Friday is a Free admission show
Donations to support the show are welcome!
Donations to support the show are welcome!
Friday, August 16, 2024
Paul Thorn
Paul Thorn has created an innovative and impressive career, pleasing crowds with his muscular brand of roots music – bluesy, rocking and thoroughly Southern American, yet also speaking universal truths. Among those who value originality, inspiration, eccentricity and character – as well as talent that hovers somewhere on the outskirts of genius, the story of Paul Thorn is already familiar. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, raised among the same spirits (and some of the actual people) who nurtured the young Elvis generations before, Paul Thorn has rambled down back roads and jumped out of airplanes, worked for years in a furniture factory, battled four-time world champion boxer Roberto Duran on national television, performed on stages with Bonnie Raitt, Mark Knopfler, Sting, and John Prine among many others, and made some of the most emotionally restless yet fully accessible music of our time. He’s also appeared on major television shows, received numerous National Public Radio features and charted multiple times on the Billboard Top 100 and Americana Radio Charts.
Paul’s latest release, “Never Too Late To Call,” is seven years in the making and features all original material. The CD was recorded at Sam Phillips Studio in Memphis and produced and engineered by Grammy winning wunderkind Matt Ross-Spang.
http://www.paulthorn.com
Paul Thorn has created an innovative and impressive career, pleasing crowds with his muscular brand of roots music – bluesy, rocking and thoroughly Southern American, yet also speaking universal truths. Among those who value originality, inspiration, eccentricity and character – as well as talent that hovers somewhere on the outskirts of genius, the story of Paul Thorn is already familiar. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, raised among the same spirits (and some of the actual people) who nurtured the young Elvis generations before, Paul Thorn has rambled down back roads and jumped out of airplanes, worked for years in a furniture factory, battled four-time world champion boxer Roberto Duran on national television, performed on stages with Bonnie Raitt, Mark Knopfler, Sting, and John Prine among many others, and made some of the most emotionally restless yet fully accessible music of our time. He’s also appeared on major television shows, received numerous National Public Radio features and charted multiple times on the Billboard Top 100 and Americana Radio Charts.
Paul’s latest release, “Never Too Late To Call,” is seven years in the making and features all original material. The CD was recorded at Sam Phillips Studio in Memphis and produced and engineered by Grammy winning wunderkind Matt Ross-Spang.
http://www.paulthorn.com
Bywater Call
Meghan Parnell (vocals) and Dave Barnes (guitar) are the founding members of Bywater Call, a powerhouse seven-piece Southern soul, roots rock band from Toronto, Canada. The band is completed by Bruce McCarthy on drums, Mike Meusel on Bass, newest member, John Kervin on Keys, Stephen Dyte on Trumpet and Julian Nalli on Tenor Sax.
Bywater Call has received multiple Independent Blues and Maple Blues Award nominations including Entertainer, Electric Act and Best Female Vocalist for the 2024 Awards Season. They have toured extensively in Europe where shows have been praised by Dutch, German and UK media, with references to Meghan as one of the best female voices in blues and roots today.
The band’s music is an exploration of life’s highs and lows. From intimate ballads that lay bare the complexities of human emotion to electrifying anthems that demand to be played at full volume, their catalogue is a journey through the human experience, incorporating influences from the likes of The Band, The Wood Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Otis Redding, Little Feat, Sly and the Family Stone, among others.
https://bywatercall.com
Meghan Parnell (vocals) and Dave Barnes (guitar) are the founding members of Bywater Call, a powerhouse seven-piece Southern soul, roots rock band from Toronto, Canada. The band is completed by Bruce McCarthy on drums, Mike Meusel on Bass, newest member, John Kervin on Keys, Stephen Dyte on Trumpet and Julian Nalli on Tenor Sax.
Bywater Call has received multiple Independent Blues and Maple Blues Award nominations including Entertainer, Electric Act and Best Female Vocalist for the 2024 Awards Season. They have toured extensively in Europe where shows have been praised by Dutch, German and UK media, with references to Meghan as one of the best female voices in blues and roots today.
The band’s music is an exploration of life’s highs and lows. From intimate ballads that lay bare the complexities of human emotion to electrifying anthems that demand to be played at full volume, their catalogue is a journey through the human experience, incorporating influences from the likes of The Band, The Wood Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Otis Redding, Little Feat, Sly and the Family Stone, among others.
https://bywatercall.com
Davy Knowles
Whether playing acoustic, mandolin, national steel, or screaming electric guitar, Davy Knowles has an unmistakable style.
