing Blue is the partnership of<br />
three high school students from<br />
Kansas City. They have a shared<br />
desire to play live music that is<br />
meaningful to today’s youth, yet<br />
still connects with the established<br />
local blues scene. Bryce Prichard,<br />
vocalist and lead guitar, is interested<br />
in mixing genres of music,<br />
and draws influences from Jimi<br />
Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan.<br />
Jeremy Ragsdale, bassist, from<br />
Basehor, Kansas, enjoys any opportunity<br />
to perform live. Drummer<br />
Kevin McAfoos lives for the<br />
rhythm of anything percussion.<br />
Missing Blue is making a name<br />
for itself with powerful guitardriven<br />
music aimed at bringing<br />
blues-based rock to an entirely<br />
new generation of music lovers.<br />
Muddy Kings<br />
Lowcountry Blues Club<br />
Muddy Kings, a four-piece blues<br />
act from Charleston, South Carolina,<br />
return to Memphis for their<br />
second IBC appearance. Influenced<br />
by the three Kings (Albert,<br />
Freddie, and B.B.), this talented<br />
group of young old souls display<br />
musical maturity beyond their<br />
years. After dozens of gigs during<br />
2015, Davis, Whitt, Stephen,<br />
and Bradley have developed into<br />
seasoned players with stage<br />
mojo and incredible blues-based<br />
originals. They possess extraordinary<br />
dynamics, and intuitively<br />
know when to go from clean to<br />
mean and back again. Their live<br />
performances create an amazing<br />
palette of technical virtuosity,<br />
soulful phrasing, and youthful<br />
enthusiasm that leaves a lasting<br />
impression on concertgoers.<br />
Nathan Pope<br />
Triangle Blues Society<br />
Nathan is a young but serious<br />
guitar player from North Carolina<br />
with a deep love for blues music.<br />
He was given his first guitar at<br />
age 2, and was teaching himself<br />
to play by age 7, giving credit to<br />
his grandmother as the inspiration<br />
for his love of music. He truly<br />
started to expand his capabilities<br />
when he began attending blues<br />
jams at local clubs. In 2015, at<br />
age 12, he gained unparalleled<br />
knowledge at the Pinetop Perkins<br />
Masterclass workshop. Nathan is<br />
now performing with a three-piece<br />
band and on his own acoustically.<br />
He has developed a very supportive<br />
fan base that enjoys his unique<br />
twists on the classics as well as<br />
his original tunes with meaningful<br />
lyrics well beyond his years.<br />
No Solution<br />
Atlanta Blues Society<br />
No Solution was formed at Sutton<br />
Middle School in Atlanta, Georgia.<br />
These kids all have a passion<br />
for blues and rock, and have been<br />
playing together for more than two<br />
years. They have performed at<br />
several school functions, dances,<br />
and music festivals. The band<br />
consists of Devon Gates on bass<br />
and vocals, Max Bittner on guitar,<br />
Micah MacLane on keys, and Chris<br />
Robinson on drums. They love to<br />
perform a wide variety of blues,<br />
from classic songs of the ’50s to<br />
more current blues. Their performance<br />
at the Atlanta Blues Challenge<br />
was polished, professional,<br />
and very enjoyable to watch. They<br />
are cool and in school, and ready<br />
to perform their best for you.<br />
Pina Brothers Band<br />
Topeka Blues Society<br />
The Pina Brothers Band, a power<br />
trio straight from the heart of Kansas,<br />
is composed of three brothers<br />
