Grounded in roots music yet pushing the boundaries of indie pop and rock, the Claudettes are writing the most riveting chapter of their story right now. Pianist/songwriter Johnny Iguana formed the Claudettes with drummer Michael Caskey, dazzling with the barrelhouse bravura of their 2013 debut Infernal Piano Plot…HATCHED! Another Yellow Dog Records release followed in 2015 featuring Nigerian-American singer Yana: No Hotel. Vocalist Berit Ulseth and bassist/vocalist Zach Verdoorn joined the band for Pull Closer to Me: Live in the Piano Room (2017) and Dance Scandal at the Gymnasium (2018, helmed by Grammy-winning Black Keys producer Mark Neill).... A new Claudettes era began when the band moved to Forty Below Records and released the acclaimed 2020 album High Times in the Dark (produced Grammy winner Ted Hutt) and 2022’s The Claudettes Go Out!, another collaboration with Hutt, with mixing by renowned producer Kevin Killen (U2, Elvis Costello, David Bowie). Now, the Claudettes introduce Rachel Williams, a six-foot Texan with a mohawk, a big voice and powerful stage presence. New music and videos are coming…

Outside the Claudettes, Johnny Iguana has earned a Blues Music Award nomination and Living Blues Award nomination for piano player of the year. Johnny co-founded indie-rock cult favorites Oh My God, toured as pianist for blues stars Junior Wells and Otis Rush, played piano on three Grammy-nominated albums and played on albums featuring Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, James Cotton, Derek Trucks, Gary Clark Jr., Shemekia Copeland, Keb’ Mo’, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and more. Johnny is also co-composer (along with JQ of the Q Brothers) of the score for the hit FX/Hulu series “The Bear,” which won 10 Emmys and three Golden Globes in 2024. Johnny and JQ have also teamed to produced new Claudettes tracks that are coming in 2024…

“Chicago’s original recipe band…The Claudettes’ sonic playing field is the blues and everything after, all tastefully and artfully blended together….Perhaps the band’s greatest super power: songwriting.”—NPR Music

“A skewed cabaret band of blues, jazz and rockabilly…a sensibility that feels equal parts James Dean and David Lynch.”—Minneapolis Star-Tribune

“Holy Mackerel…I hear so many levels of what I consider amazing creativity…I hear touches of Jerry Lee Lewis at his most manic…of cinema…of multiple genres wrapping around one another…These guys are the B-movies of the music world—maybe not understood now, but in the future, the kings and queens of the universe!”—Frank Gutch Jr., No Depression

“The Claudettes Go Out! shows the band’s mastery of every era of American music, from the roots of the blues to today’s modern pop….the Claudettes pen standards for a new generation.”—J. Poet, Rock and Roll Globe

https://theclaudettes.com/us/

Swing That Cat is a Sonic Cocktail of Jump, Jive and Wail! Take a jigger of Jump Blues, swizzle with Horny Swing, add a dash of Cabaret and a splash of Bourbon Street.... This female-led band can shake it all up with rhythm, rumble and writhe that is guaranteed to make you leap off your seat and dance your tail off! Over the last few years, Swing That Cat has emerged as one of the most unique, original, and engaging live acts in the Philly-NJ-DE area. As featured performers at the City of Philadelphia 4th of July, Musikfest, The Sellersville Theater, and NoLibs 2nd St Festivals, Swing That Cat has earned their stripes at more than 350 shows spanning NY TO DC, and on radio, podcasts, and streams around the world. The City of Philadelphia office of the Arts has twice selected Swing That Cat as a Top 5 PHL Live in 2018 and 2022.

https://www.swingthatcat.band

New Live EP Jamification Station Vol. 1 Reaches #5 on Relix/Jambands.com Radio Chart Top 30 Debra Devi plays "dreamy blues-rockers and blistering psychedelic jams" (Relix) flavored with her soulful voice and expressive guitar playing.... Devi's new live EP, Jamification Station Vol. 1, captures her Jersey City NJ band at full throttle. The EP reached #5 on the Relix/Jambands.com Top 30 Radio Chart, staying on the chart for three months.

Gov't Mule bassist Jorgen Carlsson joined Devi on her previous EP A Zillion Stars Overhead. Produced by Devi and mixed by Sylvia Massy, Americana Highways calls it "exciting and mesmerizing." Devi has opened for Joan Osborne, Jesse Malin, Ana Popovic, Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, Uprooted (Michael Glialiki) and Marshall Crenshaw. In 2023, she co-headlined the Haverford Music Festival with Joe Louis Walker and The Bongos, and the East Pete Blues Festival with Greg Sover.

Devi's film and television credits include songs in Tenderness, starring Russell Crowe and Laura Dern; Getting Off, starring Brooke Smith and Christine Harnos; Fight Like a Girl, starring Maureen O'Shea, the Sundance Cable documentary Stripped: Exposing the Business of Baring It All, and several episodes of VH-1's Behind the Music. Devi's book The Language of the Blues: From Alcorub to Zuzu (foreword by Dr. John) won the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award. She gives her "Language of the Blues" talk at festivals, universities, theaters and venues, including Crown Guitar Festival in Montana, A. Schwab's in Memphis, TedX Jersey City, NYU and Danny Clinch Gallery in Asbury Park. Devi endorses Homestead Amplifiers.

https://www.debradevi.com/

Meghan Cary didn’t mean to be a musician.... But when her fiancé unexpectedly died, she picked up his guitar, figured out how to play it, and wrote her debut record, earning her Billboard Magazine’s esteemed Critic’s Choice Award. “I wrote my grief into music and sang my way out of the abyss.I keep making music to help others connect with their own stories and find their joy.” Cary continues to share the healing power of music with the community that has rallied around her message of hope and being heard.