Since bursting on to the scene with his band Back Door Slam’s critically acclaimed album ‘Roll Away’ in 2007, Davy’s star has only risen. His sophomore release ‘Coming Up For Air’ was produced by the legendary Peter Frampton (“Davy already has a recognizable style. He’s definitely the gunslinger guitarist of the 21st century,’’- Peter Frampton), with subsequent tours seeing him supporting and sharing the stage with acts such as Jeff Beck, The Who, Joe Bonamassa, Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, George Thorogood, Brian Setzer, the Sammy Hagar-fronted supergroup Chickenfoot, and guitar hero Joe Satriani who called Davy “My favorite modern Bluesman”.
Knowles has several top-5 Billboard Blues charting albums under his belt, high profile TV appearances (Jimmy Kimmel Live and CBS Good Morning America among others), and has been praised with high accolades from heroes and press alike - but it’s not just the music industry who has taken note. Knowles was also the very first artist in history to perform live to the International Space Station directly from mission control in Houston TX, and has had his music taken to the Space Station by two astronauts, Nicole Stott and Ron Garan, on their respective missions orbiting Earth.
Whether playing acoustic, mandolin, national steel, or screaming electric guitar, Davy Knowles has an unmistakable style.
Since bursting on to the scene with his band Back Door Slam’s critically acclaimed album ‘Roll Away’ in 2007, Davy’s star has only risen. His sophomore release ‘Coming Up For Air’ was produced by the legendary Peter Frampton (“Davy already has a recognizable style. He’s definitely the gunslinger guitarist of the 21st century,’’- Peter Frampton), with subsequent tours seeing him supporting and sharing the stage with acts such as Jeff Beck, The Who, Joe Bonamassa, Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, George Thorogood, Brian Setzer, the Sammy Hagar-fronted supergroup Chickenfoot, and guitar hero Joe Satriani who called Davy “My favorite modern Bluesman”.
Knowles has several top-5 Billboard Blues charting albums under his belt, high profile TV appearances (Jimmy Kimmel Live and CBS Good Morning America among others), and has been praised with high accolades from heroes and press alike - but it’s not just the music industry who has taken note. Knowles was also the very first artist in history to perform live to the International Space Station directly from mission control in Houston TX, and has had his music taken to the Space Station by two astronauts, Nicole Stott and Ron Garan, on their respective missions orbiting Earth.
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Devon Allman Project wsg Jimmy Hall, JD Simo and Gahlia Volt
In late September of 2023, Devon Allman achieved a world-record for performing 50 concerts in the 50 states of America in 49 days. He is just getting warmed up. The modern rock troubadour and torch-bearer for the legacy of the blues has led bands such as Honeytribe, Royal Southern Brotherhood, and The Allman Betts Band in equal step with his prodigious solo output and his own Devon Allman Project, racking up thousands of touring miles and creatively never standing still. A singer-songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist, producer, and record label chief, Allman has earned widespread critical acclaim, as well as top Billboard chart positions and numerous awards, across two decades of musical heritage and invention.
The Devon Allman Project was the backing band for the Allman Family Revivals in 2017 and 2022 and played over 125 headline shows throughout the world in 2018. They've toured almost 20 countries - Playing festivals in Europe and coast to coast in the USA. The Devon Allman Project features the Allman Betts Band drummer, John Lum and ABB bassist, Justin Corgin, plus percussionist David Gomez, and guitarist Jackson Stokes. They play songs of The Allman Brothers and Gregg Allman in their set as well as Devon's fan favorite originals and surprise covers. The band will be releasing two albums in 2024. One live album recorded in Germany and one studio album produced by Grammy Award winner, Tom Hambridge, featuring George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville and Adam Deitch.
The Devon Allman Project will be joined at the Chenango Blues Fest by vocalist and harp player Jimmy Hall, sensational guitarist, J.D. Simo and rising star Ghalia Volt. We’ll be conjuring the spirits with this special show.
https://devonallmanproject.com
In late September of 2023, Devon Allman achieved a world-record for performing 50 concerts in the 50 states of America in 49 days. He is just getting warmed up. The modern rock troubadour and torch-bearer for the legacy of the blues has led bands such as Honeytribe, Royal Southern Brotherhood, and The Allman Betts Band in equal step with his prodigious solo output and his own Devon Allman Project, racking up thousands of touring miles and creatively never standing still. A singer-songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist, producer, and record label chief, Allman has earned widespread critical acclaim, as well as top Billboard chart positions and numerous awards, across two decades of musical heritage and invention.