heavily influenced by the sounds<br />
of Southern rock and blues. Andre,<br />
Brandon, and Christopher came<br />
together after playing in the garage<br />
and at local jams, later gigging<br />
throughout the Midwest. The<br />
Pina brothers’ passion for the<br />
blues is strongly showcased in<br />
each song that they deliver with<br />
a soulful style they have truly<br />
made their own. This band offers<br />
a youthful groove, entertaining<br />
audiences of all ages while<br />
rejuvenating the love of blues.<br />
Route 111<br />
Long Island Blues Society<br />
Route 111’s members may only<br />
be 13 to 16 years old, but they<br />
already have years of experience<br />
playing on some pretty big stages<br />
from New York to Las Vegas. They<br />
have a fresh take on the blues—<br />
it’s energetic, exciting, and it pulls<br />
the audience in and takes them<br />
for a ride. To see them live is to<br />
understand this young phenomenon,<br />
born out of All Music’s Rock<br />
and Roll University. These young<br />
masters perform well above their<br />
years and with a passion and skill<br />
rarely seen in musicians twice<br />
their age. Thomas and Paul Foschino<br />
provide the vocals along with<br />
some outstanding drumming and<br />
insane B3 solos, while Nick Santori’s<br />
guitar shredding and Justin<br />
Termotto’s deep, funky bass<br />
grooves complete their sound.<br />
Seth Williams<br />
Piedmont Blues<br />
Preservation Society<br />
Seth Williams is a 17-year-old<br />
singer/songwriter from Reidsville,<br />
North Carolina. Seth has been<br />
playing guitar for more than four<br />
years and singing for two. He is<br />
homeschooled and has a huge<br />
amount of support from his family.<br />
Seth is in a duo band called<br />
Chrysocolla, where he performs<br />
158 H YOUTH<br />
The Blues Foundation • blues.org<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
YOUTH H 159
Spencer MacKenzie<br />
Canal Bank Shuffle<br />
with Madi Heath. They play originals,<br />
Having met through local blues<br />
160 H YOUTH The Blues Foundation • blues.org Southern rock, and ’60s and<br />
’70s classics. They are in the process<br />
of working on their first CD. Sixteen-year-old Spencer MacKenzie,<br />
Seth won the Piedmont Blues<br />
a Rising Star winner at On-<br />
Preservation Society Challenge tario’s Niagara Music Awards,<br />
youth showcase, and since then has played guitar since the age<br />
he has been writing and singing<br />
of 5. Still not old enough to drive,<br />
the blues. He is looking for-<br />
he is putting miles on his par-<br />
ward to the Memphis experience! ents’ car performing at festivals,<br />
bars, cruises, and events, earning<br />
praise everywhere he goes.<br />
Soul Raydio His guitar work is outstanding and<br />
Blues Society of his voice has the tone and inflection<br />
for which more seasoned vet-<br />
Granite State<br />
Veronica Lewis<br />
Western Pennsylvania<br />
Soul Raydio is composed of erans strive. His first EP is to be<br />
Blues Society<br />
Shailen Abram on keys, Jonus Fair released by February 2016. As<br />
Veronica Lewis is a 12-year-old<br />
on lead guitar, Jarrett Fair on bass, a singer, writer, and guitarist, he<br />
and Ben Wells on drums. Shailen has found his passion: the blues.<br />
is a child prodigy from Pittsburgh, Don’t be surprised when you hear<br />
Pennsylvania. He has been playing<br />
the piano since he was 18 Vaughan, Hendrix, B.B. King—he<br />
him belt out a song like Stevie Ray<br />
