Whose Up On THAT Stage? Congratulations to All IBC Contestants!

Interstate Buffalo is the combination of a wide range of influences and circumstance. Originally started as an acoustic blues cover band in 2006, Interstate Buffalo has grown to a full on electrified experience. Known for their blistering guitar work and scorching live sets, their approach to music has earned Interstate Buffalo a solid following and a reputation among central Arkansas music fans. Whether its 4:30am at Midtown or a cold Thursday night at the Afterthought, the house is full and the music’s groovin!! www.interstatebuffalo.com/

Belceblues is a blues trio coming from the Basque Country, in Spain. It has got an energetic and powerful sound, a breed of both classical and contemporary blues. Its live show is well planned and creative and, apart from elaborated guitar backgrounds, the bass player sings and plays the trumpet. The lyrics are written both in English and Euskera, Europe´s oldest spoken language. www.belceblues.com

The Georgia Flood hails from McDonough, Georgia. Sixteen year old singer/guitarist Brooks Mason has been compared to the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Sean Costello. Twenty year old Lane Kelly, who belts out bass lines with the best of them, says he is inspired by Jaco Pastorius and Paul McCartney. Twenty-one year old drummer J.C. Freeman is influenced by Sam Lay and Fred Below. These boys started playing out in their parent’s garage. They kept playing and eventually found a love for the blues. Fast forward to 2012, The Georgia Flood is impressing audiences all over the Atlanta Metro area. Listen one time and you’ll understand why. www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Georgia-Flood/12501934

JT Coldfire is a 33 year old guiter slinger who’s played thousands of shows from Texas to New York and across the pond. He has gained the reputation as one of the hardest working musicians in Austin, sometimes playing 3 shows in a single evening never repeating the same song twice garnering praise as one of the unsung heroes of the new crop of Austin blues artists. His travels have gained an audience that is as dedicated to his performances as he is to delivering them. His style is all his own; traditional yet progressive but always sounding like himself. His authoritative stage presence emphasizes his abilities in several styles providing a powerful blend of American Roots Music described only as Raw and Real. www.jtcoldfire.com

This year’s Baltimore (Maryland) Blues Society nominee, NOTHIN’ BUT TROUBLE is back making its third appearance at the competition. Joey Fulkerson and Chris McAfee duke it out on guitars over the locked-in rhythms of Bruce Benson and Greg Haughey on drums and bass. What really set NBT apart from other bands are not just the dueling guitar leads, but the four-part harmonies that have become their trademark. No matter who is singing lead, and they all can, the rest of the guys pitch in vocally. NOTHIN’ BUT TROUBLE have become a Charm City institution and will have you on your feet dancing, Hon. www.nothinbuttroubleband.com

Rising from the ashes of another project, Roy G Blues began with DJ May (aspiring singer, self taught harp player) and David Mark (throwback guitarist graduate of the blues woodshed) sharing a deep appreciation of blues. May & Mark jammed as an acoustic blues duo in the style of Terry & Magee, writing original tunes almost immediately. Problem…their music wasn’t fitting the style they pursued…they needed a rhythm section. Enter Tim Reinhard and Mark Peterson, Roy G Blues was born. Driven by David Mark’s unique creativity (often rare in blues), Reinhard’s thumping bass, Peterson’s subtle confidence and DJ’s fearless, relentless need to entertain, RGB is a rare combination of energy, chemistry and groove. roygblues.com

Aayan Nain: His blues roots run deep, having grown up in Chicago, across the street from Muddy Waters. After he moved to Toledo, he re-discovered the blues; this town has not been the same, so get ready Memphis. Denny Gorsuch: Honing his skills as a drummer over the years playing blues and R&B, he has an unmistakable style and lays down the grove that make the music happen. Duval Overton: A musician’s musician and without question one of the most sought after bass players not only in Toledo but all over Northwest Ohio and Michigan. Jeff Williams: When conversations turn to guitarist his name invariably rises to the top. He is the guy with that unmistakable tone, blistering riffs, and mastery of any genre.

The Mike Lucci Band fuses decades of musical experience and passion to craft one of Richmond’s finest Chicago-style Rhythm and Blues bands. Founded in 2008, this quintet has performed throughout Virginia and Washington, D.C. delighting fans with their catalog that ranges from sultry ballads to toe tapping shuffles. This dynamic band will drive you from your seat and make you dance the night away. www.mikelucciband.com

Blues Fever Recording Artists, STONEY AND THE HOUSE ROCKERS have been performing original and traditional Blues since 2002. Their fourth and latest award winning CD, “SHOWTIME!!!” features nine new originals and was released in Oct. 2012. Stoney was a winner at The Florida Harmonica Championship in 2012, and he has been recognized nationally for his rockin’ harmonica styles and his charismatic stage presence, as has guitarist Rick Fincke. This band is known for hard hitting, rockin’ blues that is high energy and foot stompin’! They stay true to the blues and love to jump and swing, incorporating Chicago, West Coast, Texas, and Cajun blues into their own styles. “It’s Showtime, Baby!!!” www.reverbnation.com/stoneyandthehouserockers

Canadian-Swiss blues-rocker Fabian Anderhub is ready and raring to release his third album „Make The Change“ – an explosive mix of uptempo blues/rock tunes , heartfelt ballads and brilliant compositions, featuring one of the most promising upcoming artists to surface in the blues/rock. Fabian has a strong reputation as an energetic live performer which he has proved on numerous tours in Canada and Europe. He is currently preparing to release his third album „Make The Change“ which is set for release in January 2013. Together with a group of excellent musicians, Anderhub now looks forward to performing old and new songs on tour in 2013. Be there or be square! www.anderhub-music.com

Gretchen Emery and Dirty Boots deliver power blues that reach deep down to that sweet spot in your soul that is simply blue. This blues unit is fueled by the intense and smoky vocals of Gretchen Emery, the soulful and dynamic guitar of Kenny Windle, and the rock solid rhythm section of Lars Mitchell on bass and Mike Schuibbeo on drums. From sultry ballads to gutsy, down in-the-pocket blues, Ms. Emery’s strong pipes will keep you humming their tunes for days. The band has a devoted fan base from Delaware to Philly to Central Pennsylvania that can’t get enough of their red-hot originals. Whether you get up and dance or find yourself lost in a blues oasis, Gretchen Emery & Dirty Boots is sure to leave you wanting more. www.gretchenemery.com/

The Jamie Eubanks Band is a high energy power driven blues band from Tallahassee, Florida. Jamie grew up in the famous Bradfordville Blues Club and has shared the stage with some of blues finest. He is coming into his own with his style of fired up leads, blues based roots and solid rhythms that will keep your feet moving. Kevan McCann on bass has an arsenal of music styles with dynamic attitude and precise execution. James Lewis on drums brings experience and direction to the trio, with a solid back beat and tasteful fills. The rhythm section is a solid foundation for Jamie’s energetic and blazing fretwork. This vocal trio’s variety of traditional and original blues, keeps the juke joint jumping. www.jamieeubanks.net

Levi delivers lead vocals and guitar abilities with his own flavor. This band is made up of three equal partners, Levi who was lucky enough to find brothers along the way, Brian Farr on bass and vocals along with Josh Topolski on drums help keep every performance fresh and lively. Brian and Josh both bring their various musical backgrounds and tastes to this band. Brian, Josh and Levi have taken the feelings from some of the legends of blues and wrapped them into a powerful sound that excites audiences every time they take the stage. This band has grown over the past 6 years, but always staying true to the original goal to enjoy every show and deliver Heart, Soul and Stone Cold Blues!

The Mojo Roots offer a show-stopping brand of soul-soaked blues, with performances that turn on a dime from hard-hitting shuffles to tear-dripping slow blues. Fronting the band, Jordan Thomas pours himself out in every vocal line and fiery harp phrase. Lead guitarist Trevor Judkins is praised for his rich tone, economy of playing, and virtuosic slide work. Bassist Jim Rush and drummer Andy Naugle form an unshakeable rhythm foundation for this blues tour-de-force. Fresh off the release of their album What Kind of Fool, The Mojo Roots stand poised for success. With particularly strong songwriting, What Kind of Fool is a testament to the band’s devotion to both preserving and further developing the blues. www.mojoroots.com

The Oklahoma based Dustin Pittsley Band is described as a rockin’ blues band with a dash of the Tulsa sound made known by the likes of J.J. Cale and Elvin Bishop. “Dustin has the kind of soul that you need to be a real player. When he sings and plays it’s not just his voice and hands, it’s his soul talking through them and that makes it a special thing.”-Ian Moore. In 2010 the band was proud to be crowned the Beale Street Blues Kings in Memphis, Tennessee as well as performing at the Fillmore in Detroit, Michigan as part of a national tour through Jagermeister. In 2012 they were honored to perform at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago, Illinois. Dustin is backed by the rhythm combo of Don Wood, David Teegarden Jr. and Chris Kyle.
 www.dustinpittsley.com

Dive houses, juke joints, and dance halls have been the birthplaces of great musical moments and artists. Dive House Union was formed by four members of previous IBC runners-up, the Todd Eberwine Band, and two from Beautiful Bones, bringing their influences together into a soul-shaking experience. They combine a blues-roots vibe, driving rhythms, and melodic lines with the spontaneity and energy of a jam band. Inspiring the music even more is the spirit of this brotherhood, which shines through in every performance. That’s the Union – that’s Dive House Union. www.divehouseunion.com

“Guaranteed excitement for fans of straight-ahead blues guitar” is how Blues Revue describes the Jimmy Adler Band. The band knows how to excite a crowd and Adler is a live-wire entertainer who packs passion and energy into every performance! Their refreshing original music is steeped in a traditional blend of Chicago Blues and West Coast Jazzy Jump. Passionate, powerful vocals compliment the spirited playing. The elegant phrasing and clean fat guitar tone is supported by bassist Mike Sweeney, drummer Joe Cunningham, and the fluid keyboard of John Burgh. The songs are deeply rooted and lyrically expressive of the human condition. Adler’s charismatic stage presence is both engaging and entertaining. jimmyadlerband.com

Known throughout the Northwest for their rich, rockabilly boogie-styled blues, The Juke Daddys of Idaho City, Idaho hit you like a hammer. Their unique sound blends traditional delta guitar styling with upbeat, funky rhythms to create a special kind of mojo. “Mississippi” Marshall Hopper grew up in the Mississippi Delta playing the old jukehouses and it shows in his song writing as well as his vocal style and raw guitar work. Samule Aarons leans heavy on the bottom end while Jay Kappel snaps out the infectious grooves that round out the band’s sound. The Juke Daddys recently completed their first all original CD titled “Rendezvous with the Devil.” www.facebook.com/thejukedaddys

To hear them, you would think you were listening to an old school blues record; rich with a voice from a bygone era of great music. To experience them live, is to be infused with the energy of 28 year old vocal powerhouse, Gracie Curran. From dizzying guitar riffs, to every contagiously heaving rhythm, this band drenches audiences with feeling and soul. Tommy Carroll on Guitar, Derek John Bergman on Drums, and Paul Chase on Bass make up the ever entertaining High Falutin’ Band. Fresh off the release of their debut original album, Gracie Curran & The High Falutin’ Band are looking forward to a busy 2013, and are honored to be representing Boston here in Memphis!
www.graciecurran.com