The Devon Allman Project was the backing band for the Allman Family Revivals in 2017 and 2022 and played over 125 headline shows throughout the world in 2018. They've toured almost 20 countries - Playing festivals in Europe and coast to coast in the USA. The Devon Allman Project features the Allman Betts Band drummer, John Lum and ABB bassist, Justin Corgin, plus percussionist David Gomez, and guitarist Jackson Stokes. They play songs of The Allman Brothers and Gregg Allman in their set as well as Devon's fan favorite originals and surprise covers. The band will be releasing two albums in 2024. One live album recorded in Germany and one studio album produced by Grammy Award winner, Tom Hambridge, featuring George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville and Adam Deitch.
The Devon Allman Project will be joined at the Chenango Blues Fest by vocalist and harp player Jimmy Hall, sensational guitarist, J.D. Simo and rising star Ghalia Volt. We’ll be conjuring the spirits with this special show.
https://devonallmanproject.com
Ruthie Foster
Ruthie Fosters music nimbly moves across the spectrum of American roots music, incorporating gospel, blues, jazz, folk and soul. A Navy veteran, her early performances included a stint playing at recruitment drives in the southeast. After her service she moved to NYC, where her performances brought her to the attention of Atlantic Records. While they wanted to develop her as a pop star, Ruthie was always more interested in the music of her Texas roots. You cannot listen to her music without hearing echoes of her early singing as a soloist in her hometown gospel choir.
Her recording career includes numerous releases working with everyone from the Blind Boys of Alabama to Derek Trucks. Ruthie has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards and won nine Blues Music Awards for both Traditional and Contemporary Artist of the Year. Her latest release "Healing Time", with its burst of sunshine title track is a breath of fresh air for all of us facing tough times. As Ruthie says "There's always time for healing, if you give it time."
http://www.ruthiefoster.com
Ruthie Fosters music nimbly moves across the spectrum of American roots music, incorporating gospel, blues, jazz, folk and soul. A Navy veteran, her early performances included a stint playing at recruitment drives in the southeast. After her service she moved to NYC, where her performances brought her to the attention of Atlantic Records. While they wanted to develop her as a pop star, Ruthie was always more interested in the music of her Texas roots. You cannot listen to her music without hearing echoes of her early singing as a soloist in her hometown gospel choir.
Her recording career includes numerous releases working with everyone from the Blind Boys of Alabama to Derek Trucks. Ruthie has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards and won nine Blues Music Awards for both Traditional and Contemporary Artist of the Year. Her latest release "Healing Time", with its burst of sunshine title track is a breath of fresh air for all of us facing tough times. As Ruthie says "There's always time for healing, if you give it time."
http://www.ruthiefoster.com
Sue Foley
Sue Foley is a virtual triple threat as a lead guitarist, singer and songwriter. Foley spent her early childhood in Canada,
mesmerized by her father’s guitar and started her professional career at sixteen. By twenty-one, she was living in Austin, TX
and recording for Antone’s—the esteemed blues label and historic nightclub that helped launch the career of Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Foley is a three time consecutive winner of the Blues Music Award for Traditional Blues Female
Artist (Koko Taylor Award) in Memphis TN – 2023, 2022 and 2020. She was also recently honored
with Guitarist of the Year and Blues Act of the Year at the at the 2023 Austin Music Awards, and
the Lifetime Achievement/Blues with a Feeling Award at the 2024 Maple Blues Awards. Her album,
Pinky’s Blues took home Best Traditional Blues Album at the 2022 Blues Music Awards. Sue Foley
Live in Austin Vol. 1 (Oct. 2023) has continued to top the charts and Foley’s first solo acoustic album,
One Guitar Woman - a tribute to the pioneering women of guitar, will be released March 29, 2024.
Foley has toured steadily with her band, working and sharing the stage with greats such as B.B.
King, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan and Billy F Gibbons. She’s is the only female member of
the famed Jungle Show which features Gibbons, Vaughan, B3 virtuoso Mike Flanigin and Chris
‘Whipper’ Layton. Her live shows are high energy, guitar driven and steeped in the Texas blues
sound she was schooled in.