months old. Jarrett and Jonus Fair is an old soul trapped in a young<br />
are twins and are juniors at Valley body. Come out to see him before<br />
he hits the world stage.<br />
High School in New Kensington,<br />
Pennsylvania. Both are prodigies<br />
who excel at multiple instruments:<br />
banjo, lap steel guitar, piano. Ben<br />
Stax Music Academy<br />
Wells is a singing drummer from Memphis Blues Society<br />
Freeport, Pennsylvania. He is a The SNAP! after-school program is<br />
junior at Freeport High School. the flagship program of the Stax<br />
Ben has been playing the drums Music Academy, and occurs during<br />
since he was 3 years old, and<br />
the fall and spring semes-<br />
also plays other percussion instruments<br />
ters of the academic year. There<br />
and all styles of music. are four main performing ensemters<br />
bles: the Soulsville Jazz Ensemble<br />
(big-band jazz repertoire), Street<br />
Spa City Youngbloods Corner Harmonies (a capella choral/vocal<br />
Spa City Blues Society<br />
group), the Stax Music<br />
The Spa City Youngbloods are putting<br />
down their roots as Arkan-<br />
soul/R&B), and Premier Percus-<br />
Academy Rhythm Section (classic<br />
sas’s next generation of blues sion (drumline and percussion<br />
musicians. All band members participate<br />
in Blues in the Schools based program which is open to<br />
ensemble). SNAP! is an audition-<br />
programs sponsored by the Spa students in grades nine through<br />
City Blues Society in Hot Springs. twelve. The program also hosts the<br />
The Youngbloods’ true blues SMA Junior Academy, a program<br />
sound is anchored by Ethan Kuntz for sixth through eighth graders.<br />
on lead guitar, sharing vocals with<br />
Kennedy Elizabeth. Jackson Victorian<br />
and Noah Young split time<br />
Time Gap<br />
keeping the beat, while Callie<br />
Jersey Shore Jazz and<br />
Blues Foundation<br />
Young on trumpet and Christian<br />
Young on bass help round out the Hailing from Philadelphia, Time<br />
sound. To complete the unique Gap is a teenage blues band led<br />
mixture, another bassist, Marston<br />
Murdock, and another guiparcova<br />
and featuring Sophie<br />
by acclaimed guitarist Radka Kastarist,<br />
Tobias Mendenhall, join in, Griffiths’s melodic vocals, Miles<br />
along with Destiny Wells on keys Burger’s jazz-infused bass, and<br />
and Clarke Elmore on harmonica. Noah Bryant’s ingenious drum fills.<br />
jams and school, they perform<br />
several times a month at popular<br />
locations in the Philadelphia area<br />
and at blues festivals such as the<br />
Phoenixville Blues Festival and<br />
A Taste of Berwyn. In addition to<br />
their original compositions, Time<br />
Gap’s set is composed of covers<br />
of well-known blues tunes. Anytime<br />
is blues time with Time Gap!<br />
blues piano player and singer<br />
from Stoddard, New Hampshire.<br />
Her style is boogie-woogie, and<br />
she keeps the chop going with a<br />
solid left hand and upbeat tunes.<br />
Veronica’s love for the blues and<br />
boogie-woogie was obvious from<br />
an early age—she began playing<br />
piano at age 6. Her notable influences<br />
include Katie Webster,<br />
Jerry Lee Lewis, Henry Gray, Otis<br />
Spann, and Fats Domino. Along<br />
with echoing these great players,<br />
Veronica also composes and arranges<br />
many of her own songs.<br />
Her style is that of an old soul<br />
whose playing is from a bygone<br />
era. Veronica is sure to leave you<br />