From Owen Sound ,ON, CA The MacKenzie Blues Band has quickly proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Their debut CD, Back Road Revelation has garnered considerable airplay and strong reviews internationally. Mastered at the famous Abbey Road Studios, the songs are a funky and bluesy journey into several lives and characters covering the full spectrum of blues. Vocalist Tara MacKenzie’s huge range has been compared to Ann Wilson and Janiva Magness. Guitarist Trevor MacKenzie has been called “One of the most dangerous guitar players in Canada”. The rhythm section binds The MacKenzie Blues Band together, with snappy, funky, pulsing grooves from bassist Joel Dawson and drummer Mike Weir. www.themackenziebluesband.com

When a band fits together like a family, it is only right to call them Brethren. This band of “brothers” has performed together for nearly seven years. Originating from south Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee, they came together in Hot Springs, Arkansas to create an original sound deeply rooted in traditional Delta Blues while remaining equally open to the future of Blues music. They believe in the tradition of borrowing from the past, but making the music their own. No cheap imitations here! Brethren plays heavy hypnotic Delta Blues, Arkansas Style. www.reverbnation.com/hotspringsbrethren

Stevie T & Kingtone formed in the fall of 1996, with the core of some very experienced musicians. The talent of these artists getting together created a mix of blues styles heard from Mississippi to Chicago and back to Texas. Throughout the 90’s and into the new millennium they have worked with Canada’s Best and some well known touring US artists. Playing blues festivals, concert halls, events, and clubs is where you will hear them “layin” it down. Their CD, Old Guitars But Young Fashion Ways sold extremely well. They are on the verge of releasing another CD of all new original material which they started performing live in the fall of 2012. www.stevietandkingtone.com

The Fat Bastard Blues Band was put together in a moment of inspiration by Carl Wetter in the summer of 2009. A few weeks and three rehearsals later, the band played their first gig, winning the Triangle Blues Society’s Blues Challenge. That’s the history. Since then, they have played the 2010 International Blues Challenge, opened the 2010 Bull Durham Blues Festival. Why the name Fat Bastard? They are the illegitimate children of all the players who have taken the stage before. As David says, “Our goal is to energize our roots by taking something from all our influences and putting that cross-cultural magic back into the blues, America’s music.” They come rolling out. There is nothing held back. www.reverbnation.com/fatbastardbluesband

Big Willy is a one-of-a-kind group that hails from Lansing Michigan. Since their debut in 2004 they have been a local favorite and a respected name on festival stages throughout the state. They continue to entertain audiences at home and across the U.S. with their live performances and through their television feature on Backstage Pass, a documentary style show that has been distributed to Public Television stations throughout the country. Their second album “Out For Trouble” expands on their first, emphasizing the struggle and heartache of everyday Americans. No matter your taste, whether you want to listen to their musicianship or just let your hair down and dance, find Big Willy and see for yourself!! iamnotbigwilly.com

Joe Lowry and The Second Mile Blues Band have resurrected the psychedelic blues sound that was popularized into the blues music which we know today. The guitar is delivered to you in a way that you have come to expect from the great blues guitarists of the past, while the rhythm section provides support with their unique approach, precise yet free. The soulful vocals are engaging and pure. There’s no holding back. Their live performances leave the audience wanting more but there is no more. Giving everything there is to give, adrenaline rich, almost dangerous and usually exhausting, it is familiar but their own. facebook.com/jl2mile

Chicago Style Blues Band that makes you want to get up out of your seat and dance the night away. Franco’s unique vocals and dynamic harp, along with JT Thomas’s outstanding guitar work make this a “must see” Blues act… francopalettaandthestingers.com

Jarekus Singleton, touted as “A New Face of Blues,” plays guitar beyond his 28 years. His band is a tight and rehearsed group that plays festivals in and out of Mississippi including the Chicago Blues Festival, the LowCountry Blues Bash and Greenwood Blues Cruise – South Carolina. He won 2011 Guitar Center’s King of the Blues, Mississippi title and has been labeled “star on the rise” by Blues & Rhythm Magazine. He was chosen as 2012 Blues Artist of the Year, Jackson Music Awards and has a guitar endorsement from Clevenger Guitars. Jarekus explains, “I play what I feel,” and that is evident in his soulful music and lyrics. In 2011 Jarekus released his first CD, Heartfelt, and he is currently working on his second CD. www.jarekus.com

The Cazanovas are a hard driving band who stay true to the heart of the blues. From the Delta to post-war Chicago, Texas to the West Coast, The Cazanovas lay down a high energy brand of blues that will keep you shouting for more. Maurice Nazzaro welds his rich vocal sound and drippy harp tone to the fat and forceful guitar laid down by Danny Vinson and the grooving rhythm section of Jake Holiday on bass and Theron Peterson at the drums. With relevant and true lyrics to their originals, and a profound feel to classic blues, The Cazanovas will cause you to dig deep into your soul and feel the blues in a whole new way. www.cazanovas.com

The Noah Wotherspoon Band hails from Dayton, Ohio. Noah’s deeply emotional guitar style has mesmerized audiences since he started playing in clubs at the age of thirteen. Wotherspoon is also a prolific songwriter with a unique style weaved with atmosphere and lyrical imagery. The band features Rob Thaxton on bass, Brian Aylor on drums and Noah on guitar and vocals. Thaxton’s jazz sensibilities matched with Aylor’s nuanced blues drumming generate an electrifying synergy. In 2012, the Noah Wotherspoon Band was one of nine finalists in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. Their inspired live shows continue to move music fans everywhere they play. www.noahwotherspoon.com

K.C. Harmon and the Unique Blues Band plays a repertoire of originals and blues classics in the tradition of B.B. King, Jimmy Reed, Howlin’ Wolf, and Muddy Waters. K.C. Harmon is a Mississippian commemorated on the Mississippi Blues Trail billboards. K.C. moved to Cleveland Ohio in 1965. He joined the Travis Haddix Band in 1984 as road manager and singer. The Unique Blues Band features Danny McFadden on guitar, Doug Harvey on bass, and Dale Jones on drums. K.C. formed “K.C. Harmon and the Unique Blues Band” in 2006. The CD “Everybody Gone Crazy” was released in April 2011. www.kcharmon.com

Dan Treanor’s Afrosippi Band featuring Erica Brown deliver an incendiary mixture of Blues, Roots and Soul. Showcasing Ms. Brown’s powerhouse, emotionally charged vocals and Treanor’s African string guitar and searing harp, the band covers a wide swath of the Blues landscape. From a down home Field Hollar to a ‘smooth as silk’ ballad, the Afrosippians light up the stage with their passion and musicianship. Michael Hossler – guitar, Mike Wysocki – bass and Gary LaDuke – drums are consummate pros that bring a remarkable blues based vibe to each song. Treanor (KBA recipient) and Brown are veteran entertainers and their electrifying stage show reflects this. This act is all about blues, class and soul. www.dantreanorband.com

Mark May, former guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for Dickey Betts, perfected his craft playing rough and tumble biker bars and blues clubs in Houston, Texas. His astonishing live shows are jam-packed with traditional blues and blues-rock, featuring dynamic twin leads and dual harmony guitar work, the perfect complement to Mark’s smooth vocals. Mark has been featured in major blues publications and gets heavy rotation on SiriusXM and Sonic Tap radio. Mark May Band members include Dave Absalom (guitar), Gary Jorgenson (drums), Tim Keefe (bass), and Joe Mcmullens (congas), Soul Satyr Horns: Ted Basinger (trombone), John Bonham (trumpet), and Joe Reasoner (sax).
www.markmay.com

The Rich Badowski Blues Band evolved from a local blues jam. The Band brings to the table a hefty portion of old school blues. Add to that a little funk and you have a recipe for a good time. Rich Badowski has been blowing harp and singing the blues for over 25 years. He is known for his entertaining brand of showmanship and engaging rapport with the audience. Shawn Leonard the guitar player and second vocalist covers all styles of blues. Keyboard player and third vocalist Steve Hatch amazes audiences with versatility. The band is backed up by Paul Dabrowski on bass and Bryan Caudle on drums. Paul provides a solid groove and Bryan is known for being the master of keeping that “groove in the pocket”

Delta Blues Gang, band from Pula, Croatia plays its own unique version of blues based on delta root sound to electric and texas blues. In their own compositions, “gang” improvising and energetic performance style with powerfull slide resonator guitar and exlposion bluesy vocalist with dynamic rhythm section. For his first album “It aint Nothin But the Blues” – live recorded received very good reviews. Right now Delta Blues Gang is one of the best Croatian blues bands dedicated to mission to promote his own unique blues style and ready to jump on stage or play in the street at any time.

Ghost Town Blues Band is a young 6-piece Memphis-based group with an intimate knowledge of blues and improvisational jams. This energetic band can turn on a dime from hill country stomp to New Orleans-inspired funk. Aside from steady gig on Beale, their debut release, “Dust the Dust” won the 2011 European Independent Label Music Award for Top Sound in Blues. GTBB’s latest release, “Dark Horse”, has been a steady climber on the Tennessee Roots Music Charts and is featured as a PICK TO CLICK on “B.B. King’s Bluesville.” “With a shoot-from-the-hip Memphis attitude, and a STAX-busting explosion of modern blues vision, GTBB represents a welcome changing of the guard.” (Living Blues Magazine) www.GhostTownBluesBand.com

Blue Sacrifice was founded in 2008 and has since become a staple of the greater Dayton/Cincinnati, Ohio blues scene. Blue Sacrifice has shared the stage with both Kenny Neal and Billy Branch. The group has played the Cincinnati Blues Festival for three consecutive years and is thrilled to have won first place in the Dayton Blues Society 2012 Blues Challenge. The incendiary guitar work of Tommy Long, “Cousin Dave” Stayton’s soulful vocals and harp playing, Jeffrey Long’s jazz-inspired keyboard work and the solid groove-oriented rhythm section of Noah Cope (bass) and Lynn Long (drums) have made Blue Sacrifice a name to remember. bluesacrifice.com

Fast Eddie & The Slowpokes came together in 2011 for just a one-time gig at a DC Blues Society Fish Fry. They were well received and encouraged to continue to do their thing. One year later, The Slowpokes have played 91 shows in venues throughout the Washington, DC– Maryland- Virginia region, from Senate Caucus rooms to festivals to roadhouses. The Slowpokes playlist is inspired by classic blues material from Chicago to West Coast Swing, Motown to Muscle Shoals, and all the rock n’ roll in between. Their goal is to get you up on your feet and they never miss their target! Fast Eddie, Larry, Dave, Cookie, and Scott are excited to represent the DC Blues Society at The International Blues Challenge in Memphis! www.reverbnation.com/fasteddietheslowpokes

The Blues Expressions goal this year is to win the International Blues Challenge for 2013. Our goal as a band is to reach the next level. We all have musical family backgrounds, which helps us to be a better band. We all know our roles as a band and are responsible for playing our own part. As manager of this band, I feel the sky is the limit. So Memphis, here we come again. Central Illinois we will represent you in a professional way that will make you proud of us. We all thank God for allowing us to return as a top level band. Adrian Muex Sr. n/a