“Foley has a killer voice, an impossibly alluring blend of sex and innocence to go with
those blazing guitar chops.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
“Hot licks and tasty riffs, all inspired by classic Texas blues.” (Vintage Guitar Magazine)
https://suefoley.com/
Sue Foley is a virtual triple threat as a lead guitarist, singer and songwriter. Foley spent her early childhood in Canada,
mesmerized by her father’s guitar and started her professional career at sixteen. By twenty-one, she was living in Austin, TX
and recording for Antone’s—the esteemed blues label and historic nightclub that helped launch the career of Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Foley is a three time consecutive winner of the Blues Music Award for Traditional Blues Female
Artist (Koko Taylor Award) in Memphis TN – 2023, 2022 and 2020. She was also recently honored
with Guitarist of the Year and Blues Act of the Year at the at the 2023 Austin Music Awards, and
the Lifetime Achievement/Blues with a Feeling Award at the 2024 Maple Blues Awards. Her album,
Pinky’s Blues took home Best Traditional Blues Album at the 2022 Blues Music Awards. Sue Foley
Live in Austin Vol. 1 (Oct. 2023) has continued to top the charts and Foley’s first solo acoustic album,
One Guitar Woman - a tribute to the pioneering women of guitar, will be released March 29, 2024.
Foley has toured steadily with her band, working and sharing the stage with greats such as B.B.
King, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan and Billy F Gibbons. She’s is the only female member of
the famed Jungle Show which features Gibbons, Vaughan, B3 virtuoso Mike Flanigin and Chris
‘Whipper’ Layton. Her live shows are high energy, guitar driven and steeped in the Texas blues
sound she was schooled in.
“Foley has a killer voice, an impossibly alluring blend of sex and innocence to go with
those blazing guitar chops.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
“Hot licks and tasty riffs, all inspired by classic Texas blues.” (Vintage Guitar Magazine)
https://suefoley.com/
Coco Montoya
’Just play what you feel, be real about it, and enjoy yourself.’ That’s what Albert Collins taught me,” says the award-winning guitar virtuoso and soul-deep singer Coco Montoya. The self-taught, left-handed Montoya mastered his craft under Collins’ tutelage. Incorporating lessons learned from his mentors, the iconic Collins (for whom he originally drummed), and UK legend John Mayall, Montoya puts his own stamp onto every song he performs. Since his first solo album in 1995 (which won him the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist), Montoya’s endlessly inventive guitar work and passionate, hard-hitting vocals have kept him at the top of the blues world. With his new Alligator Records album, Writing On The Wall (his sixth for the label), Montoya delivers what he is already calling one of the best records he’s ever made. For the very first time on Alligator, he decided to bring his road-tested band—noted keyboardist and songwriter Jeff Paris (Keb’ Mo’, Bill Withers), bassist Nathan Brown, and drummer Rena Beavers—into the studio with him. Between the camaraderie of the long-time bandmates and the sheer talent of all involved, the results have left Coco, in his words, “over the moon.”
Now, with the dynamic Writing On The Wall and a tour calendar busting at the seams, Coco Montoya is as excited as he’s ever been to perform the new songs live with his burning-hot band. Montoya’s well-earned reputation as an eye-popping live performer precedes him. Vintage Guitar states, “Coco keeps getting better and better. He plays with fire and passion rarely seen in this day and age.” Billboard declares, “In a world of blues guitar pretenders, Coco Montoya is the real McCoy. He exudes power and authenticity. Be prepared to get scorched by the real thing.”
https://www.cocomontoyaband.com/
’Just play what you feel, be real about it, and enjoy yourself.’ That’s what Albert Collins taught me,” says the award-winning guitar virtuoso and soul-deep singer Coco Montoya. The self-taught, left-handed Montoya mastered his craft under Collins’ tutelage. Incorporating lessons learned from his mentors, the iconic Collins (for whom he originally drummed), and UK legend John Mayall, Montoya puts his own stamp onto every song he performs. Since his first solo album in 1995 (which won him the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist), Montoya’s endlessly inventive guitar work and passionate, hard-hitting vocals have kept him at the top of the blues world. With his new Alligator Records album, Writing On The Wall (his sixth for the label), Montoya delivers what he is already calling one of the best records he’s ever made. For the very first time on Alligator, he decided to bring his road-tested band—noted keyboardist and songwriter Jeff Paris (Keb’ Mo’, Bill Withers), bassist Nathan Brown, and drummer Rena Beavers—into the studio with him. Between the camaraderie of the long-time bandmates and the sheer talent of all involved, the results have left Coco, in his words, “over the moon.”