Her latest album, SING LOUDER, debuted in the top 10 on the US/International Folk DJ Chart, and John Platt of WFUV extols, "These times require songs of compassion and commitment. Meghan has several which inspire us to reach our higher selves, and she sings them with such infectious joy you can’t resist joining in." With masterful storytelling and award-winning songs, Cary engages audiences on a powerfully personal level, inviting them in and leading them through an experience that has been called healing, inspiring and outrageously joyful. Her message of unity and the power of raising our voices together infuses every show, and her song, “Sing Louder”, has become an anthem for the music-loving community.

https://meghancary.com/

On his eleventh birthday in Somers, New York, Dan Zlotnick picked up his first guitar, a Squire Mini, and taught himself to play. His connection to the guitar and to the music he could make was instant, and it wasn’t long before he traded the Squire for a full-size Gibson SG. Obsessing over concert footage of Led Zeppelin, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Bruce Springsteen, he honed his skills and looked for opportunities to share what he was learning. As the pony-tailed lead guitarist for his alternative high school rock band, Hot Soup, he performed covers whenever he could and leapt into his career as a songwriter, crafting his first original pieces.

away at college on a baseball scholarship, Dan, now strumming a used Ovation, continued to play and write, developing and cultivating his upbeat, acoustic rock style. Between practices and games, he performed at coffee houses and fundraising events. After graduation, with his shiny new Taylor slung over his shoulder, Dan traveled around the United States and Canada for three years as a professional baseball player, gigging in dive bars in Colorado, New Mexico, and Toronto, writing ballads from seats on bleachers and buses.

His baseball career behind him, in 2016, Dan recorded his self-titled debut EP with engineer/bassist Al Hemberger and drummer James Marchionno at The Loft Recording Studios in Bronxville, NY. In 2017, he went back to Al’s studio and recorded most of his second album, Bumpers, with help from musician friends James Marchionno (drums), Patricia Santos (cello), Simon O’Keefe (piano), Ron Stenz (organ). He also recorded some tracks for Bumpers at PREP Sound Studios in Queens, NY with Lefteri Koutsoulidakis.

Dan performs tirelessly around New York's Hudson Valley and beyond, taking the stage at the 2018 Pleasantville Music Festival, the Paramount Hudson Valley (opening for Grammy winner Marc Cohn twice), the Towne Crier (opening for Patty Larkin), Garcia's at The Capitol Theatre, and more. With a contemporary Americana flair, Dan’s music reflects his love of classic rock and blues. His evocative lyrics, captivating melodies, and energetic performances exude Dan’s passion for creating and sharing his music with everyone around him.

https://www.danzlotnick.com/

Garry Cogdell is a name well known to blues lovers around the Delaware valley... From Garry Cogdell - Blues in The Delta Style I have been interested in and playing Blues since 1968 until the present. Founder of “The Session” at the St Georges Country Store - since 2009 - a jam session at The Country Store in St Georges Delaware on the last full weekend every month. The Session started as a place for me {Garry Cogdell} to warm up for a upcoming gigs in Ireland. I started performing solo at “The Store” but soon other musicians would stop by and “sit in”, Jimmy Crawford, Ron Smith, and Jimmy Pritchard are regulars and full time musicians, many nights we have 7 to 10 people up for the set with many levels of musicianship. It has been the cornerstone of music at the Country Store since its conception. CDs available at the St Georges Country Store: The Session , and The Session 2 Reviews: George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers at The Grand Opera House Review and Setlist 03.24.09 . George had one of his friends open the show, Garry Cogdell, and amazing blues guitarist who dazzled the crowd by showing off his guitar versatility. He started with an acoustic guitar which he picked and plucked so loudly I don't even think it had an amp attached to it. He then moved to a Gibson SG reissue where he could show off his impeccable slide technique. He finally moved on to the coolest guitar I have seen, an original 1956 Les Paul. Gary wowed the crowd for a solid 35 minutes. Sadly, it felt like only ten minutes. I really enjoyed the set of old delta blues covers. I'll be sure to check out Gary locally. Craig Wettner - Garryʼs singing and guitar playing draw deeply from the music of the Mississippi Delta, Chicago, Texas and sometimes even London, England in the 60ʼs. His masterful slide guitar, fluid flat and finger picking in the hammer-stroke style in several guitar tunings confirm his depth of knowledge and understanding of the subtleties and strengths of the best of the Blues guitarists. Commenting on Garryʼs playing; Philadelphia Jerry Ricks said, ʻHeʼs so good itʼs scaryʼ. Garry has opened the show for Jimmy ʻFast Fingersʼ Dawkins, Muddy Waters, Noble ʻThin Manʼ Watts, George Thorogood, John Hammond, Satan and Adam, Sapphire and many more. Seth Holzman - From eager youngster at the feet of Sleepy John Estes to blues-rocking mentor for some big names to elder statesman for a new generation of blues performers, Delaware’s Garry Cogdell has done it all – and here he brings it all back home. This is a raw, solo, Delta styled blues set for audiences who already appreciate the blues or are simply curious about this great music. As Gary says, these songs are classics: “I picked all the songs ‘cause I like them! I don’t play songs for any other reason”. So, from Robert Johnson’s ‘Crossroads’ to the Danny Kirwan-penned Fleetwood Mac classic ‘One Sunny Day’, via Elmore James and Muddy Waters, get ready for a real treat as this great singer and guitarist gives his all and does them full justice. Norman Darwen (Contributor: Blues and Rhythm, Blues Matters!, Blues In Britain, and others!)