The Wild Bones are a wild electric blues band from south Italy, formed in 2009 by four young friends, Santi Ciarcià (lead vocal), Davide Sittinieri (guitars), Fabio Emmolo (bass) and Nuccio Pisana (drums). The quartet plays many styles of blues from Delta to Texas, mixing slide, funky, country and rock blues. The group had the pleasure to play his blues during some big international festivals in Italy (Delta Blues, Etna in Blues, Blues in Town, South Italy Blues Connection). In 2012 the Wild Bones released their first album, “The Road to Memphis”. They like to be named “a little ol’ band from Sicily”. www.wildbones.it

Lady Sunshine was born to sing the blues. Born on a plantation near the Mississippi Delta in West Helena Arkansas, Lady Sunshine grew up singing gospel music as a little girl and is definitely the ‘real deal’! Sunshine is the consummate entertainer and that deep soulful southern hunger that drives her is apparent both on and off the stage through her heartfelt originals and down-to-earth demeanor. She moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1975 and began performing professionally in genres such as Blues, R&B, Gospel, Soul & Jazz. Although Sunshine lives in the heartland of the University of Michigan Wolverines, the chants of ‘Let’s Go Blue’ take on a whole different meaning for her. www.ladysunshine.net

Sugar Boy & The Sinners are Rockin ‘and Shakin’ the Blues! Representing the younger generation of blues bands from the Netherlands, the band consists of four energetic, young dogs joyfully playing their all-original songs with an old school Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll and 50′s Soul style. Singer Sugar Boy switches with ease from his soulful vocals to steamy, blues harp solos. He is assisted by Ronnie’s ‘in your face’ guitar and the twin engine, throbbing rhythm section of Vinnie and Frankie. This band creates a danceable, energetic, blues blast for a whole new generation of Blues Sinners. Introducing: Boy Vielvoye-vocals & harp, Ronnie Guerin-guitar, Vinnie Guerin- double bass and Frankie Duindam-drums. www.sugarboyandthesinners.com

Rooted in the Blues, Boogie Patrol pumps out their unique blend of Funk, Soul and Rhythm and Blues with a passion that captivates crowds from all walks of life. Combining mind-bending solos with a driving rhythm, the band entices the most hesitant dancer onto the floor with their raw energy and highly contagious grooves. Their dynamic second album won Blues Album of the Year at the 2012 Edmonton Music Awards; Boogie Patrol arrives in Memphis fresh from Toronto after showcasing at the Annual Blues Summit and attending the illustrious Maple Blues Awards as “New Artist/Group of the Year” nominee. Ric Hall, guitarist for Buddy Guy, declared after seeing the band: “Boogie Patrol is off the hook! They’re on fire!” www.boogiepatrol.com

Meena Cryle and the Chris Fillmore Band were awarded the second prize at the first European Blues Challenge in 2011. Their debut-album “Try Me” was recorded in Memphis by legendary producer Jim Gaines and released world-wide by the renowned Blues-label “Ruf Records”. The group’s sound represents the singular creative energy of four highly talented young musicians whose unique voice has raised eyebrows and turned heads all across the worldwide Blues-community. Led by powerhouse singer Meena Cryle,a seasoned and intense live-performer,who’s voice seems to resonate from deep within her Soul,the band effortlessly blends elements of Southern Soul, Blues and Rock´n Roll into a seamless whole. www.meenacryle.com

Ismo Haavisto Band offers flammable blues! The band leader Ismo Haavisto has a soulful voice flavored with strong harmonica playing. Jonni “Sidekick Johnny” Seppälä is backing Ismo with a good-rolling guitar and the solid beat is guaranteed by Ville Vallila on bass and Mikko Järvinen on drums. The group is a part of European blues-elite with a wide fan-base. They represented Finland at the European Blues Challenge in Berlin 2012. The musical influences come from Louisiana and Texas blues with a Finnish twist. The group plays mainly original material by Ismo Haavisto. Be aware! This group might set you on fire! www.ismohaavisto.com

Astonishing and blistering guitar buttressed by a rock solid and grooving rhythm section that has thrilled audiences for over twenty years now fully enhanced by the return of world-class lead vocalist, Chrissy Payton, and the addition of master keyboardist, Rick Endel. Oreo Blue will be releasing their tenth independent original album in 2012 to celebrate a second decade which witnessed 5-time Northwest Arkansas Music Awards’ Blues Band of the Year, Hall of Fame, and the Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the Ozark Music Awards twice for Overall Musicianship along with multiple individual awards. Oreo Blue is music that hits you in your ears, embraces your heart, and then goes straight to your hips! www.oreoblue.com

Shake Your Hips is a band that swings with a Chicago Blues sound! Based in the Paris area, the group started in 2005 and had the opportunity to play small venues as well as big international festivals everywhere in France. SYH also have 2 albums under their belt, ”Caroline’s Smile” CD from 2006 and double album, ”Blues Twins” (studio + live), from 2009. SYH was declared « Best Electric Blues Band » at Blues sur Seine’s contest in 2007, where they also received the Cahors Blues Festival award. They recently came back from a Canadian summer tour before going to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge in 2013. Live, the band delivers a big fat blues sound, beautiful feelings with a big stage presence! www.facebook.com/ShakeYourHips

The german 6.7ft guitarist, lapsteel player, singer and songwriter has paid his dues on numerous tours and sessions all over Europe. His encounters with international greats and local heroes have led to an ever deeper understanding of blues and roots music. Van Merwyk combines his talents with those of his mates Jochen Bens, Olli Gee and Alex Lex in Bluesoul to create a singular style – uncompromising and atmospheric with a lapsteel as incisive as a surgeon´s knife. The winner of the German Blues Challenge 2011 refers to this sound as “American Blues – Euro Style”. www.bluesoul.de

2011 IBC finalist and 5 time Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award Winner Alex Wilson calls Milwaukee home, but has played across the US and Canada, including Milwaukee’s Summerfest, and the Montreal Jazz Festival, and in countries such as China and France. These well-seasoned, versatile musicians effortlessly play a wide array of tasty originals and vintage classics. Alex’s atypical playing style hits a contemporary vein kissed by a sixties sub-culture infrastructure, while keeping a strong foothold in the genre by which it is supported. His unmistakable guitar style, and intangible vocal expression woven in with the bands “love to play” energy, puts their music in a class of its own.
www.alexwilsonband.com

Biography Joel Johnson 2010 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards winner for Best Blues Album, Best Song Single and nominated for Best Male Artist. Joel Johnson packs some hard hitting blues on his solo debut album Blues Joose Vol. 1. From Six Nations Ontario Canada, this blues man’s journey started at the young age of 7. Sharing the stage with many well known blues musicians such as Jack De Keyzer and the late great Mel Brown. Writing and recording Blues Joose Vol. 1 all by himself, he dedicated the album to his best friend and one of many mentors Paul “Joose” Mitten. What to expect on Blues Joose Vol. 1? If your into swing, delta slide, funk, boogie woogie and Madness guitar, well this is an album to have. www.reverbnation.com/joeljohnson

Dave Keller won last year’s IBC award for Best Self-Produced CD. Blessed with a voice described as “stunning” by Blues Revue, Keller is also a gripping guitarist and songwriter who pens honest, hard-hitting gems. About.com declared, “I promise you, blues fans, Dave Keller is gonna be huge!”, and it’s starting to seem that way, as his latest CD reached #2 on B.B. King’s Bluesville. Keller’s songs show the influence of his mentors: Mighty Sam McClain, Johnny Rawls, Robert Ward, and legendary guitarist Ronnie Earl, with whom Keller has recorded and co-written. Known for thrilling live shows, Keller’s band features Ira Friedman on keys, Brett Hoffman on drums, and Gary Lotspeich on bass. www.davekeller.com

On a mission to broadcast the blues, Sarnia Ontario Canada’s Lit’l CHICAGO is a throwback to the era of big grooves and are unmistakably reminiscent of the artists for which they hold such deep respect. But make no mistake Lit’l CHICAGO has never tried to sound like anyone else! Whether it’s a soulful Blues ballad layered with their trademark harmonies or a fiery uptempo shuffle, Lit’l CHICAGO have their own unique and identifiable sound and possess the innate ability of sounding familiar enough to keep an audience interested yet fresh enough to keep them wanting more. When Robb, Brian, Dave, Jerry and Wulf take the stage you do believe,,,the Blues are in good hands. www.litlchicago.com

Michael Vincent packed his bags after graduating high school and hit the road to obtain a life of authentic blues. After traveling almost 2000 miles he settled down in Gulfport, Mississippi with empty pockets. Quickly garnering the attention of musicians and guitar fans alike, in the deep south he learned the methods of the iconic blues musicians of the past and present. After two years of grass roots self promotion and one-nighters all over the south he reformed a band with his 2 schoolmates, Dan Mack on Bass and Dan Hewitt on Drums. With this lineup they sewed up their victory in Mobile, Alabama at the famed Blues Tavern Club. They are proud to be this years Gulf Coast Blues Society’s affiliate in Memphis. michaelvincentband.com

Brad Absher and Swamp Royale, of Houston, Texas, plays original and classic Blues that draws from the rootsy sounds of the Texas Gulf Coast. This seasoned group of musicians is led by vocalist and guitarist, Brad Absher. Brad has released five albums and toured extensively throughout Europe and Southeast Asia. The band consists of Barry Seelen on Hammond B3, Anthony Terry on baritone sax, and a soulful rhythm section of Mark Dufrene and Ed Starkey. Together they write and perform Blues music that moves folks to the dance floor…it’s addictive and their fan base will testify! bradabsher.com

Back Pack Jones is comprised of many recognizable local Springfield, Illinois musicians and was assembled to write, record and perform the Blues. Mike Wallace-Vocals is a local singer and drummer and plays in numerous local bands. Kirk Lonbom-Guitar plays and performs locally with BPJ and other groups. Wendell Day-Keyboard is an accomplished keyboard player and music minister. Mike Baier-Bass is a retired Band Director and has played since he was 13. Harvey Horton-Drums has played since he was 14 and professionally for 17 years. BPJ currently has written many original songs with more in progress and is working on a full CD. The band helps promote Blues to the next generation by performing at local schools.