smiling and stompin’ your foot.<br />
Voodoo Vinyl<br />
Blues Society of Omaha<br />
Voodoo Vinyl is a seven-piece band<br />
from the Blues Society of Omaha’s<br />
BluesEd program that features<br />
accomplished musicians<br />
led by two powerful singers. They<br />
play a high-energy, eclectic mix<br />
of blues, jazz, funk, Americana,<br />
and rock, creating a unique tapestry<br />
of music delivered with a passion<br />
and precision you’d expect<br />
from veteran musicians. They’ve<br />
played numerous popular venues<br />
in Omaha, including this past summer<br />
at the famed Playing With<br />
Fire concert series. The band features<br />
Elyse Davis (17) and Carmel<br />
Hemphill (14) on vocals, Billy<br />
Svolos (14) on drums, Thomas<br />
Palensky (17) on bass, Graham<br />
Brooks (17) on guitar and sax,<br />
Gabi Basille (16) on trombone,<br />
and Cole Palensky (14) on guitar.<br />
Whirlwind<br />
Oklahoma Blues Society<br />
Whirlwind hails from Canadian<br />
County, Oklahoma, and is the firstever<br />
band from the state to play in<br />
the youth showcase. The members<br />
have been active in music and<br />
drama since junior high. The band<br />
recognizes the influence blues has<br />
had on music around the world,<br />
and honors that contribution by<br />
playing traditional and contemporary<br />
blues sets that also include<br />
genres later influenced by the<br />
blues. Whirlwind’s musicians are<br />
skilled on multiple instruments including<br />
drums, percussion, piano,<br />
woodwinds, and fretted instruments.<br />
Each member continues<br />
to train with some of the best instructors<br />
in the region, which enables<br />
them to quickly adapt and<br />
improvise across multiple genres.<br />
Zack Salsberry<br />
Natchel’ Blues Network<br />
Fifteen-year-old Zack Salsberry<br />
picked up the guitar at age 5 and<br />
never looked back. If he seems<br />
familiar, it’s because Zack played<br />
the 2013 IBC with his band, the<br />
UnXpected, and appeared at the<br />
Hard Rock Cafe in Memphis for<br />
Big Llou’s Generation Blues fundraiser.<br />
His current focus is on<br />
songwriting and solo acoustic<br />
performances. Back in Virginia,<br />
Zack appeared at the 22nd annual<br />
Blues at the Beach festival<br />
and at the Chrysler Museum of<br />
Art, and he will play the upcoming<br />
2016 Winter Blues Jazz Fest.<br />
He was also interviewed and performed<br />
live on the Hunter at Sunrise<br />
radio show. Zack’s music is<br />
a unique blend of cool acoustics<br />
and dynamic blues that pays homage<br />
to traditional blues artists<br />
yet incorporates a modern twist.<br />
32nd International Blues Challenge<br />
YOUTH H 161
Index<br />
2016 IBC Acts<br />
519 Band ..............97<br />
50 Shades of Blue ......127<br />
A Different Shade<br />
of Blue ...............97<br />
Adrian Duke &<br />
Theresa Richmond .....127<br />
Alonzo Pennington &<br />
Michael Gough ........127<br />
Altered Five Blues Band. . . 97<br />
Amays & Blue ..........127<br />
Amy Ryan Band .........97<br />
Andrew Wheeler ....... 128<br />
Anthony “Swamp<br />
Dog” Clar ............ 98<br />
April Mae & the June Bugs<br />
with Mike Mettalia ..... 98<br />
Arsen Shomakhov ...... 98<br />
Asamu Johnson & the<br />
Associates of the Blues . 98<br />
Bad Mules ............ 98<br />
Barbara Paul ......... 128<br />
BeBlue ............... 99<br />
Ben “Swamp Donkey”<br />
Brenner ............. 128<br />
Ben Hunter & Joe<br />
Seamons ........... 128<br />