Blues musicians are not that common these days; even less so are good ones; rarer still, guitarists as adept on electric as acoustic. Narrowing it down even further, how many link the blues of the twenties with a major world event of the modern era? Then, once we have specified these criteria, who is left who can demonstrably still claim to be pushing his music forward?

There is one man, well-respected in his native Delaware and recognized internationally. He was directly inspired by veteran blues legend Sleepy John Estes himself, and his accompanists sometimes include members of George Thorogood's Destroyers, the act chosen to represent the blues at the global (and now also legendary) Live Aid concert. This man can turn in a mean Delta blues when he wants to, or he can recreate and adapt the sound of British blues-rock; but he also recorded most recently with Native American Shannon Hale, bringing to mind the currently very popular, driving, deep Mississippi hill-country sound whilst addressing the concerns of the 21st Century. This man's name is Garry Cogdell, of course. Norman Darwen (Blues and Rhythm, Blues In Britain, Blues Matters magazine, and others) January 2010

John Brennan is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter from South Jersey who performs all throughout the NJ/PA/DE Tri-state area. Whether performing solo, with a duo, or with a full band he incorporates a variety of styles of blues music including acoustic delta blues, electric Chicago blues, west coast blues, and rockabilly while keeping the blues true to its roots. He specializes in the slide guitar which he learned all by himself from listening to blues greats such as Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Robbery Johnson, and Hound Dog Taylor. He has a new E.P. out titled ‘One Way Ride’ which consists of three originals and covers of Elmore James’ “Shake Your Money Maker” and Robert Johnson’s “Ramblin’ on My Mind”.

https://www.www.johnbrennansounds.com/

https://www.facebook.com/garrycogdellblues/

“If you love Vakili Band like we do, you have to see them live… [and] see them crush the live stage!” –The Aquarian Weekly... Vakili Band is a five-member New Jersey-based alt rock band whose sound is described as "an electric blend of rock, soul and psychedelia..." (Under The Radar") and "a full-on, revival-style, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds-meets-the Pretenders, rock 'n' f_ckin' roll band." (Magnet Magazine). Fronted by singer/songwriter Lily Vakili - a street poet who finds the sweet spot in the nexus formed by Patti Smith’s loose-limbed punk swagger, Grace Slick’s inviting psychedelia, and the full-throated howl of Brittany Howard - the band has released three studio albums - Oh Alright (2018), Walking Sideways (2021) and Honey (2023).

https://vakiliband.com/

Bees Deluxe is a British/American band who have played with Ronnie Earl, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Matt Schofield, Roomful of Blues, Walter Trout and David Maxwell.... A modern four-piece blues band celebrating the music of Billie Holiday, Etta James, Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Tinsley Ellis, Freddie King and Roomful of Blues with respect and a dash of hot sauce. Receiving positive reviews wherever they play from Maine to Florida - and everywhere between. Showcasing a catalog of originals and classic covers, many on CD played by National and International radio stations. Bees Deluxe delivers the musical goods everywhere they can - in concert halls, theaters, bars and Festival stages. “...what might happen if Freddie King took a lot of acid then wrote a song with Pat Metheny and asked a strung-out Stevie Ray Vaughan to take a solo” — Blues Blast Magazine

The four-piece band is spearheaded by British guitarist Conrad Warre, and Carol Band on keyboards, harmonica and vocals. With special musical guests Jeff Lopez on bass and JL Claybourne on drums and percussion. The musicians each bring their own experience to the mix. Band was recruited from jazz bands that were playing the Boston circuit, notably Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge. New York based Lopez is a renowned composer, musical arranger and bass player, and JL Claybourne studied at Berklee, Massachusetts, and is drummer at Joey Blake, Drummer at Jay Frigoletto and the Diplomats of Funk and Drummer at Boston Rock and Soul Revue. Warre, was in a high-school band in London, with Paul Kossoff, of the band Free, and toured Europe with the English Beat and the Joe Jackson Band. He migrated from London to New York where he became a regular performer at the legendary CBGB’s.

In Boston, he founded Bees Deluxe, to pay homage to the music he fell in love with while touring and playing legendary London clubs like the Rainbow Theatre, Ronnie Scott's, Dingwalls, The Music Machine and the Moonlight Club. Warre has written reviews and articles for Melody Maker, Record Mirror and Sounds in the UK, and for various US publications. Before forming Bees Deluxe he was Production Manager for Rykodisc the first music audio CD company in the States, working directly with Frank Zappa, Yoko Ono, Richard Thompson, David Bowie, Mickey Hart and others. The band exudes a contagious enthusiasm at every performance and continues to push the limits of the blues, color outside the lines of convention and do it with impeccable musicality, originality and a touch of insanity. “Solid vocals surrounded by a tight band, and check out the tones he gets out of his guitar; this cat can play.” — A.J. Wachtel

https://www.beesdeluxe.com/

One Dime Band is a dynamic and talented acoustic duo who have crafted their unique sound and songwriting approach by blending influential styles of Blues, RandB and Soul. They have played in and around the Boston/New England area as a duo and as a 4-piece electric band for many years.