Formed in 2008, Dicky James and the Blue Flames are making their 2nd trip to the IBC. They continue to intoxicate their fans with an intense and spontaneous performance. Their 2nd cd,’Hard Rain’ shot to #1 on the roots charts and remained in the top 50 for months. Guitarist Dicky James, harp man Bob Freeze, organist John Beeson, bassist Mark Ford, and drummer Will Cox blend influences of swing and rock to bring new blood to the old sound. Dicky is a true bluesman who writes about the experiences of everyday life and depends on the Blue Flames to bring those tunes to life. These guys show a passion for the blues whenever they take the stage. dickyjamesandtheblueflames.com

From the heart of the heartland comes The Rock Island Rollers. Soulful and funky, their sweet sound will go straight to your gut and move your spirit. Pulling no punches, their music is true, original and honest. Founding member Jeff Banks is considered to be one of the finest guitarists in the Midwest, and Heath Alan’s voice has stunning range and depth. Keyboard wizard, Justin Appel is truly electrifying! Jon Locker on bass lays down the law and George McCutchen is the award winning drummer that drives this blue train. Though each are virtuosos in their own right, they are brothers who bring it as one… every time! The Rock Island Rollers have one simple philosophy: LET THE MUSIC SPEAK FOR ITSELF! www.reverbnation.com/therockislandrollers

For Ori Naftaly it’s all about energy and soul. He approaches the Blues with the greatest respect”, says Barry Davis, Jerusalem Post. Playing guitar since the age of 5, Ori Naftaly and his band achieved a large fan base in Israel and Europe, and became known for their rich guitar act and soulful vocals. The Ori Naftly Band released their debut album in January 2012; reached the top of the Israeli Blues scene in less than a year; and toured the Netherlands last September with over 16 shows in 3 weeks. Naftaly and his band guarantee a unique and unforgettable Blues show. www.orinaftaly.com

The Chuck Lambert Band represents a commitment to expanding the range and scope of the Blues. It incorporates the vitality and innovation of modern electric blues with the soul and depth of its traditional forms. Each member of the band is an exceptional talent but their unity puts them on a whole different level. The rhythm section of Andy Toomey on bass guitar and J. Boxcar Battle on drums radiates pulse and energy. Tony Tota on piano epitomizes style and class with dynamic improvisation. Chuck completes the musical fellowship with his distinguished vocals and superb guitar playing. The result of their synergy is a unique and original narration of the power of the Blues and its enduring legacy. www.chucklambert.com

No theme park blues here. From the gravel in the voices, to the hardened edge on every note, The Bosco-Gee Blues Band is the real deal. With members ranging in age from 28 to 61 and professional relationships spanning over three decades, The Band brings a balance of youthful energy and tried experience, dressing up a traditional blues bag with their own “signature” groove and a growing list of powerful original material.  The love of their craft, as well as each other, is apparent every time the Bosco-Gee Blues Band Takes the stage.  The 2011 addition of extremely talented featured vocalist, “Martila Sanders” to the forefront, completes the package and adds another exciting dimension. www.bgblues.us

Fusing elements of classic Chicago blues, hokum and gospel blues, Jason Vivone and the Billy Bats are a Kansas City sextet with an energetic live show. Cigarbox slide guitar, banjo, percussion and soulful vocals all combine to create a unique cocktail of blues. Members include Matt Bustamante, Jeremy Clark, Paula Crawford, Imani Glasgow and Ben Hoppes. Their new self-produced cd is LATHER.RINSE. REPEAT. “Jason Vivone is that rare musician who taps deep into the roots of the blues to extract the humor as well as the pathos.” Dave Rubin 2005 Keeping the Blues Alive winner in Journalism.
www.billybats.com

Greasy Creek, Kentucky, is an unlikely place for a skinny young white boy to fall in love with traditional urban blues, pack a suitcase and travel to Chicago to study with legendary bluesmen like Junior Wells and Lefty Dizz. That boy, Lamont “Joey” Gillispie learned his lessons well and today fronts a tight and talented 5 piece band of veteran musicians. His playing is admired and respected by hundreds of friends and fans, as he blows smooth and cool on the midnight blues, or rips out howling riffs that can slice thru concrete. Whether it’s a Chicago classic, a blues standard, a long forgotten R & B chestnut or an original like the “Greasy Creek Shuffle,” this band gets ‘em “off their seats and on their feets.” www.LamontGillispieBlues.com

Them Bones has been entertaining Blues fans throughout the Midwest for over 14 years. Featuring the smooth soulful voice and scorching guitar work of Alan Thomas. “Little Al” reminds most Blues fans of the sounds first laid down by the Blues Masters from Chicago and Memphis. The rhythm is provided by Tom Hamman, drums and Larry Malott, bass. Them Bones music is geared to get people out of their seats and onto the dance floor. Their song selection contains a mix of original songs and covers. Their songs tell stories about life, lost loves, happiness and sadness,the Blues. The Blues has taken Them Bones to Italy, France and many Blues Festivals. You’ve got to see this Band.
www.thembonesband.com

The Brenda Meyer Band features drummer vocalist Brenda Meyer as the focal point of this Springfield Missouri based band. While driving the beat, her lead vocal is complemented by slide guitar, keyboards, bass and backround vocals, which is the recipe for this energetic yet soulful four piece blues band. Brenda combines contemporary and old school blues in order to create her own sound. She is in the process of recording her second cd of original songs. Brenda has won several vocal and percussion awards and is committed to bringing her audience a memorable live music experience. www.brendameyerband.com

Maria Woodford’s sultry voice, throaty growl, and disarming approach to songwriting has earned her many honors and awards including The B.E.A.M. grant for independent music. Maria has a sassy, playful stage presence and lights up a room when she steps on stage. Maria released her CD, “Bad Dog Blues” in July, 2012. Maria Woodford Band: Vocalist/ Song-writer Maria Woodford, Vocalist/ Pianist June “Firetop” Thomas, Guitarist Andy Killcoyne, Harp Man James Supra, Bassist Rob “The Face” Fraser, and Drummer Andrew “$lim Money” Guterman. Maria Woodford Band (MWB) is not a band to miss. Their obvious musical connection and good time vibe is 100% contagious and addictive. www.mariawoodford.com

In a Piedmont style with a New Orleans flavor, FRUNE combines original compositions with traditional blues covers. Long time friends, songwriter and bassist Frank T. Celenza together with blues piano man and IBC Finalist Tommy Keys, banded together adding Mark Lane on guitar and slide, Bobby Owens on trumpet and flugelhorn, Al Henneborn on drums, and Susan Groh with hand percussion and harmonies. The group sets a cool mood and groove, mixing in a refreshing twist of old fashioned fun, with plenty of guts, heart, and loving soul. www.frune.com

Out of the marshlands of the South Carolina Low-Country, come the Port City Prophets. They are a blues trio which embodies the honest, gritty way of life, from which the music rises. Between them they bring over 100 years of combined stage experience to each performance. Their love for the blues, and their love for each other, shows itself in every note, every night. The desire of the Prophets is to tell the story. To pay deep homage to what made the blues the greatest of all music genres. The Port City Prophets are Troy Toll (guitar), Henry Ancrum (drums),and Timothy Kirkendall (bass/vocals). Stop in and see why they are receiving critical acclaim from across the country. www.portcityprophets.com

Irene Torres & the Sugar Devils have been called sexy, diverse, intelligent, and captivating. Drawing from the grapevine, they mesh the past & present to create a new generation of deep rooted music. Shortly after winning the 2012 TBS award, they were nominated for a Sigy Born award. They have received rave reviews and critic’s picks for their self-titled album which is ranked #1 on college radio and Reverbnation. The band has performed with members of the Downchild Blues Band, Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Dr. John, Voice of the Wetlands, Jeff Healey’s Blues band and Jazz Wizards. The Sugar Devils will feature Johnny Sansone, Ike Stubblefield and Cornell Williams on their upcoming album. www.thesugardevils.com

DieDra is a high energy, swinging blues fireball. Born in Virginia, Deidra moved to Birmingham, Alabama in 2007 to be with her lead guitar player, producer and husband, Keithen Ruff. The couple formed “DieDra and The Ruff Pro Band” in 2008. In 2009 the band competed in the IBC. In 2010 JUS Blues Music Foundation honored DieDra with a nomination for Best Southern Soul Artist. In 2011 DieDra received thirteen Blues nominations and one Blues award from the National Association of Rhythm and Blues, and her original “Rent Man” took her to #4 “Best Female Artist” on the Southern Soul and R&B chart. Keithen Ruff regularly backs Bobby Rush. Playing bass is Janelle Frost and on Drums is Keithen’s nephew, Ezra Williams. www.ruffprorecords.webs.com

The Jukerockets Blues Band is from the Belfast area of Maine. Consisting of: Carlene Thornton on lead vocals, Bob Strusz on Guitar and vocals, Steve Mellor on Bass and vocals, and Tim Woitowitz on Drums and vocals. Playing a variety of classic , contemporary ,and original blues tailored to keep the audience dancing to a “high octane” signature sound. The band finds influence in T-Bone Walker, Muddy, Shemekia Copeland, Jimmy Reed, Magic Sam, Janis, Etta James, Allman Bros, The Stones, and many more. The Juke Rockets play throughout Maine at: clubs, fairs, festivals, and private events. www.jukerockets.com/

The Charlie Keating Band is a New England based trio consisting of guitar player, composer and vocalist Charlie Keating, along with Lenny Turnquist on bass and Tim Sweeney on drums. Charlie is noted for a unique slide style that channels such slide greats as Elmore James and Duane Allman. Uniformly, listeners are amazed at the big sound of the band. Many have compared his guitar style to that of the early Stevie Ray Vaughan because of Charlie’s ability to simultaneously play lead and rhythm guitar. The band’s cd “Slide On Over” has gotten excellent reviews. www.charliekeatingband.com

Sassy, Soulful Blues. Meet the Pint Sized Powerhouse of the Blues and her killer band, Greg Dodd Guitar, Clint Healy Bass, Sean Vagg Sax and Dean Matters Drums. Since 1999 Andrea Marr has been playing her brand of high energy, soulful Blues all around Australia and has won many awards and accolades along the way including the 2009 Australian Female Blues Artist of the Year and the MBAS Blues Performer of the Year 2005. Her last CD “Little Sister Got Soul”, out on Chicago’s Blue Skunk Music, reached #18 on the Living Blues Charts and her new EP “Sass & Brass” is out now. Andrea is very proud to be representing Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society at the IBC for the second time. www.andreamarr.com

Chicago born guitarist,songwriter and producer Kevin “Fuzzy” Jeffries found music early playing around with a xylophone.He then found the guitar as a teen he graced albums of Pop Staples,Artie “Blues Boy”White,Otis Clay and many more greats.In Memphis,he backed outstanding blues and southern soul performers Little Milton, J Blackfoot,Bobby Rush,Bobby Rush,Bobby”blue”Bland and Sir Charles Jones and formed a band with three Chitlin’ Circuit veterans.key keyboardist Michael”Mike D” Raiford and drummer Roney Simelton and Bass player Marcus Phillips are the Memphis Kings,the royalty of the blues trade. They are a hard-hitting,rhythm- group that gives you the feel of the true rocking blues.