Big Bo ............... 128<br />
Big Bones ............ 129<br />
Big Time Rhythm &<br />
Blues Band ........... 99<br />
Bill Miller Band ......... 99<br />
Bill Weiner & Al Taylor .. 129<br />
Billy Joe Daniel ........ 129<br />
Bing Futch. . . . . . . . . . . . 129<br />
Birddog & Beck ....... 129<br />
Blind Cadillac ......... 130<br />
Blind-Dog Gatewood ... 130<br />
Blue Dirt Daredevils ..... 99<br />
Blues & Greens ....... 130<br />
Blues Chronicles ...... 130<br />
Blues Crusaders ........ 99<br />
Blues Expressions ..... 100<br />
Bobby & Joanne Du .... 130<br />
Bobby BlackHat Band .. 100<br />
Bobby G & Cory Swift ....131<br />
Brenda Meyer Band .... 100<br />
Bridget Kelly Band ..... 100<br />
Bygone Blues ..........131<br />
Camden Blues .........131<br />
Celso Salim ........... 100<br />
Charlie A’Court .........131<br />
Charlie Love & the<br />
Silky Smooth Band. . . . .101<br />
Chris Canas Band ......101<br />
Chris English .......... 132<br />
Chris O .............. 132<br />
Christine Jude & the<br />
Gentlemen Callers .....101<br />
Chris Yakopcic ........ 132<br />
Chuck Strong & SRBQ ...101<br />
Clarence “Bluesman”<br />
Davis & Jock Webb ... 132<br />
Dangerous Gentlemens . 102<br />
Dan Holt ............. 132<br />
Daniel Dworsky Trio .... 102<br />
Dany Franchi Band ..... 102<br />
Darell Christopher &<br />
the Ingredients ....... 102<br />
Dave Muskett ......... 133<br />
David Smash Band .... 102<br />
Davis Coen ........... 133<br />
DC Mudd ............. 103<br />
Debra Power .......... 133<br />
Delanie Pickering ...... 133<br />
Delgado Brothers ...... 103<br />
Deuce ’n a Quarter .... 103<br />
Diggin’ Roots Band .... 103<br />
Divas On Fire ......... 103<br />
Doug “Suitcase” Hasch . 133<br />
Doug McMinn ......... 133<br />
Doug Skoog & Brian<br />
Feist Duo ........... 134<br />
Down in the Roots ..... 134<br />
Downtown Dave &<br />
the Deep Pockets ..... 104<br />
Dreamboogie ......... 104<br />
Eight O’Five Jive ....... 104<br />
Elijah Butler Band ..... 104<br />
Eric Ramsey .......... 134<br />
Eric “Slim” Zahl & the<br />
South West Swingers .. 104<br />
Eugene Johnson &<br />
Company ............ 105<br />
Everett & Delta Storm .. 105<br />
Fat Bastard Blues Band . 105<br />
Fat Head ............. 105<br />
Fistful of Bacon ....... 105<br />
Forrest McDonald Band. 106<br />
Franc Robert .......... 134<br />
Fred T & the Band ..... 106<br />
Graham Guest ........ 134<br />
Gretchen Bostrom Duo . 135<br />
Greyhound George &<br />
Andy Grünert ........ 135<br />
Hat & Matching Suitcase.135<br />
Hector Anchondo Band . 106<br />
Holla Pointe .......... 106<br />
Idan Shneor .......... 135<br />
In Layman Terms .......107<br />
InnerVision ........... 135<br />
IV Shades of Blue .......107<br />
J.L. Fulks Band .........107<br />
Jamell Richardson ......107<br />
James Howard Band ....107<br />
Janelle Frost &<br />
Greg Tolbert ......... 136<br />
Jason King Roxas ...... 136<br />
Jason Vivone & the<br />
Billy Bats ............ 108<br />
Jay Pollmann .......... 136<br />
Jeremy Short .......... 136<br />
Jesse Black ........... 136<br />
Jesse Roper ...........137<br />
Jiggy & the Source ......137<br />
Jimmy Nick & Don’t<br />
Tell Mama ........... 108<br />
Jimmy Wayne Garrett ....137<br />
John Allender Band .... 108<br />
John Calvin Brewer Band.108<br />
John Latini. . . . . . . . . . . . .137<br />
Johnny Fink & the<br />
Intrusion ............ 108<br />
Johnny Mac Band ...... 109<br />
Johnny Max Band ...... 109<br />
Josh “The Pitbull of<br />