Paul and John’s love of American Roots music started in New York State where they first met in High School, teaching each other Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly songs at the age of fifteen. The next year they formed their first band and began to incorporate Blues numbers into their repertoire.

Musical fate led them to Boston, MA in 1986. Their goal was to write and perform music professionally, so they formed a Blues band called The Roadhouse Sheiks, playing live extensively (even hosting a Blues jam at Jonathan Swift’s in Brighton, MA) into the early nineties. The two eventually went on to pursue separate musical endeavors, ultimately reuniting as a duo in early 2000, focusing on acoustic Blues.

In June of 2017, after more than 2 years of writing, recording, and mixing, they released their debut album of twelve original songs, Gonna Take Sweet Time, on their own label, Toneblanket Records.

Hoodoo and Holy Water, their follow up album, was recorded at Woolly Mammoth Sound in Waltham, MA. Engineered and co-produced by Rob Ignazio, released in February of 2020, it received notable recognition, including Blues Music Fan Radio’s Top 20 albums of the year and Blues Music and Metronome Magazine’s Top 20 lists of 2020.

Winners of the 2022 Boston Blues Society Blues Challenge solo/duo category and the 2023 Granite State Blues Society Challenge. The Duo returned to Memphis and made it to the Semi-Finals at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2024.

On February 9, 2024 they released their 3rd album, “Side Hustle”.

CDs are available for purchase at live shows or as digital downloads on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon MP3. You can also stream their music via Spotify, Tidal, Pandora and YouTube Music.

https://onedimeband.com/

The Cinelli Brothers is an award-winning 4 Piece band from London comprised of Marco and Alessandro Cinelli from Italy, Tom Julian Jones, a London native, and Stephen Giry from France.... A true melting-pot of musicianship, showmanship and charisma.

Their sound is an amalgam of Soul and Blues with a contemporary twist that honours the songwriting craftsmanship of their biggest influences -The Beatles, The Band, Little Feat, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Steve Winwood.

The band tours extensively in the UK, Europe and USA, and were named the best blues band in the UK in the 2022 UK Blues Challenge, followed by 2nd place in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2023.

The band has released four albums to date, including their latest studio album 'Almost Exactly…The Cinelli Brothers’ which was recorded in Woodstock, NY and released in January 2024 to great acclaim. They celebrated the album release with a launch party at The Cutting Room in New York City, to a packed audience.

It is through their mesmerising live shows that The Cinelli Brothers have garnered their loyal and ever-expanding fanbase, selling out shows in the UK and Europe and performing at Joe Bonamassa’s KTBA Mediterranean Cruise 2023, as well as some of the biggest Blues and Jazz festivals across the continent.

https://www.cinellibrothers.com/

Early Times and the High Rollers are a NYC-based band who specialize in original rock and soul music.... Before leaving his home state of California, he was awarded Best Guitarist in the Sacramento Music Awards. He then joined E.C. Scott’s band and toured internationally and recorded two CDs with E.C. for the Blind Pig Label. The band has had a string of national radio hits on SiriusXM radio as well as regional terrestrial stations and currently hosts a daily nationally-broadcasted show on B.B. King’s Bluesville on SiriusXM radio and can also be heard on Deep Tracks. The band features Early Times (gtr/vcl); Jeremy Portwood (drums); Dan Schnapp (Keyboards); and Teddy Motz (bass) and has toured the Northeast and Southern states at festivals and clubs.

Celebrated singer, songwriter, and guitarist Early Times is known around the country for his uniquely individual musical style. Having the rare skills to have shared the stage with musicians from a myriad of genres, Times has shown an ability that few possess. “With Early Times, the execution is always genuine, never showy. It is the mark of a master musician.”-Sacramento News and Review Born and raised in California, Early began playing professionally at parties and dances at the young age of 14. He released his first album Society for the Misunderstood in 1992 on Fantasia, the independent label he owned. That same year, he performed at a 3-month residency at the Palace Court Hotel in London as well as doing shows up and down the West Coast in the U.S. The debut album won top honors as Local CD of the Year. During his time in Sacramento, he was nominated for more awards in the Sacramento Music Awards than any other individual artist in the area. In 1997 he was given the Critics’ Choice Award as Best Guitarist. Early then spent time touring with soul and blues vocalist E.C. Scott and traveled throughout the U.S and appeared with her in Greece as well. He was the featured guitarist on E.C.’s Hard Act to Follow and Masterpiece albums. “Featured throughout is the scorching guitar work of a Sacramento musician by the name of Early Times.”-San Francisco Chronicle In 2001, Early’s performing career took a detour when he helped usher in a new wave of broadcasting as he was tapped to help start Sirius Satellite Radio. He hosted a daily show on Sirius Blues from the channel’s opening until its closing. During the 7+ year span, he helped the company expand from 0 subscribers to over 17 million. After some time away from broadcasting, Early was once again brought on to help the blues channel, now branded as B.B. King’s Bluesville, where he currently hosts a daily program. With a 6-hour program running 7 days per week, on a platform that currently boasts over 32 million subscribers, Early remains the most prevalent on-air personality for blues radio in the United States. In addition, he hosts a 3-hour show 4 days per week playing classic rock on Deep Tracks. Returning to his recording career, he has had a string of hits from recent albums Hit and Run (“Dogs of Karma”), The Corner (“She’s About to Lose Her Mind”, “On the Corner”, “Charlemagne”, “Come On, Let’s Ride”, “Return of the Queen”) and Electric City (“Good Soul Music”, “Orphan Train”, “Heartbreak Insurance”), and has appeared at clubs and festivals in many states around the U.S.