Alex “Crankshaft” Larson pioneered his own brand of blues he calls pork neck: a high-energy, low-brow mix of delta hillstomp, Memphis soul, and old school rock n’ roll. Crankshaft writes and arranges all of his material, much of which is plucked from his working class upbringing and personal experiences. His passion and fire on stage make his show a must-see and leave crowds wanting more. Crankshaft gave up pounding nails for a living in 2010 and hasn’t looked back. He has since opened for T-Model Ford, Charlie Musslewhite, and Corey Stevens. In January he released his second full-length album “What You Gonna Do?” which he wrote, produced, and self-released. www.crankshaftmusic.com/

Sean “Bad” Apple, Martin “Big Boy” Grant, and “Miss Dixie” Street are a high-energy band from Clarksdale with a full driving act their audiences cannot get enough of. They capture the hill country blues style of R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough with traces of Bukka White and Howlin’ Wolf. The title of their new CD, “Ain’t Gonna Stop,” is most fitting of this all-or-nothing group! They are regulars at Ground Zero Blues Club, Red’s Lounge/Juke Joint, and Tricia’s Italian Restuarant & Pie Hole in Clarksdale, MS. www.reverbnation.com/seanbadapple

Born in Italy in 1983, Davide Pannozzo is considered one of the most interesting artist of contemporary blues guitar in Europe. His style is a meeting between Wayne Krants and David Gimour. He played at the International Jazz Festival in Bucharest, at Taubertal Open Air Festival of Rothenbug (Germany), at the Bass Player in L.A. In 2011 he made his first teaching method GuitarLab – Ideas for Contemporary blues guitarists and, after three CD, It’s currently out his first solo album, BORN ELECTRIC – UNIVERSAL. The CD has the extraordinary participation of Robben Ford and David Garfield. www.davidepannozzo.com

Rickey Godfrey is an energetic, soulful blues singer who performs on both guitar and piano, often at the same time. He is backed up by a dynamic powerhouse in the pocket rhythm section consisting of Jim Klingler on drums and Geoff Newhall on bass. All three are seasoned veterans of the Nashville blues scene. The band features virtuoso guitar work mixed with highly skilled piano riffs provided by Rickey. They perform cleverly crafted original songs and well-arranged covers, varying from jump blues to funky grooves, all delivered with unmatched conviction and sure to get the audience members up on their feet. Be prepared for some hot rockin’ blues with a dose of hip shakin’ soul! www.rickeygodfrey.wordpress.com

Longtime Friends Anthony Rosano (guitar and vocals) and Paul Warren (bass) started the CONQUEROOS as an outlet for the “blues muse” that is the undercurrent to all that is musical. The two have played together numerous times at jams and as fill in musicians for other projects, after meeting Jack Campbell (harp) and Dion Davis (Drums) “the CONQUEROOS” were born. The CONQUEROOS draw on varied musical infulences and a common love for the Blues. Blues all Funked up, thats the recipe. Infulenced by The Meters, Mofro, and Col. Bruce Hampton. Mix in a heavy dose of Rory Gallagher, Allman Bros, and simmer in a Gumbo of Muddy, Wolf, and the three Kings till sweaty and groovin. www.Conqueroos.com

Yngve and his Boogie Legs is a Norwegian blues-band consisting of five members at the age of 22 years. They started up in 2008 and have gradually started writing their own music inspired by artists like Muddy Waters and Ronnie Earl, T-Bone Walker and The Rolling Stones. Still, this is no retro band. Few others are so determined to carry on the deep traditions of the genre while at the same time insisting to breathe new life into it and develop their own style and sound. During the last two years they have clearly positioned themselves in Norway as an outstanding live band in addition to having captured the same energy and intensity on tape. They won the Union Blues Cup 2011, held at the annual Notodden Blues Festival. yngveandhisboogielegs.no/

The R. Mutt Blues Band performs driving, updated interpretations of traditional blues classics combined with soulful, passionate originals that pay tribute to the vintage recordings of the 1950’s and 60’s. The group was formed two years ago by award-winning visual artists Richard Heipp (bass) and Dan Stepp (vocals, piano, guitar) with the addition of guitarist Paul Goble and drummer Vince Megale. The band’s name is taken from Marcel Duchamp’s famous 1917 artwork Fountain; a urinal displayed in an art gallery simply signed “R. Mutt.” Fountain is widely seen as one of the most important artworks of the 20th Century. The R. Mutt Blues Band features “American Standard” music crafting the art of the blues.

Dedicated to bringing the Blues to a new generation, the Brighter Side Band is well schooled in the performance and history of the blues. From the slow grind of their original “The 755” to the rocking J. Geils “Whammer Jammer,” this band plays some juke joint rockin’ blues. Sets span Muddy Waters to Stevie Ray Vaughan – bringing their own style to the classics as well as original tunes. Jake Friel (vocalist and harp) is joined by Fuad Farah (lead guitar), Anthony Lumpp (bass), and Danny Lumpp (drums). They consistently deliver high-energy performances to captivated audiences. Their latest CD, Brokedown and Busted, features original songs, “Louisiana Woman” and “BAD”.
thebrightersideband.net

Lou Thunder Band brings it! Like pure energy of real THUNDER, this high powered blues band brings the energy level up and down with precision. Opening for Walter Trout, the late great Bill Perry, and taking runner up in the “Best Unsigned Band” contest at Buddy Guy’s Legends highlight just a few of our past endeavors. John Bailey, aka Lou Thunder, sets the tone with strong vocals and endless motion. Phil Coryell, brings passionate harp solos to each tune and Dean Bergren adds searing guitar riffs that invite you to hear bits of Otis Rush or Albert Collins. Bassist Paul Bendig and drummer Mike Sagers lay down the grooves to rock the house. Together, Lou Thunder Band is ready to bring it AND leave it all here in Memphis! www.louthunder.com

Tulsa’s “The Five Dollar Sugar Show Band & Revue” are a young, determined, and well-polished blues experience. A four-piece group of multi-instrumental, high-energy entertainers; they are focused on sharing the blues with their generation of listeners. Similar to their influences (Freddie King, John Lee Hooker, and Tom Waits, just to name a few), they’ve crafted their own brand of electric blues, ringing with all the Chicago, Delta, and Texas overtones of their parents record collections. Wielding an array of original compositions that range from slow, crooning piano ballads to driving, burn-down harmonica boogies, “The Sugar” bring an exciting, unpredictable performance to every show they play. www.reverbnation.com/TheFiveDollarSugar

Richard “RJ” Harman has been playing the harmonica for seven years winning numerous music awards including a full endorsement with Hohner Harmonicas. Currently the Two time haronmica champion of the Florida Harmonica Championship has been featured in two full page article’s in the Orlando Sentinel. RJ has studied and played with some of the finest artists in the world, including Canandian harmonica virtuoso Carolos del Junco, Jason Ricci, Rev. Payton and his Big Damn Band, Rachel Goodrich, Larry “Ice Man” Eisenberg, Ben Prestage, Dennis Gruenling, Joe Filisko, and more. His style is fresh and vibrant; he brings a youthful passion and a love of the Blues and Shakeability to the stage. www.rjharmanmusic.com

Firebelly is a modern Canadian blues band formed in 2012 and driven by a passion to create fresh blues music, while respecting its rich and timeless traditions. Lead singer, harp player and frontman, Mathieu Gagnon, is a captivating storyteller with the rare ability to make you live the song, using his sweet, powerful voice and electrifying harp playing. The smooth and funky bass guitar of Dan Grewal combines seamlessly with the lively drums of Mike McNeil. Add the intense, but fearlessly tasteful, guitar playing of Fredy Carrière and you have a stripped-down, exciting blues sound that is “just right”. In less than a year, they have garnered major festival, television and commercial radio exposure. firebellyband.com

Leah & the Mojo Doctors have been playing Blues and Rock & Roll since 2001. The band has received numerous nominations and awards. Leah was awarded the Ozark Music Awards Best Female Vocalist in 2004. In 2008, she won the Northwest Arkansas Music Awards (NAMA) for Best Female Vocalist. Leah & the Mojo Doctors were awarded the 2009 and 2010 NAMA for Best Blues/R&B Band, and in 2011 the band won the NAMA for Best Cover Band. 2012 is proving to be a remarkable year! Leah is the current 2012 NAMA Female Vocalist, and the band was honored with the 2012 NAMA Hall of Fame Multi-Category award. Leah & the Mojo Doctors are proud to be the Ozark Blues Society’s 2012 Blues Challenge Winner, and play at the IBC! www.facebook.com/mojodoctors

Kat Magic Express is a collective of Manila’s best musicians who are all seasoned professionals with decades of experience and massive contributions to the Philippine local music scene. This Blues Band was formed a year ago, and they play at the prestigious Martini’s Bar at The Mandarin Hotel Makati every Wednesday. The members of the band alone were enough to catch everyone off guard and to get everyone to flock to the Mandarin to see this new super band play the blues.

The Sugar Thieves are the mighty roar of a freight train, and the gentle whispering wind through the cottonwoods. Lead vocalist Meridith Moore’s soul searing ballads echo the female legends of Blues past, while guitarist Mikel Lander brings it home with his dirty “pounder pickin’” style, and growling vocals. Founded in Phoenix Arizona in 2006, this sharp dressed five piece has released five independent albums. They were IBC finalists in 09, and are thrilled to be back on Beale in 2013. The Sugar Thieves have a powerhouse delta sound that will take you back in time, and come equip with high-energy showmanship, and an original song list that brings music enthusiasts, of any age, to their feet. This is a show not to be missed. www.sugarthieves.com

Toot and the Longshots have lived up to their name – folks from varying walks of life and musical backgrounds who wanted to bring something “a little bit different” to the 2012 Piedmont Blues Preservation Society’s Blues Challenge. Playing a mix of 40s through 60s tunes with smooth rhythms, classy licks, and catchy lyrics that are influenced by artists like George “Harmonica” Smith and Ruth Brown, they enjoy bringing a more intimate, musically-dynamic, and sometimes humorous type of performance to the stage. Formed in summer 2012 by the husband/wife team of John Olsen (harp) and Leigh Olsen (vocals), the group includes talented friends Rob Slater (guitar), Tom Philion (bass), and Michael Fowler (drums). n/a

The Blues Nightshift – formed by its leader – vocalist and harp player – has been an unquestionable leader of this genre in Poland for over two decades and has performed all over Europe throughout the years, including countries such as Russia, France, Greece, the Nederlands, Sweden and even Zimbabwe, Africa. These seasoned musicians form a band up to the highest world standards with nothing to be ashamed of when confronted with their beloved American roots that inspired them to develop their sound – tight play of harp, violin and guitar with an acoustic rhytm section results in true rocking energy spreading onto the audience. www.blues.ofek.pl

Chaz Humley and the Effects was born from the life long desire of four men to play the blues. The members grew up playing in R&B, jazz and soul bands, separately or in pairs, before coming together in late 2009. Scott Rogan and Jim Spence grew up together, forming their first band at the age of eleven. Tim Coll and Al Handley met in their late teens. Al and Scott played together, then Al and Jim, until finally all four walked into Betty’s House of Blues, and their lives changed forever. Their original music shows they’ve taken the blues to heart; they owe a debt of gratitude to the masters before them, and they repay it each time they take the stage. Chaz Humley and the Effects…only the blues. chazhumleyandtheeffects.com

Hailing from Illinois, Jerry Lee Gingery has a commanding stage presence and a touch of bad boy charisma that is the driving force behind Jerry Lee & The Juju Kings. Jerry has spent a lifetime writing simple blue collar songs that weave his soulful vocals into a fabric of infectious grooves, all the while maintaining his blues roots. His debut CD was released in 2003. After a needed hiatus from live performances, Jerry is recharged and excited to be back with his new lineup featuring longtime friend Eddie Narakas on guitar, Richard Westrick on keys, Roberto Aguilera on drums, and Jerry Lee on bass. If you like your blues driven hard while still keeping it real, then you will truly enjoy Jerry Lee & The Juju Kings. www.jujukings.com