Blues” Rowand ....... 138<br />
Joshua Yarbrough ...... 138<br />
Joyann Parker &<br />
Sweet Tea ........... 109<br />
Juke Rockets<br />
Blues Band .......... 109<br />
Kalo ................. 138<br />
Karla Peterie &<br />
Jim Herbert .......... 138<br />
Kelly Howerton ........ 138<br />
Kev Nichols & Blue<br />
Tuesday ............. 109<br />
Kim Doolittle & the<br />
Wolfgang Brothers .... 110<br />
King Kom Beaux. . . . . . . 110<br />
KoolAide & the Exact<br />
Change Band ........ 110<br />
Lampano Alley ........ 110<br />
Lazy Eye ............. 110<br />
Libby Rae Watson ..... 139<br />
Little Boys Blue ........111<br />
Lizzi Neal Band. . . . . . . . .111<br />
Louisville “White<br />
Lightning” Curtis ..... 139<br />
Lucas Haneman Express. 111<br />
Luther Trammell &<br />
John Sutton .......... 139<br />
Maness Brothers ...... 139<br />
Marcus & the<br />
Washboard Machine .. 139<br />
Marcus Lovdal Band ....111<br />
Mark Green Band ...... 112<br />
Mark Telesca ......... 140<br />
Markey Blue ......... 112<br />
Matt Roberts Trio ...... 112<br />
Matthew Robinson &<br />
the Jelly Kings ....... 112<br />
Max Russell .......... 140<br />
McCarthy & Headley ... 140<br />
Melissa B. Band ....... 112<br />
Micah Kesselring ...... 140<br />
Michael Hornbuckle<br />
Band ............... 113<br />
Michael Lee Band ..... 113<br />
Michael Schatte ....... 140<br />
Mick Kidd with<br />
Dave Blight ...........141<br />
Mighty Orq ............141<br />
Mighty Soul Drivers .... 113<br />
Mike & the Mojo ........141<br />
Miss Whiskey ..........141<br />
Mississippi G-n-H Blues . 142<br />
Mojo Risin’ ........... 113<br />
Mojo Theory .......... 113<br />
Mojomatic ............ 114<br />
Mother Ship<br />
Blues Band .......... 114<br />
Nick Wade ........... 142<br />
Night Owls ........... 114<br />
Norman Jackson Band . 114<br />
North Delta Duo ....... 142<br />
Odell Gray & the<br />
House Rules Band .... 114<br />
Paul DesLauriers Band . 115<br />
Phil Bee’s Freedom .... 115<br />
Ramblin’ Dan Stevens<br />
& Clayton Allen ....... 142<br />
Randall Dubis &<br />
Dan Treanor ......... 142<br />
RD Olson Blues Band .. 115<br />
Rebel Airplane ........ 115<br />
Rendezvous & the<br />
Hookups ............ 116<br />
Rent Party Blues Band . 116<br />
Rex Peoples & X Factr .. 116<br />
Rick Rushing & Dakari Kelly<br />
of the Blues Strangers . 143<br />
Robert Sampson ...... 143<br />
Rodney Polk &<br />
Johnny Riley ......... 143<br />
Rogue Rage Duo ...... 143<br />
Roharpo the Bluesman &<br />
the Real Blues Band .. 116<br />
Romeo Kings ......... 116<br />
Rooster Davis Group ....117<br />
Root2 Music .......... 143<br />
Sister Mercy ...........117<br />
Smoke Wagon<br />
Blues Band ...........117<br />
Smokestack Lightning ...117<br />
Sonny Jim Clifford ..... 144<br />
Sonny Moorman ....... 144<br />
SoulFixers .............117<br />
Southern Avenue ...... 118<br />
Stan & Ben ........... 144<br />
Steve Cal’ Band ....... 118<br />
Steve Morgan &<br />
the Kingfish ......... 118<br />
Steve Pineo Band ...... 118<br />
Stevee Wellons Band ... 118<br />
Stuart Baer & Lance<br />
Womack ............ 144<br />
Sweet Baby Ray ....... 144<br />
T-Roosters ............ 119<br />
TC Carr & Bolts of Blue . 119<br />
TD MacDonald &<br />
Nel Nichols .......... 145<br />
Tee Dee Young ........ 119<br />
They Call Me Rico ...... 145<br />
Tina & Brandon ....... 145<br />
Tony Lee King ......... 145<br />
Trey Johnson &<br />
Jason Willmon ....... 145<br />
Trimmed & Burning .... 146<br />