https://www.earlytimes.co/

The Porkroll Project, from the greater Philadelphia, PA area is hard rocking 5 piece blues band who play a high energy blend of fresh covers and originals.... 2010 : Semi-Finalist in the International Blues Challenge, Memphis, TN 2010 : Semi-Finalist in the Blues Foundation's "Best Self-Produced CD" for Shake It Twice 2012 : Represented the Billtown Blues Association in the International Blues Challenge 2012 : Three Legged Dog nominated by Diamond State Blues Society for "Best Self-Produced CD" 2014 : Represented the Billtown Blues Association in the International Blues Challenge

The music is blues, but it's done up Porkroll style. Little bit of grease, good dose of funk, whole lotta drive and grind. Throw that together with some dangerous lead guitar and harmonica, powerful organ, and rippin' piano, and you have a recipe for a night where anything can happen!

The band has a collective experience that runs deep and wide, having played together in various other projects for over ten years. They are well seasoned veterans of events such as the Philadelphia Jam on the River, the Annual Chameleon Club Blues Festival, the Philadelphia Folk Festival, the Riverfront Blues Festival, the Billtown Blues Festival, the Paoli Blues Festival and the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.

So if you and your crew are craving some hard rocking, foot stomping, hip shaking, earthquaking entertainment, give an ear to a heaping helping of The Porkroll Project. It's the right thing to do, and a tasty way to do it. It's Porkalicious!!

http://www.porkrollproject.com/Index2.html

In 1985, five young, local musicians got together and began playing old blues songs in a rambling three-story house in Philadelphia.... They decided to take the act on the road as The Dukes of Destiny, a name they got from a matchbook cover urging the reader to “Be the Captain of Your Own Destiny.” At first, The Dukes of Destiny played house parties in Germantown, generating interest by word of mouth. A gig at the now-defunct Taker’s Café in Germantown launched their public career, and 30 years later, they are still playing some of the hottest, most danceable blues and old school soul in the Philadelphia area.

Today The Dukes of Destiny reign as Philadelphia’s longest-lived and best loved blues act. There have been changes in the act: guitarists left and came back, bass and sax players moved and or left the band, and sadly, singer and founder Steve Brown died in March of 2000. But the approach and commitment of the band has remained constant for 30 years, resulting in a band with a unique tightness and an original approach to the music. With a mix of powerful original songs and unique arrangements of blues standards, The Dukes of Destiny continue to grow and develop as they share their music through countless live performances and recordings. Original member John Colgan-Davis continues to front the band, as a powerful presence on stage with his signature hat, harp and seasoned voice.

http://www.dukesofdestiny.com/

Akeylah Simone, from Hampton Roads, VA is just getting her feet wet as a singer, songwriter, and now recording artist. In just her first two years of releasing original music, she’s landed 4 songs on the Grammy Ballot and voted Encore’s 2021 Best Solo Artist.... She was most recently voted ISSA’s 2022 Female Rising Star and Veer Magazine 2022 Best R and B/ Soul Artist. She’s also had numerous nominations across various publications including Best New Artist (Soul Tracks Reader’s Choice Awards,) and Song of the Year and Best R and B/ Soul (Veer Awards.) While she has been singing and performing since her first time on stage at an elementary school talent contest, and frequenting many stages with her dad, Bobby Blackhat, over the past 10 years… she has spent this past year focusing on performing her own original music all over including festivals, award shows, clubs and private events. Her love for music is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Raised by two musicians, Akeylah, developed a passion for singing and music exploration early on. She always knew she would be a performer and that she would pursue a life on stage. She was so certain by age 7, she was practicing her Bruce Hornsby set in her room every night--just to be ready. She is sure to get up on stage with her dad, Bobby Blackhat as often possible. She has also been featured on a few of his albums singing back-up vocals, solos and even her own cover of “Fever” with her younger sister.

Music has always been her outlet for dealing with all things “life,” and that inspired her to create a series of “Therapy Sessions.” These consisted of hours of creating, singing, and sharing her best moments with her family and friends through social media. The feedback and encouragement motivated Akeylah to revisit some of her original work. She has now released a diverse catalogue, including a self-titled EP. She has opened up her personal journey to the world and her vocals will surely let you know where she’s headed.

Nerissa Wolfson – Walt Beier Duo is the fusion of two very talented and experienced performers.

Nerissa is a vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Originally from the Bicol region of the Philippines, Nerissa fuses jazz with pop, reggae, and folk music, taking the listener on a journey through the crossroads of current and classic American songs.

A graduate of the Boyer School of Music and Dance at Temple University, she has performed globally. Most recently she has been performing in and around Philadelphia, New York City and Washington, DC. In addition to a busy performance schedule, Nerissa is a vocal instructor in the Philadelphia region.