Now, with the dynamic Writing On The Wall and a tour calendar busting at the seams, Coco Montoya is as excited as he’s ever been to perform the new songs live with his burning-hot band. Montoya’s well-earned reputation as an eye-popping live performer precedes him. Vintage Guitar states, “Coco keeps getting better and better. He plays with fire and passion rarely seen in this day and age.” Billboard declares, “In a world of blues guitar pretenders, Coco Montoya is the real McCoy. He exudes power and authenticity. Be prepared to get scorched by the real thing.”
https://www.cocomontoyaband.com/
Robert Finley
Robert Finley was born in Winnsboro, LA but has spent most of his life in Bernice, a small town of about 1,600 souls just thirty miles from the Arkansas border. For years he worked as a carpenter while playing blues in juke joints and singing gospel in churches around the
region. Mixing in southern soul, heavy rock, swamp pop, jazz, folk, and anything else that crosses his mind, Finley developed and refined an exuberant and omnivorous playing style. At age 60, however, he lost his sight due to a medical condition—a tragedy that ended his
woodworking business but gave him more time to devote to music.
Over the last seven years, he has released three critically acclaimed albums—including
2021’s autobiographical Sharecropper’s Son—and even appeared on the fourteenth season
of America’s Got Talent (eventually making it to the semi-finals). In addition to touring as a
headlining act, he has shared bills with The Black Keys and the Easy Eye Sound Revue
and even opened for Greta Van Fleet, which established him as an energetic and uniquely
charismatic performer bringing his larger-than-life personality to the stage.
https://robertfinleyofficial.com
Robert Finley was born in Winnsboro, LA but has spent most of his life in Bernice, a small town of about 1,600 souls just thirty miles from the Arkansas border. For years he worked as a carpenter while playing blues in juke joints and singing gospel in churches around the
region. Mixing in southern soul, heavy rock, swamp pop, jazz, folk, and anything else that crosses his mind, Finley developed and refined an exuberant and omnivorous playing style. At age 60, however, he lost his sight due to a medical condition—a tragedy that ended his
woodworking business but gave him more time to devote to music.
Over the last seven years, he has released three critically acclaimed albums—including
2021’s autobiographical Sharecropper’s Son—and even appeared on the fourteenth season
of America’s Got Talent (eventually making it to the semi-finals). In addition to touring as a
headlining act, he has shared bills with The Black Keys and the Easy Eye Sound Revue
and even opened for Greta Van Fleet, which established him as an energetic and uniquely
charismatic performer bringing his larger-than-life personality to the stage.
https://robertfinleyofficial.com
Tinsley Ellis
Tinsley Ellis has been immersed in music his whole life. Born in Atlanta 1957 and raised in southern Florida, he acquired his first guitar at age seven, inspired by seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. He took to guitar instantly, developing and sharpening his skills as he grew up. Like many kids his age, Ellis discovered the blues through the back door of British Invasion bands like The Yardbirds, The Animals, Cream and The Rolling Stones as well as Southern rockers like The Allman Brothers.
His most recent release "Naked Truth" is a revelation. Stripped of the electric fervor that defined his previous works, Ellis’ acoustic music carries a rawness that speaks directly from his soul.
https://tinsleyellis.com/
Tinsley Ellis has been immersed in music his whole life. Born in Atlanta 1957 and raised in southern Florida, he acquired his first guitar at age seven, inspired by seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. He took to guitar instantly, developing and sharpening his skills as he grew up. Like many kids his age, Ellis discovered the blues through the back door of British Invasion bands like The Yardbirds, The Animals, Cream and The Rolling Stones as well as Southern rockers like The Allman Brothers.
His most recent release "Naked Truth" is a revelation. Stripped of the electric fervor that defined his previous works, Ellis’ acoustic music carries a rawness that speaks directly from his soul.
https://tinsleyellis.com/
Chris O'Leary
Chris’s musical background includes duties as lead singer and front man for rock and roll hall of famer and Grammy award winner Levon Helm’s band, The Barnburners. During the 6 years that Chris and Levon played together they toured across the US and Canada lighting up stages everywhere they went. Chris has appeared on stage with: Legendary Rolling Stones sideman Bobby Keys, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmy Vivino, Jeff Healy, Dan Akroyd, Albert Lee, Dave Edmunds, Dave Maxwell and the great James Cotton to name just a few. Chris has also recorded with Bill Perry and Hubert Sumlin, among others.