Tripwire .............. 119<br />
Truth featuring<br />
Cat Rhodes .......... 119<br />
Twice As Good ........ 120<br />
Twyla Birdsong ........ 120<br />
Used Blues Band ...... 120<br />
Vanessa Collier ....... 120<br />
Vintage#18 ........... 120<br />
Vulgarxito .............121<br />
Wayne Holden &<br />
Mikey Ethelston ...... 146<br />
WellBad ...............121<br />
White Knuckles Trio .....121<br />
Zach Day & Full Throttle ..121<br />
Zack Linton Band .......121<br />
Index Does not include non-competing Youth acts<br />
Index Does not include non-competing Youth acts<br />
164 32nd International Blues Challenge The Blues Foundation • blues.org 165
May 5, 2016<br />
Memphis<br />
If you are a member of The<br />
Blues Foundation, you already<br />
know that you are entitled to<br />
vote for the Blues Music<br />
Awards. If you are not a<br />
member, you can still join and<br />
vote. So sign up this weekend or<br />
do it online when you get home.<br />
Voting ends March 1, 2016.<br />
Any blues fan can attend the<br />
Blues Music Awards but level<br />
of membership and date of<br />
ticket purchase are factors<br />
determining your seat!<br />
tickets and more<br />
info at blues.org<br />
Acoustic Album<br />
+ + Exactly Like This,<br />
Doug MacLeod<br />
+ + The Acoustic<br />
Blues & Roots of<br />
Duke Robillard,<br />
Duke Robillard<br />
+ + Blues People,<br />
Eric Bibb<br />
+ + Kokomo Kidd,<br />
Guy Davis<br />
+ + The Ragpicker<br />
String Band,<br />
The Ragpicker<br />
String Band<br />
Acoustic Artist<br />
+ + Doug MacLeod<br />
+ + Eric Bibb<br />
+ + Gaye Adegbalola<br />
+ + Guy Davis<br />
+ + Ian Siegal<br />
Album<br />
+ + Fifty Shades of<br />
Blue, Anthony<br />
Geraci & the<br />
Boston Blues<br />
All-Stars<br />
+ + Born to Play<br />
Guitar, Buddy Guy<br />
+ + Bonetime, James<br />
Harman<br />
+ + Holding Court, The<br />
Cash Box Kings<br />
+ + If Nothing Ever<br />
Changes, Wee<br />
Willie Walker<br />
Best New<br />
Artist Album<br />
+ + One at a Time,<br />
Eddie Cotton<br />
+ + Way Down South,<br />
Igor Prado Band<br />
+ + Blues in Good<br />
Hands, Mighty<br />
Mike Schermer<br />
+ + The Mississippi<br />
Blues Child,<br />
Mr. Sipp<br />
+ + Feel These Blues,<br />
Slam Allen<br />
Band<br />
+ + Andy T–Nick<br />
Nixon Band<br />
+ + Rick Estrin &<br />
the Nightcats<br />
+ + Sugar Ray &<br />
the Bluetones<br />
+ + The Cash<br />
Box Kings<br />
+ + Victor Wainwright<br />
& the Wild Roots<br />
B.B. King<br />
Entertainer<br />
+ + John Németh<br />
+ + Rick Estrin<br />
+ + Shemekia<br />
Copeland<br />
+ + Sugaray Rayford<br />
+ + Victor Wainwright<br />
Contemporary<br />
Blues Album<br />
+ + Born to Play<br />
Guitar, Buddy Guy<br />
+ + Hold on a Little Bit<br />
Longer, Eugene<br />
Hideaway Bridges<br />
+ + Outskirts of<br />
Love, Shemekia<br />
Copeland<br />
+ + Bound by the<br />
Blues, Sonny<br />
Landreth<br />
+ + Southside,<br />
Sugaray Rayford<br />
Contemporary<br />
Blues Female<br />
Artist<br />
+ + Beth Hart<br />
+ + Karen Lovely<br />
+ + Nikki Hill<br />
+ + Samantha Fish<br />
+ + Shemekia<br />
Copeland<br />
Contemporary<br />
Blues Male<br />
Artist<br />
+ + Brandon Santini<br />
+ + Eugene Hideaway<br />
Bridges<br />
+ + Jarekus Singleton<br />
+ + Joe Louis Walker<br />
+ + Sugaray Rayford<br />
Historical<br />
+ + The Henry Gray/<br />
Bob Corritore<br />
Sessions, Vol. 1,<br />
Blues Won’t Let<br />
Me Take My Rest<br />
(Delta Groove)<br />
+ + Hawk Squat,<br />
J. B. Hutto & His<br />
Hawks<br />