Walt is a saxophonist, clarinetist and flutist. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh’s celebrated jazz program, he studied with renowned saxophonist Dr. Nathan Davis. He has toured in North and South America, and Europe. Walt performs in and around Philadelphia.

Walt is well versed in jazz, blues, R and B and rock. He has made several appearances at Jamey’s House of Music, especially with Lanark recording artists The Blue Plate Specials.

https://akeylahsimone.com/home

https://wolfsonbeier.com

He has performed with many of the biggest names in the music business including, Daryl Hall & John
Oates, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Joe Walsh, Todd Rundgren, Train, Cheap Trick, Grace Potter, Ben Folds, Sammy Hagar, BlackBerry Smoke, Squeeze and many others.... Eliot has appeared on every episode of Daryl Hall’s incredibly popular, "Live From Daryl's House” show all while keeping his own solo career going at a seemingly impossible pace.

"Eliot is a musician who can do it all, great singer, songwriter and guitarist. He rocks and he's got soul. No one does it quite like him" - Daryl Hall

As a Multi-instrumentalist, Eliot’s energetic and unique shows will find him moving from one instrument to another using live looping to seamlessly construct songs and arrangements on the spot and in the moment. If Eliot plays a cover song, it’s typically a song he’s performed with that artist.

Equally at home in front of 100 or 15,000 Eliot has performed on the worlds most Pretsigious stages, including Madison Square Garden, Japan’s Budokan, Red Rocks, The Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall as well as Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,Conan O’Brien,The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel and many others.

https://www.eliotlewis.com/

Two nationally touring artists join forces to create a special rocking blues show - Billboard chart topping artist The Alex Lopez Xpress(ALX) AND Sweetone recording artist Memphis Lightning. It's called the Lightning Xpress tour -Two bands, one stage, one electrifying concert experience...with each band performing an individual set and then seamlessly coming together to perform a set of classic rock/blues songs.... The Lightning Xpress tour is the union of two talented rock/blues artists that has been selling out shows bringing high-energy and great music to venues across the country.

Alex Lopez and The Xpress(ALX): Renowned guitarist and songwriter Alex Lopez with his band The Xpress electrifies audiences with a blend of blues rock pop and funk. Known for revitalizing blues for new generations they mesmerize with melodic songs from Alex's seven acclaimed albums including their just released Billboard top ten "Looking for a Change." Expect a high-energy mix of new hits and blues rock classics in their unforgettable performance.

Memphis Lightning: Dynamic and internationally touring Memphis Lightning features award-winning musicians including guitar virtuoso Lightning Thiboutot who wows audiences with his guitar fretwork equivalent to guitar pyrotechnics. The band which includes Grammy-nominated Big Red and members "The Rock" and "Mr. Mayhem" is celebrated for their fusion of styles reminiscent of Danny Gatton, Roy Buchanan, David Bowie and Mick Jagger. Memphis Lightning is synonymous with future legends delivering a compelling musical experience.

https://www.alexlopezmusic.com

When listening to Rob Balducci’s music, it’s instantly apparent that he is a master of the fret board. But it doesn’t stop there. Listening longer, I noticed the many layers, layers upon layers. He carefully, yet effortlessly, shapes a musical landscape where rhythm and lead seamlessly flow into one another time and time again.... Watching the play-through video of his song The Color of Light, my impression was that he fills the space with his music, sounding more like an entire band than a single guitar player. Sometimes doubling up on the rhythm, powerful and heavy, and others slipping into blazing soloing, he lays the foundation for the feeling he’s trying to get across. After all, this is instrumental rock and everything has to be conveyed through composition. Experiencing the mastery of this many-layered composition, it’s not hard to believe that Balducci is a prodigy.

So what’s the story behind his guy and his music? How does someone like Rob Balducci become the virtuoso he is today? In many ways, it is a rather humble beginning that leads to something spectacular. As it often does, the story begins with family.

Rob Balducci started playing in the mid-eighties when he was about eleven years old. His sister had an acoustic guitar and showed him a few chords, and that was when he got the bug. With three older sisters, Rob was the youngest of four, a wide age spread between them. That was where he would pick up his first influences, listening to a broad range of music on his sisters’ records. He found a spark in the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, and even classic rocker Chuck Berry. Those styles would come to meld with early music interests of his own, bands like Kiss and Ted Nugent.

He inherited his sister’s off-brand acoustic and was later gifted with a Gibson guitar, not a Les Paul, but a short run guitar just called “The Paul”. This was before the Les Paul Studio, and possibly a forerunner to the same idea. The guitar ended up being a great instrument and unique in the aspect that it was built of walnut, which is not a wood we see on many Gibson line-ups. He played his walnut LP through a 1x12 Randall amplifier and an MXR Distortion Plus, his first (and definitely not his last) effects pedal. Such a humble beginning, but one that may sound familiar to many of us when recalling our first gear. Displaying his prodigious talent for the six-string right out of the gate, he was in his first band at fourteen and was teaching guitar only a year later! He was immediately gigging, and due to his age, had to be escorted by his father to the venue, where he would join his eighteen-year-old bandmates on stage.