Some big blues is coming out of Reno, Nevada with The Schall Adams Band. In forming her group, Schall first chose a blues guitarist steeped in tradition who’s developed a dynamic slide style and a contemporary blues keyboardist with songwriting credentials. She then added a jumpin’ sax player with a big personality on top of a creative rhythm section that is locked in tight to set the stage for her high-powered, passionate vocals. This has created a unique sound which stays true to the foundation of blues while offering up something fresh. With three lead vocalists in The Schall Adams Band, they perform a variety of blues styles that keeps their audience entertained all night! www.bigrockinblues.com

People always leave a Boscoe France Band show talking. Grabbing the audience’s attention with playing as intense and soulful as you’d want any great blues music to be, the musicians make an authentic and memorable connection with people that has its foundation in the players’ own rural, humble roots. Fronted by guitarist extraordinaire Boscoe France, 2012 winner of Guitar Center’s Battle of the Blues contest, the trio also features Jimmy Cummings on drums and John Gillespie on bass. The band, with its innovative and guitar-focused blues, tours throughout the Tri-State area of Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, with its first CD due out early 2013. boscoefrance.com

Jimmy Nick is an old fashioned, guitar-slinging blues prodigy who was developing his chops in famous Chicago clubs when he was only sixteen. That time spent at places like The Kingston Mines, Rosa’s Lounge, and Blues on Halstead, combined with his boundless energy and stage presence, has developed him into force that is taking the Chicago club and blues scene by storm. Backed by his band Don’t Tell Mama, which includes Chris Parsons (guitar), Lowell Todd (bass), Joel Baer (drums) and Ben Thompson (Sax), Jimmy Nick combines his massive talent and stage theatrics with high-energy blues and rock and roll for one of the best live shows around. www.jimmynick.com

Last Night’s Blues Band is from Richmond, Virginia. Their sound is reminiscent of Mississippi and Chicago-style blues. Frontman Andrew Alli has a raw, classic tone on blues harp that pulls you back in time! The band was formed May 2011 by drummer Chaz Hibbler, who honed his skills playing blues in southern Mississippi. Playing lead guitar is the fiery talent, Michael Burgess. Tyler Foxwell adds a thick layer underneath on rhythm guitar, and the electric bass is played by Ken Kellner, who intensely roots the melody. The band is thrilled to represent Richmond on Beale Street! www.facebook.com/lastnightsbluesband

The Used Blues Band thrills audiences across California with their unique blend of traditional upbeat harmonica and guitar driven dance blues, and performs everything from Chicago, Delta, Jump Jive, Memphis Swing and more. The Used Blues Band is a 5 piece high energy dance blues band which was voted the best Blues band in Northern California for the last 2 years, #1 dance blues band in Solano County, as well as competing in the semifinals at the 2012 International Blues Competition. Recent successes include a newly released CD and a recording contract with TMG Records for their next CD. The world-class, award winning members of the Used Blues Band are sure to thrill audiences both large and small, far and wide! www.reverbnation.com/theusedbluesband

MIKE MILLIGAN, raised in Angelton, Texas with roots In Louisiana, has been a working musician since the early 70′s. Playing out of Iowa(Midwest Circuit), Colorado(Northwest Circuit) and Houston(Southeast Circuit) as a Lead Singer and Drummer. Moving to Austin in 1990. In 2000 Mike began playing Harmonica and very quickly became one of the premire Harp players in Austin. In 2006 the band recorded and released their first studio CD called ‘GOING UP’. Their second C.D. “HOLDIN’ ON” was released in 2007. MIKE MILLIGAN is know as “THE VOICE” on 6th Street. On June 16th 2011 MIIKE MILLIGAN was honored by the Austin City Council by proclaiming that day as “MIKE MILLIGAN DAY” in Austin, Texas. www.facebook.com/Mikemilliganandthealtarboyz

The Alastair Greene Band has been performing since 1997. Slide guitar, vocal harmonies, and unique compositions have kept audiences entertained by the Alastair Greene Band from small bars to festival stages. Alastair has released five of his own records, which mainly include original songs, touching on a multitude of styles and themes. Musically diverse, the Alastair Greene Band keeps a foot firmly planted in tradition while simultaneously reaching for something new with rocking guitar riffs and melodic vocals. Blues Revue Magazine said recently, “The Alastair Greene band has achieved an elusive result with Walking In Circles, waxing a blues-rock album that holds appeal for traditionalists.” www.agsongs.com

Busting out of Long Beach, California, this high energy band loves rocking the blues! Laurie is a charismatic, magnetic performer who wails on guitar and tells great stories. The entire band exudes a positive, pro-active energy that reaches out across boundaries and just grabs you with their fiery blues, beautiful harmonies, and tight-as-nails arrangements. The Laurie Morvan Band won the award for Best Self-Produced CD at the 2010 IBC and they were the subject of a half-hour TV special which aired nationwide. A closely knit group who loves playing together, the LMB has performed at many festivals, special events and juke joints throughout the USA, Canada, Europe and the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. www.LaurieMorvan.com

The New Kings of Rhythm, from the suburbs of Philadelphia, have been active in the local and regional music scene since 1995 with their super funky power. With four albums under their belt, they unite to blend original numbers with covers of genre classics during funked out live sets. Over the years they have developed a working song list of over 300 tunes fusing Funk, Reggae, and Rhythm and blues. Their approach to building a vibe ensures a unique and fresh experience every time they take the stage, quickly making them a fixture on the festival circuit. They will be coming to Memphis with a seven piece Blues battle lineup. Let their groove take over and join the party! www.newkings.com

Lynchburg Virginia’s “The Deanie Blues Band” is one of the most popular Blues bands in Central Virginia.Founding members Dennis”Deanie”Johnson on Vocals/Harp and guitarist Greg Yeager have added a solid foundation with bassist Andy Aeschbacher, drummer Phil “Chilly” Christman and guitarist Gary “Bear” Gilbert. This band brings years of performing experience to the stage, giving audiences the music and grooves that keep them on the dance floor and coming back for more. thedeaniebluesband.com

Big Gene & Danny Lee’s Loud Pack is a refreshing mix of soulful, funky, edgy, rockin’ blues. The band is welcomed by both blues traditionalists and blues rockers with overwhelming appreciation! Like many before him, Big Gene Chandler learned to give his whole heart and soul into his singing in church. After over twenty years performing hip-hop and modern R&B, Gene has focused his talents on the blues. Lead guitarist Danny Lee Michel honed his craft in blues clubs across the Southeast, starting at the ripe old age of eleven. Between Gene’s experience writing and singing modern R&B and Danny Lee’s deep understanding of traditional blues, Loud Pack’s sound is simultaneously authentic and contemporary. loudpack.org

Homegrown in Memphis and raised on the Blues, with numerous credits spanning the globe, the time is right for The Jack Rowell Jr. Band. Jack’s 2012 album with these great players, “Sleeping with the Blues” is being touted as one of the best releases from Memphis in a while. Fresh off the King Biscuit main stage and riding high on the Blues Trail, they spread the Gospel of Blues as they go. Albert King said, “Jack is one bad white boy who can flat sing and play the blues!” For 3 years, his Thursday night jams have been a Memphis happening, drawing musicians and music lovers from everywhere. World Boogie is here with Jack, Doug McMinn, Leo Goff Jr., Mark Ross, Robert Nighthawk Tooms, Bob Horn and Sweet T leading the way. www.jackrowelljr.com

The high-energy JOEL DASILVA & THE MIDNIGHT HOWL performs infectious, crowd-pleasing styles of Blues, South Florida Swamp & Funky Soul throughout Florida and the southeast. Joel DaSilva has the passion and stage presence of a road tested, well-seasoned professional. His guitar grooves stay true to his Chicago upbringing and offers the raw emotion that excites his listeners. With a solid rhythm section of Bob Cleary on bass, Stefano Rotati on drums and Doug Treen on sax and harp, the band tours at major clubs & festivals and creates an experience that ignites passion and love for the Blues. Their self-titled new CD is receiving rave reviews worldwide and is being played on numerous Blues Radio Stations. www.jdandthehowl.com

Blues Redemption Each of the musicians who comprise BLUES REDEMPTION has won numerous accolades and prestigious awards in the Pacific Northwest during their long careers in music. Each has carried a collective revitalization that has brought a seamless, dynamic energy to their playing together. Doug Skoog, (keys/vocals) who played with Chuck Berry and John Lee Hooker; Billy Barner, (drums/vocals) with Karen Lovely Band, Son Jack Jr and the Delta Hothouse ; Joe Hendershot, (bass/vocals) with Wild Honey and Ken Elhard ; and Mark Riley (Guitar/vocals) with Snake Oil, and The Mark Riley Trio. Together, this band brings a fresh, yet strong sense of purpose and enjoyment to blues audiences. bluesredemption.com

Sista Jean has as a diverse a musical pedigree as anyone in the business. Equally adept in the fields of Blues, Americana, Rock, R&B and Jazz, Jean McClain began her illustrious career as a background singer in the studios of Los Angeles; the town where she calls home. One of her high water marks was accompanying the legendary Mick Jagger on the song “Think” for his second solo album. A tremendously positive spirit with an engaging stage presence and a powerful Gospel-laden voice, McClain is just what everyone is looking for in a roots musician… and earthy Goddess with attitude and finesse fronting a super-tight band. We are excited to finally present Sista Jean and her well-oiled Blues Machine to the world.

For over three decades, guitarist and Blues singer Gil Franklin has been a fixture across the Arkansas music scene. Performing mostly original tunes, Franklin’s lyrics speak from the heart while displaying road-weary conviction. For over 20 years, Bassist Jim Harlow and Franklin have maintained a strong musicianship and friendship within the band. Completing the rhythm section of the Gil Franklin Band, Drummer John Roach and fellow Guitarist “ Dangerous Dan” Sokoloski demonstrate a unique and incomparable style to others within the same genre. www.facebook.com/GilFranklinBand

Selwyn Birchwood performs a mixture of earthy Florida blues, paying tribute to the state in which he was born. He is backed by a rock solid rhythm section of Huff Wright on bass and Curtis Nutall on drums, and by Regi Oliver on saxophone. The group tours throughout Florida and the Southeast at major clubs and festivals, spreading its swampy blues sound! www.selwynbirchwood.com

Darren Jack continues to re-ignite Rock ‘n’ Blues fans with his powerhouse Hammond Trio sweeping up five awards at the 2012 Australian Blues Music Awards for his album “Better Place” Jack is a powerful vocalist and guitar player who likes to experiment across genres while retaining his true faith to the Blues. Featuring Sam Boyd on Hammond Organ and Rosscoe Clark on Drums, The Hammond Trio exudes emotion and holds a feel for every note, beat and rhythm. Serving up Gutsy, Soulful Rhythm and Blues this seasoned band displays an obvious fusion and raw energy in each performance. You will sense the enjoyment the band is having performing live. www.darrenjack.com

Tee Dee Young and the band have been performing together for over 20 years. They are a band from out of Lexington, Kentucky. Their dynamic stage presence, exciting harmonies and energy will put you in the mood dancing. Tee Dee has performed with artist such as Alexander O’Neal, Lakeside & Cameo, Average White Band, The Dazz Band. They were also chosen to perform for Sir “Mack” Rice & Eddie Floyed for their 2000 Mustang Sally Tour. What makes Tee Dee Young unique is the style in which he plays the Blues. Young’s playing and singing are authentic to the genre but oblivious to current industry trends. His guitar is a weapon, wielded with total authority, assailing the listener with his sheer virtuosity! www.reverbnation.com/teedeeyoung