(Delmark)<br />
+ + Southside Blues<br />
Jam, Junior Wells<br />
(Delmark)<br />
+ + Buzzin’ the Blues,<br />
Slim Harpo<br />
(Bear Family)<br />
+ + Dynamite! The<br />
Unsung King of<br />
the Blues,<br />
Tampa Red<br />
(Ace)<br />
Instrumentalist<br />
Bass<br />
+ + Charlie Wooton<br />
+ + Lisa Mann<br />
+ + Michael<br />
“Mudcat” Ward<br />
+ + Patrick Rynn<br />
+ + Willie J.<br />
Campbell<br />
Instrumentalist<br />
Drums<br />
+ + Cedric Burnside<br />
+ + Jimi Bott<br />
+ + June Core<br />
+ + Tom Hambridge<br />
+ + Tony Braunagel<br />
Instrumentalist<br />
Guitar<br />
+ + Anson<br />
Funderburgh<br />
+ + Kid Andersen<br />
+ + Monster Mike<br />
Welch<br />
+ + Ronnie Earl<br />
+ + Sonny Landreth<br />
Instrumentalist<br />
Harmonica<br />
+ + Billy Branch<br />
+ + Brandon Santini<br />
+ + James Harman<br />
+ + Jason Ricci<br />
+ + Kim Wilson<br />
Instrumentalist<br />
Horn<br />
+ + Al Basile<br />
+ + Doug James<br />
+ + Kaz Kazanoff<br />
+ + Sax Gordon<br />
+ + Terry Hanck<br />
Pinetop Perkins<br />
Piano Player<br />
+ + Allen Toussaint<br />
+ + Anthony Geraci<br />
+ + Barrelhouse<br />
Chuck<br />
+ + John Ginty<br />
+ + Victor Wainwright<br />
Soul Blues<br />
Album<br />
+ + Not Goin’ Away,<br />
Bey Paule Band<br />
+ + This Time for<br />
Real, Billy Price<br />
& Otis Clay<br />
+ + I Saw the Blues,<br />
Jackie Payne<br />
+ + Day into Night,<br />
Tad Robinson<br />
+ + If Nothing Ever<br />
Changes, Wee<br />
Willie Walker<br />
Soul Blues<br />
Female Artist<br />
+ + Bettye LaVette<br />
+ + Dorothy Moore<br />
+ + Missy Anderson<br />
+ + Toni Lynn<br />
Washington<br />
+ + Vaneese Thomas<br />
The Blues Music Awards is a Program<br />
of The Blues Foundation<br />
Soul Blues<br />
Male Artist<br />
+ + Frank Bey<br />
+ + Jackie Payne<br />
+ + Johnny Rawls<br />
+ + Otis Clay<br />
+ + Wee Willie<br />
Walker<br />
Traditional<br />
Blues Album<br />
+ + Numbers Man,<br />
Andy T–Nick<br />
Nixon Band<br />
+ + Fifty Shades of<br />
Blue, Anthony<br />
Geraci & the<br />
Boston Blues<br />
All-Stars<br />
+ + Descendants<br />
of Hill Country,<br />
Cedric Burnside<br />
Project<br />
+ + Bonetime, James<br />
Harman<br />
+ + Holding Court,<br />
The Cash<br />
Box Kings<br />
Koko Taylor<br />
Award<br />
+ + Diunna<br />
Greenleaf<br />
+ + Fiona Boyes<br />
+ + Ruthie Foster<br />
+ + Trudy Lynn<br />
+ + Zora Young<br />
Traditional<br />
Blues Male<br />
Artist<br />
+ + Cedric Burnside<br />
+ + Dave Alvin &<br />
Phil Alvin<br />
+ + James Harman<br />
+ + Jimmy Burns<br />
+ + John Primer<br />
and<br />
Rock Blues<br />
Album<br />
+ + Muddy Wolf at<br />
Red Rocks, Joe<br />
Bonamassa<br />
+ + Everybody Wants<br />
a Piece, Joe<br />
Louis Walker<br />
+ + Don’t Look Back,<br />
Royal Southern<br />
Brotherhood<br />
+ + Tough Love,<br />
Tinsley Ellis<br />
+ + Battle Scars,<br />
Walter Trout<br />
Song<br />
+“Bad + Feet/Bad<br />
Hair” written and<br />
performed by<br />
James Harman<br />
+“Fifty + Shades of<br />
Blue” written by<br />
Anthony Geraci<br />
and performed by<br />
Anthony Geraci<br />
& the Boston<br />
Blues All-Stars<br />
+“Gonna + Live<br />
Again” written<br />
and performed<br />
by Walter Trout<br />
+“Southside + of<br />
Town” written<br />
by Sugaray<br />
Rayford and &<br />
Ralph Carter and<br />
performed by<br />
Sugaray Rayford<br />
+“You + Got It Good<br />
(and That Ain’t<br />
Bad)” written and<br />
performed by<br />
Doug MacLeod<br />
175
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