In the early years of the nineties, he participated in and won a contest sponsored by Guitar for the Practicing Musician to earn the title “New York’s Best Guitarist.” The contest gave Balducci “a good speaking point”, which would help him along in his professional career. He also met people from D’addario strings, which would become his first endorsement deal (first of many). In the years following, Balducci earned a degree in Music Performance and Theory from Five Towns College. He released his debut album, 1995’s Balance, which brought him praise from press and guitar enthusiasts alike. Balducci was on the map as a promising new talent.

At this point the various musical influences from his past had merged with the progressive influences of bandmates. For those of us who were around in the mid to late eighties, we can recall the rise of instrumental guitar made popular by big names like Steve Vai, Jeff Beck, and Joe Satriani. It’s not hard to understand the effect that might have on a growing guitar talent living in the wake of Eddie Van Halen. After his debut album, Rob continued working on new material and taking his music to various record companies. Eventually he signed to Steve Vai’s record label Favored Nations Entertainment and released the albums Mantra, The Color of Light, and Violet Horizon worldwide.

Since then, Balducci has been a prolific personage, performing live in venues around the world and hosting clinics for many of the music world’s leading manufacturers. For example, Ibanez Guitars, Two Notes Audio Engineering, DV Mark Amps, Overloud THU, D’Addario Strings, Dimarzio Pick-ups, Lizard Spit Polish, George L’s cables, Morley Pedals, Keeley Pedals, Xotic pedals, Eventide, Hawk Picks, Dunlop, Maxon, FU Upgrades, Studio Devil, and Majic Box Pedals are all among his endorsements. He has received rave reviews and world-wide support for his music from industry publications like Guitarist UK, Guitar World, Young Guitar, and Burn. He has his own YouTube channel where followers can watch footage of his shows, get a quick guitar lesson, or experience Balducci playing from his own studio. Balducci ‘s last album 821 Monroe Drive, a soul-searching collection of songs written about the house that his mother grew up in. This was the place he would spend his summers and where Rob describes as his woodshed years. Alone in his room spending all day working on his instrument.

So what is going on in the world of Rob Balducci now ? The new album “Transcendence” is here and will be released on January 7, 2022.

Transcendence is his best work to date and is some of his most personal music to come out of his mind , body , soul and heart. The music is inspired by the passing of his parents Vito and Natalie Balducci and dealing with their end of life and remembering the moments of time that seem to past by so fast. “ the music on this album is very personal to me but I feel everyone can relate to it. Each of us experience loss and I hope listening to this collection of music will bring some peacefulness into the world ".

Rob Balducci comes full circle on Transcendence and shows us just how deep that well of inspiration he draws from can be. Brimming with all the staples you have come to expect from Balducci; infectious melodies, stunning musicianship and gorgeous tones all shaped to take you, the listener on an aural journey that will not only surprise, excite and thrill you from the first note to the last, but leave you wondering ‘How did he do that?’

https://www.robbalducci.com

BLUESTIME! House rockin', juke joint jumpin’ electric blues played by folks that grew up listening, watching and learning from the Golden Age Blues Masters.... "After connecting only a few short years ago, BLUESTIME! has become a standout in the local/regional scene. If you caught our shows at the regional blues/roots festivals this past summer then you know we leave the stage with no gas left in the tank! Anglesea Blues Festival in North Wildwood, Gypsy Moon Blues Festival in East Petersburg (3 years running), Lancaster Roots and Blues -We tore 'em all up. Our local Philly area gigs include multiple appearances at the Grape Room including the Philly Blues Society Bluesfest, Liberty Musicfest, Parx Casino, Dawson’s Pub, Great Barn Taproom and Taphouse, Crooked Eye Brewery, Mermaid Inn, Pickering Creek Inn. We played multiple gigs at Tellus 360, the premier live music venue in Lancaster, Pa. Our mix of original music combined with covers of some of our favorite artists’ work create a blend that “don’t need no hot sauce” to get you off your hands, out of your seats and on the dance floor. We may be old, but we are bold and we leave nothing untold. Not the flower but the roots - workout!

https://www.bluestimephilly.com/

“Bill Toms is a poet, a soul-shouter and guitar slinger with one foot in the gutter and an eye on the heavens above. And man, does he front a great rock n' soul band!” - Will Kimbrough/... While it’s hard to put a finger on any one sound that defines “American music,” the compositions of Bill Toms are as close a template as any. The Pittsburgh native, along with his band Hard Rain, delivers a sound that takes the greatest of America’s most beloved genres and melds them into a poetic representation of the best the country has to offer. Bill Toms captures the American conscious with thoughtfulness, honesty, and a groove that keeps the tail feathers moving.

Toms launched his musical career in 1987 as lead guitarist of Pittsburgh’s legendary band Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers, During that period, he opened for and played with such legendary names as The Band, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Little Feat, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. While playing guitar, co-writing, and adding backup vocals for the Houserockers, Toms and the band recorded six studio albums and one live concert album. In 1995, The Houserockers released American Babylon, which was recorded and produced by Springsteen himself.