HowellDevine is the kind of blues you don’t hear anymore. The raw slide guitar played by Joshua Howell evokes the Mississippi Hill Country greats such as Fred McDowell and RL Burnside. The rhythm section of drummer and percussionist Pete Devine, along with the bass of Joe Kyle Jr., breaks from the norm in blues, providing rich and complex textures integral to the music rather than a simple backing section for a soloist. The result is a sound which stands in stark contrast to the typical blues heard in bars these days and would more likely be shaking the floors of a Southern juke joint some 70 years ago. HowellDevine brings life back to that sound, infusing the gritty, rural blues with their own unique style.  www.howelldevine.com/

Hailing from the top of Blues Highway 61 Tracy K has been known to level the joint with her Joplinesque vocals and killer blues harp! Blessed with a voice that combines sandpapery roughness with extraordinary power she proves to be an exceptionally expressive singer. Tracy K’s talents boast seven music awards and three albums. One review says her musical arrangements recall Bonnie Raitt, Delbert McClinton and traditional blues. Tracy K & Blue Thunder love to rock the house and fill dance floors. “An impressive harmonica player with a voice that commands your attention. Add her songwriting and onstage charisma and you’ve got someone special.” – www.canadianblues.ca www.tracyk.ca

The Josh Vowell Band, or JVB as they are referred to in their home state of Kansas, is rooted firmly in the blues while bringing their own distinct sound to their fans. The mixture of bluesy goodness from Chicago, Memphis, Texas and the swampland lends itself well with JVB’s Kansas dirt road flavor for a great recipe of musical personality and sound. Working with Josh to generate the energy on stage are Justin ‘J’ Shelton, Mark Toelkes, and David Spritzer. The charming ‘J’ grabs your very soul with his Delta-style harp playing. Mark’s vast musical experience provides exceptional background vocals and bass. David lays down the beat and lights up the stage with his contagious smile and personality. www.joshvowellband.com

They call him Shrimp Daddy and he plays the Blues. Michael ‘Shrimp Daddy Reid’ is the winner of the 2011 MAPLE BLUES AWARD for “NEW ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR” and was nominated for the 2011 CANADIAN INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS FOR “BLUES ARTIST/GROUP OF THE YEAR”. His deep powerful vocals and soulful harmonica, supported by his hard playing band The Sharpshooters, will whisk you from the juke joints of Mississippi, to the hard edge blues clubs of Chicago, and leave you swinging and jumping west coast style. Inspired by the music of Little Walter, Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf & Muddy Waters, and his personal favorite, William Clarke, Michael “Shrimp Daddy” Reid is a must hear!
www.shrimpdaddyreid.com

Rhonda Robichaux Band performs in North Carolina’s Triangle area of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Their innovative SwampySultrySpicy vamp on blues, jazz, funk, classics and originals conjures up an engaging atmosphere of smoky cool from slow and gritty to uptempo dance grooves. Rhonda Robichaux captivates with raw intimacy, tapping into her New Orleans roots with haunting vocals, intriguing guitar, and soul-bearing originals . Jason Barker’s fiery jazz/blues guitar leads, Joel Sugarman’s funkified bass groove, and Kevin Johnson’s dynamic jazz/rock drum beats command an undeniably engaging music experience. Their impassioned sound has gained them a growing fan base in the Triangle area. www.reverbnation.com/rhondarobichaux

An IBC must see. Smith has crafted his own irresistible original songs and colorful stage show. His expressive showmanship and varied musical influences have endeared Smith to fans all over the globe. He keeps the crowd on its feet with eyes glued to the stage, a bluesman to the core. Smith’s music can be heard on Movie soundtracks as well as numerous TV commercials, and he has appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. His snarlin’ guitar sound blends with his screamin’ harmonica work to produce a raw, soulful treat for any music lover. In addition to his guitar, harmonica and vocal work, Preston soars over the solid backbeat set by the tightly wound rhythm section of the Crocodiles. www.myspace.com/prestonsmithmusic

Emerging from a dynamic, top-performing family Gospel group, Mr. Sipp and Kin Folk is a newly organized smokin’ hot Blues band. Lead by guitarist and vocalist Castro Coleman, members include cousins Lance Cain on keys, Olushola Smith on bass guitar, and Sidney Allen on drums. Playing music most of his life, Coleman’s professional career spans 18 years, appearing with The Williams Brothers for 10 years. Writing, producing, and performing, Coleman has appeared on national TV and toured internationally, including Russia in 2010. Coleman and his family showcase larger than life Blues and Gospel talent to audiences around the globe. With electrifying energy, skill and passion, Mr. Sipp and Kin Folk nail it!

Jonathon “Boogie” Long was crowned the 2011 Guitar Center “King of the Blues” for best undiscovered blues guitarist in America. It has been said that his band, The Blues Revolution, consisting of Boogie Long (24) on guitar and vocals, Jason Corley (27) on drums, and Chris Roberts (17) on bass, is a must hear for anyone coming to Baton Rouge or surrounding areas. You can expect original heartfelt lyrics, smooth vocals, and soul piercing guitar licks coming from a man who was given a gift for the blues. www.jonathonboogielong.com

Sammy Eubanks was born and raised in California, but moved to Idaho as a teen. His early blues influences included his father, Jessie James Eubanks, BB King, Ray Charles, Steppenwolf and Eric Clapton. Sammy spent his 20s as a rocker, but was bitten hard by the blues bug with a side of country soul. Known as “The Voice,” Sammy’s won a number of Blues awards as a vocalist in the Pacific Northwest. Sammy tours with a mighty engine room of Michael Hays on drums and Dale Lewis on bass. Unlike many power trios plying the bluesman’s trade, each member of the band can play with the best of them. They might be from a small town in the upper left hand corner of the Lower 48, but the Sammy Eubanks’ sound is unmistakably world-class. www.sammyeubankslive.com

Mojo Theory is based in Columbus Ohio and proudly represents the West Virginia Blues Society. Formed in 2006 Mojo Theory consists of David Warnock (Guitar) CJ Justus (Bass) Todd Mollette (Drums) Jeffery Morris (Keyboards) & Mark Richards (Vocals). Mojo Theory is not a typical blues band; their unique sound and style attracts the young novice listener while retaining the blues enthusiast. If it’s the 30′s – 60′s traditional sound you prefer, or the progressive blues of the 21st Century; this five piece ensemble can move to and from both extremes with shocking ease, truly an impressive feat. This all original band is quite exciting to watch and unwittingly becoming a template for the blues of the future. mojotheory.com

Hailing from the ‘Left Coast’ of Canada, Poppa Dawg and his band present the blues with a unique, tongue-in-cheek view and a deep and respectful appreciation of the music. The band’s sound moves from the slinky grooves of New Orleans to the down and dirty rawness of Chicago and all points in-between! Gritty and dynamic, they take the music from rushing peaks to hushing lows and then Poppa Dawg steps back from the mic to spread the news! “Power, style, tone, feel, and ENERGY are the ingredients that make Poppa Dawg a force to be reckoned with” – JW-Jones www.poppadawg.com

For the past ten years, Singer/Song-Writer and Blues Veteran Byford “Butch” Landry and his blues band, Kool Kat Daddy, have been packing nightclubs from New Orleans to Chicago. Drawing its inspiration from revered masters of American blues tradition, Kool Kat Daddy is a hard-hitting, soul-grabbing blues band that is fusing the best of the old with a new, aggressive and original, super-funky style of blues that is attracting enthusiasts of all ages. The band plays original songs that sound old and new at the same time as well as funky dead-on renditions of the best blues songs from the past. Kool Kat Daddy is expanding public awareness and appreciation for the Blues Art-Form as it continues to evolve. www.facebook.com/pages/KOOL-KAT-Daddy-BAND/3764061257

Kevin Purcell is a performer on the Chicago blues scene and for 30 years has entertained audiences in the Midwest from local venues to festivals to the concert stage. His high energy vocal and harmonica style has captivated crowds time after time. Raised in Chicago, he was heavily influenced by local blues artists ranging from Paul Butterfield to James Cotton. In 2002, Kevin added the fiddle into his music in the person of Andy Ohlrich. Andy’s virtuosity coupled with Kevin’s harp adds a dynamic element to their sound that is unique and rare in the blues idiom. Add the searing guitar of Don Laferty, the fiery Bill LeClair on keys and the rhythm of Tony Root on bass and Pete Kruse on skins, and you have a stunning show. www.nightburners.com

JShogren Shanghai’D play original hard acoustic music that people can dance to—what they call Wyoming mountain blues. Their style is a modern interpretation of traditional roots music; an amalgamation of blues, old timey, country/western, jazz, vaudeville, rockabilly roll, ballads, and polka. Their varied sound has a rawness and vitality reminiscent of 1920-40s blues and dancehall music (e.g., C Patton, H Armstrong, Y Rachel) as filtered through an contemporary dissonant lens (e.g., Wilco, T Waits). Three elements in their music/concerts capture anyone with an ear for red, hot, and blue emotions: men & women, humor & tragedy, tension & release. They have fun too.
www.jshogren.com

Kennesaw, Georgia based guitarist, singer and songwriter Little G Weevil (born in 1977) started out as a drummer and began playing the guitar at 17 under the influence of John Lee Hooker. This high energy but laid-back performer sings his heart out, picks his guitar as if he just were “struck by lightning” and tells his real life stories in a very amazing way. The former Beale Street dish boy with two self-released albums under his belt has taken his original music to fourteen countries. “As Delta as the rolling fields outside of Como and as homebrewed as the sounds of Holly Springs…” says Blues Revue. www.littlegweevil.net/fr_news.cfm

Abi Wallenstein & Martin Roettger Abi is called the “living legend” of the European blues scene. Throughout forty years on stage Abi developed a characteristic guitar style which combines rhythmic blues lines with chords and melody lines. There is a swinging groove, which makes you forget about normal rhythm sections. Martin is one of the European pioneers of the cajon. His minimalistic equipment, his driving beats and infectious enthusiasm play a vital role in propelling Abi’s gripping and eminently Traditional & Memphis Blues. Their unique combination of energy, virtuosity and conviction has since made them one of the exciting acts of performing in Europe today.(German Blues Award 2011, 2012) www.abiwallenstein.de

The Suitcase Brothers are the most respected and admired duo in the blues scene in Spain, after playing together for 13 years. They are also well known for doing a nice rendition of the duo Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, who are a big inspiration for them. Their shows are a fun experience for everyone, either those who love the blues, or people who discover this music for the first time. Santos Puertas was born on W.C Handy’s birthday. He has a soulful voice and loves playing fingerpicking and electric guitar. Victor Puertas, was born on Sonny Terry’s birthday. He plays harmonica with deep emotion and sensibility and is one of the top five favourites in Jerry Portnoy’s, Annie Raines and Joe Filisko’s list. www.suitcasebrothers.com

Sean Farley returns to Beale Street for the 2013 IBC! Competing twice before in the band division, his last visit was suddenly hindered by major reconstructive surgery of his left thumb. Farley still managed to compete while casted. This time means redemption! He has since traveled across the country to become a certified Luthier, handcrafting his own guitars, specifically for his blues. With his guitar skills, soulful voice and raw emotion on stage, Farley is a force to be heard. His dynamic blend of delta, rock, funk and soul blues will entertain and impress. Sean Farley is professionally seasoned, nationally toured, determined and Memphis-bound! www.seanfarleymusic.com

Ben Miller is a 63 year old singer/ songwriter/ guitarist was born in Seattle, Washington. He was an Army brat for the first 15 years of his life. Living in a series of homes throughout the midwest and the south, he was exposed to many styles of music. At 17, he added guitar playing and singing to his drumming skills. At 19, he was pretending to attend the U of Chicago, wheb he began to play with Howling Wolf’s band as a backup drummer. HeThis got him gigs with Hound Dog Taylor, and a wealth of folk artists that became famous. After the death of Mr. Burnett, Ben went to KU to teach. He continued to play fine biker drinking establishments around the MidWest. He moved to Toledo in 1988.