The Chris O’Leary Band’s debut CD “Mr. Used to Be” won the 2011 Best New Artist Debut CD Blues Blast Award and was nominated for best new artist debut at the 2011 American Blues Music Awards.
https://thechrisolearyband.net
Chris’s musical background includes duties as lead singer and front man for rock and roll hall of famer and Grammy award winner Levon Helm’s band, The Barnburners. During the 6 years that Chris and Levon played together they toured across the US and Canada lighting up stages everywhere they went. Chris has appeared on stage with: Legendary Rolling Stones sideman Bobby Keys, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmy Vivino, Jeff Healy, Dan Akroyd, Albert Lee, Dave Edmunds, Dave Maxwell and the great James Cotton to name just a few. Chris has also recorded with Bill Perry and Hubert Sumlin, among others.
The Chris O’Leary Band’s debut CD “Mr. Used to Be” won the 2011 Best New Artist Debut CD Blues Blast Award and was nominated for best new artist debut at the 2011 American Blues Music Awards.
https://thechrisolearyband.net
John "Papa" Gros
“Sharing New Orleans with the world is my calling.” – John “Papa” Gros
New Orleans has its fair share of musical ambassadors, but few are more rooted in the cracked sidewalks and popping speakers of the Crescent City than John “Papa” Gros. Born and raised in the city, Gros melds funk, rock, jazz, and blues to deliver a sound that is both innovative and unmistakably New Orleans.
Gros launched his career as a solo performer in the early 1990s, quickly gaining attention from marquee artists such as George Porter Jr. and Snooks Eaglin, both of whom brought him on board as a supporting musician. As he sat behind the keys, backing up some of the city’s most iconic musicians, he soaked in a lifetime of experience and continued to develop his craft. He released his solo debut, Day’s End, in 2004. He has since released several critically acclaimed albums both as a solo performer and with his original group, Papa Grows Funk.
In keeping with the energy and spirit the Big Easy is known for, Gros is a consummate live performer. His infectious band shows have been the highlight of festivals and venues across the U.S. and Europe, showcasing versatile musicianship, relentless grooves, and eclectic songcraft of the highest order.
https://johnpapagros.com
“Sharing New Orleans with the world is my calling.” – John “Papa” Gros
New Orleans has its fair share of musical ambassadors, but few are more rooted in the cracked sidewalks and popping speakers of the Crescent City than John “Papa” Gros. Born and raised in the city, Gros melds funk, rock, jazz, and blues to deliver a sound that is both innovative and unmistakably New Orleans.
Gros launched his career as a solo performer in the early 1990s, quickly gaining attention from marquee artists such as George Porter Jr. and Snooks Eaglin, both of whom brought him on board as a supporting musician. As he sat behind the keys, backing up some of the city’s most iconic musicians, he soaked in a lifetime of experience and continued to develop his craft. He released his solo debut, Day’s End, in 2004. He has since released several critically acclaimed albums both as a solo performer and with his original group, Papa Grows Funk.
In keeping with the energy and spirit the Big Easy is known for, Gros is a consummate live performer. His infectious band shows have been the highlight of festivals and venues across the U.S. and Europe, showcasing versatile musicianship, relentless grooves, and eclectic songcraft of the highest order.
https://johnpapagros.com
Benny Turner
Tommy Z
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Benny Turner and Tommy Z
When Benny Turner and Tommy Z take the stage, their shared musical roots and influences transcend generations, locations and cultures into a powerful "Texas Blizzard" of blues. 84 year-old Texas native Benny Turner is the younger brother and bass player of the late Freddie King, also working with countless other musical luminaries throughout more than sixty years in the music business, while living in Chicago and New Orleans. Tommy Z, the Buffalo, NY area blues and blues/rock artist who got his start backing the legendary Pinetop Perkins (Muddy Waters), now leads his own band, releases original music and after 7 years as the blues radio host on NPR affiliate WBFO, also runs a 24/7 station (WBLZ Blizzard of Blues Radio). This is a unique pairing of artists, one who was part of the emerging post-war electric blues scene that has influenced electric guitarists everywhere. The other, someone who has extensively studied, reveres and applies that to his own contemporary blues/rock style. Combined it becomes a compelling, memorable live music experience delivered with the raw spontaneity and impact of authentic blues. https://www.bennyturner.com/ https://www.tommyzband.com/ |