As a solo artist, Toms has opened for the likes of Buddy Guy, Levon Helm, Marshall Crenshaw, , Steve Forbert, and Dan Baird.

https://www.billtoms.com/home

Join Philadelphia's blues cognoscenti to celebrate the launch of the Philadelphia Blues Society with an all day party and concert featuring live blues music, raffles, Fender guitar auction, food - drink -and fun!!... Schedule:
Mikey Jr Band - 12:00 - 12:45
Welcome - 1:00 - 1:15
50/50 Raffle #1 - 1:30 - 1:45
Philly Blues Kings - 2:00 - 2:45
Gretchen Emery Band - 3:00 - 3:45
Gypsy Joe Alvez - 4:00 - 4:45
Fender Guitar Auction - 5:00 - 5:15
Slim and the Perkolators - 5:30 - 6:15
50/50 Raffle #2 - 6:30 - 6:45
Benny Turner and Friends - 7:00 -7:45
Thank You - 8:00

The Philadelphia Blues Society is a brand new non-profit 501c3 organization formed by many long time blues lovers and performers to help preserve, propmote and perform this vital all-American artform created by African americans over a century ago in our nation's south, in the Philadelphia region. We join many sister organizations in the greater region in this effort and applaud the great work that has been, and is still being done by so many.

Today we are celebrating with an all day party and concert with music, food, beverages, raffles, an auction and a big party where lovers of the blues can meet and network in the home venue of the society!

The Philadelphia Blues Society is a volunteer collective of music lovers, artists, venue owners, and advocates The Philadelphia Blues Society is a member, charitable activity and community supported, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose goal is to support “The Blues” as an African American cultural tradition, widely acknowledged as “America’s Original Musical Artform” which has become a wholly American experience across all races and ages.

Formed in 2023, the Philadelphia Blues Society exists to fulfill its mission by enabling live performance and helping to educate the community about the history and expression of a truly American artform. Our goal is to spread the love of The Blues!

The mission of the Philadelphia Blues Society is to present, promote and preserve the blues and in all its forms throughout the greater Philadelphia region and support local, regional and national talent, nurturing an appreciation of the blues in school and community settings.

We also plan to support musicians and blues venues by encouraging live performances of blues, exchange information about blues-related events by providing a forum in the Philadelphia area where musicians and listeners can share their appreciation and love for the blues, support community events and organizations, host events that will benefit the general community through blues music and provide funding to support worthy blues artists and institutions.

https://www.philadelphiabluessociety.org

Blues lovers and players know that this is the best place to come for some really good and inexpensive eats, beer on tap from Conshohocken Brewing Company, fresh ground coffee and espresso, great music, and friendly people... The vibe is home-like and cool, and the sound is out of this world. Jamey's provides a full professional grade backline, so players only need to bring their instrument or personal microphone to jump up on stage and jam. Plus, we are the home of the "Jammie-Jam" which means you can come as you are in your Sunday morning PJ's. Just roll out of bed and right on over to Jamey's!

The open mic jam runs from 1 pm to 3 pm, and the host band lays down a set from noon to 1 pm to get things rolling and then supports guest jammers as needed. The always rocking SUNDAY BLUES BRUNCH rocks a a HAPPY HOUR from noon to 1pm. Featuring two bucks off draft beers and hard ciders, and a dollar off wines! The open mic runs from 1 to 3pm, and admission is 100% free! Our tasty and immensely popular brunch menu is available the whole time to make your tummy as happy as your ears with freshly prepared eats. It sure doesn't get better than this!

The Host bands are the well-known and loved Philly Blues Kings, comprised of Bluesman Dave Reiter on guitar, keys and vocals, Bill Marconi on drums and vocals, Rob Hamilton on harp and vocals and Jamey Reilly on bass, usually on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays and the all-star superband, the Girke-Davis Project, featuring international artist Roger Girke on guitar and vocals, Dukes of Destiny front man, John Colgan-Davis on vocals and harmonica, Hammond organ ace Glenn Bickel, drummer extraordinaire, Paul Albrecht, and Jamey Reilly on bass, generally on the 2nd Sundays.

Blues lovers new and old can come to play, eat, drink, chat and enjoy a day soaked in the blues. Many guests also like to host gatherings or parties during the brunch, as there are tables and chairs for dining, and comfortable seats to listen to the music - and it does not cost them a thing to meet up there! Plus, it is wheelchair accessible, and has plenty of free local parking. Being right in the center of downtown Lansdowne, next to the train station, there is abundant public transportation as well.

Check out the mouth watering brunch menu on our menu page. We have instituted a $5 food or drink minimum per person to help keep the lights on.

No reservations are needed. Just load up some friends and head on down!

Get a head start on the weekend with great jams in the best listening room in town
The ONLY open-mic with a full professional stage, backline - and backing band!... The Thursday night open-mic jams at Jamey's are simply the best, hands down!

JAZZ AT JAMEY'S every second and fourth Thursday, and ANYTHING GOES every first, third and fifth Thursdays - starting with great HAPPY HOUR DISCOUNTS ON ALL FOOD AND DRINK at 6pm, and on-stage fun kicking off at 7pm until 10pm.

Jamey's has been called the best place on the planet for live music, good food and drink, and we could not agree more! With a full pro backline, incredible sound and lights plus an optional backing band provided by the renowned DAVE REITER TRIO, musicians only need to bring their instruments, fans, friends and family to shine like a superstar.

Our jams have become a popular destination for groups to join up for celebrations, birthdays or meetings too!

ADMISSION IS ALWAYS FREE and there is plenty of free local parking, plus we are handicap accessible.

Come on out and see why everyone raves about Jamey's - the best listening room on the planet!