Josh “The Pitbull of Blues” Rowand is a Florida guitarist who first appeared on the blues scene at age 12. Now at age 29, is an electrifying master of his guitar. He shows just how a guitar wants to be played with his energized soulful rendition of the blues. Josh allows the guitar to come alive and speak to his audience. It has been said that Josh is a “Silent Conductor” and he demonstrates this while on stage with only his guitar or while performing with his band “The Pitbull of Blues Band”. Known for a fun high energy stage show mixing electric & acoustic with his impressive slide guitar work he lays down his own breed of blues. Josh is a performer, a guitarist, a song writer. Josh Rowand is a true artist and entertainer. www.thepitbullofblues.com

Tim Griffin is a Blues sensation from South-East Queensland, Australia. He is a truly first-rate performer and showman. His debut album, Castle Hill Blues, was released in 2013 through Black Market Music. He is considered by his peers as being one of the finest vocalists of his generation and is capable of moving an audience to tears with his emotional performances. A proud Queenslander, Tim is looking to bring the trophy back to Australia but is also honoured and humbled to be part of this prestigous event. To quote Tim in a recent interview, “The Blues is pure joy! It is the release of a burden and the great healer of the soul.”. www.facebook.com/pages/Tim-Griffin-Blues/14535072225

Ben Powell makes his way through this world like a one man band of years past, but with a fresh, new, vibrant sound. Ben has created a truley unique sound playing his resonator guitars, stomping on a homemade winebox footboard, playing rack-harmonica, and singing his old style blues and his original tunes. Ben’s show’s are high energy, uplifting and should not be missed! Ben Powell has made north county San Diego his home since 1991. Though he occasionally works in a duo, trio or small band situation for the last 10 years Ben has been making a name for himself as a riveting live performer as well as a slide guitar virtuoso. www.benpowellmusic.com

John “JT” Thompson and Andy Tolins have been playing together since JT was invited to join the Triple A Blues Band (winner of Billboard’s Best Unsigned Band Contest), a group Tolins founded in the early ‘90s. Thompson’s Bluesy tenor voice and Swing/Boogie piano chops, developed during 20+ years touring the Deep South, prove a fitting counterpoint to Tolins’ rich baritone vocals and masterful Delta/Soul guitar playing, honed from seeing many of his idols (Muddy Waters, Roy Buchanan, Doc Watson) first-hand while growing up and jamming in Philadelphia Jazz and Soul clubs. In 2011 Thompson came to the IBC as a soloist, making it into the Finals. Together this time, JT & AT hope for the same success in 2013. www.jtblues.com

JoE Fingas is a piano playin’ man. His specialties are house rockin’ music and deep, “explosive” blues. On the Northwest Florida music scene since 1993, JoE is considered a “local legend.” JoE has shared the stage with Bo Diddly, Rick Derringer, Guitar Crusher, Hans McMiniman and The DizzyJuke Band (feat. J.B. Lawson). JoE was a member of The Pat Pritchard Group when they represented The Blues Society of North West Florida at the 2011 International Blues Challenge held in Memphis, TN. He was BSNWF’s solo/duo entrant at 2012 IBC. And he returns to the IBC 2013 as his Affiliate’s solo/duo representative. JoE Fingas says, “I came to play. I’ll play all night. I’ll play all day.”
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Born in Canton, Ohio , singer Norman Jackson was Raised in Chicago, Illinois and Detroit, Michigan where he was baptized in The Great Lakes of Gospel, & Rhythm and Blues. For more than fifteen years Norman toured the Gospel circuit.Real Blues and a Real Blues man with the lowest lows and the highest highs, Norman’s vocals sound simply heavenly, and the soul and rhythm of his guitar cut tenderly through to your soul. Norman Jackson truly knows and understands the blues because he has lived it down to the bone. Today he calls Springfield, Missouri his home where he is a beloved talent and service member of the community. www.facebook.com/normanjacksonblues

Wink Burcham is a songwriter from Tulsa, Oklahoma and is an integral part of the “New Tulsa Sound.” Performing a style that easily slips between old-fashioned country, grass-roots folk, and piedmont style blues, it’s easy to understand his appeal.  Wink can be described as an “old soul” and his song craft belies his age. With a genuine reverence for the past, his songs are the stories of his life.  Wink has a knack for writing witty, heartfelt songs that immediately pull the listener into his stories, ala John Prine, John Lee Hooker, Townes Van Zandt, or even Lightin’ Hopkins. His personable demeanor and dynamic live performance is not to be missed.  Catch him on tour throughout Oklahoma and the Midwest. www.winkburcham.com

This duo has been performing together for a number of years. They have been dupped”the dynamic duo” of the blues! They perform in the western and central pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia areas in major blues festivals,local, and regional venues. Also, they perform for the veterans, cancer, and autism awareness. Greg, or “Gman” as the fans have dupped him, plays acoustic and electric blues guitar using his unique ability to play slide guitar. Miss Freddye has the old traditional blues style of singing. “That Kinda Woman” 2010 CD has had airplay thru out the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, France, and Germany. Their next CD, “Fix ya fine” will featured their best work, out 2013! www.facebook.com/missfreddye

“Charles River Delta Blues y’all!” Think vintage Memphis Minnie, but with Ms. Harpe’s modern sensibility – honed playing 1000+ gigs with her dance band, Lovewhip. Add Richard “Rosy” Rosenblatt’s harp playing – ranging from old time Sonny Terry-style, to searing and electrified harp a la Little Walter. He’s been on both sides of the industry as a label guy and an experienced blues player; she has grown up with the blues, taught by her dad, DC bluesman Neil Harpe. Hailing from Boston, they also perform together in the band Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers, who were 2011 IBC semi-finalists. Erin and Rosy will get you moving with original and classic delta tunes! www.erinharpe.com

David Kimbrough Jr. was born on both the 3rd and the 4th of January in 1965. He lived with his mother Magnolia Malone and father Junior Kimbrough in Holly Springs, Mississippi, right down the road from Junior’s birthplace, Hudsonville. David remembers singing for the first time with his daddy in front of a crowd at age six. Over the next forty years David developed his own sound. A natural showman, musician, and songwriter, he delivers original blues into a dynamic performance that engages every audience. David is a genuine bluesman from birth to stage. He carries on his family tradition on by creating music as it has never been heard before and bringing it to the people honestly.

Rick Tobey’s Chickenhead Blues Band won the 2007 Cape Fear Blues Society Blues Challenge. Ricky T won the 2009 Cape Fear Blues Society Solo Blues Challenge, the 2010 Triangle Blues Society Solo Blues Challenge, and this year’s Cape Fear Blues Society Solo Blues Challenge. “CHICKENHEAD BLUES” was declared to be “one of the best sounding, well produced blues CDs ever recorded!” His new CD “CALICO MAGIC” is a current contender in the current Best Self-Produced CD contest. Electrically he has always been a Gibson Man; this year he finally bought himself an American Standard Stratocaster and this has sparked a whole new creative direction. For a new, original take on the blues you have got to check him out! chickenheadblues.com/

Mike Eyia has a saucy and debonair flare as a band leader of his 10 piece Latin Orchestra. Combined with Twyla Birdsong’s captivating and flirty personality, they have been described as the Ricky Ricardo and Lucy of the Blues. Mike’s fast and melodic acoustic finger playing style heavily represents his Cuban heritage. He skillfully infuses it with the Blues into a sound that is recognizeable as his very own. Twyla’s powerful and sensual vocals have been known to bring audiences to standing ovations and at times, to heart felt tears. Together, they have developed a show that expresses what the Blues truly is: “A melodic story that tells the good, the bad, and all there is in between. twylabirdsong.com

Holly & Evan live for the blues. Both from rich musical backgrounds, Holly Taormina and Evan Conway have updated the tradition of the Barrelhouse with their unique style. Holly’s songwriting comes from a lifetime of listening to, and reading about, the blues. Original songs, such as “Parchman Prison” and “Satisfied,” were inspired by the hardship endured by many of the Mississippi blues greats. These songs, among others, have been featured on Upstate New York and Massachusetts radio stations in live interviews and studio recordings. In their three years together, Holly & Evan have been in high demand at local venues, and their style has attracted the attention of many of Upstate New York’s finest players. www.hollyandevan.com

Madman Sam firmly believes that while standing at any crossroads you should always choose the craziest path. That’s why, after twenty years of being a solo-acoustic delta blues act, he traded in his Dobro for a hollow-body electric and the sweet smell of over-driven amp tubes. It was time to create new blues for a new generation of music fans. The only thing missing was a drummer as crazy as him – a role easily filled by Jeff “Drummerboy” Hayes. The Muddy Sons deliver intense performances of their own brand of music aimed at attracting new audiences to the blues. But, while heavily influenced by the traditional blues of the past, they are not here to give a history lesson. This is raw hard-blues for generation NOW! www.muddysons.com

Chris Yakopcic (am I pronouncing that right!?) was first inspired by the great Delta and Piedmont players that were able to approximate the sound of a band by finger picking an acoustic guitar. With a voice carried by similar acoustic techniques, Chris Yakopcic is determined to show that original songs based on traditional styles have not lost the potential to entertain in a modern blues environment. He is driven by all blues songwriters and innovators that have cultivated the genre from Blind Blake, Robert Johnson, and Kokomo Arnold, to Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, and Sir Mack Rice. www.chrisyakopcicmusic.com/

Clevelander Bob Frank has been performing Blues and traditional music since the age of fourteen. For the past 17 years he has been the guitarist with Blue Lunch who. performed at the IBC in 2010. Bob works through Young Audiences, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Education Department, and other arts organizations performing traditional American music programs and workshops for children. He has done over 3000 of these programs in schools throughout the United States. This is his second trip to the IBC, his first as a solo performer. In a recent cd review, Vintage Guitar Magazine said, “Frank is a first rate songwriter and a champion guitar player.” bluelunch.com

Jack Yoder began playing guitar when he was 14. Cutting a piece of copper pipe to emulate the sounds he heard from the greats like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and Skip James. He grew up and traveled and learned from some of the greatest unknown (unrecognized) blues players from all over the U.S. New Orleans became his spiritual home where he considers himself as having “walked in a guitarist and walked out a musician”. It was in The Crescent City that he began seriously crafting his own voice and performed regularly as a solo act. Jack now makes his home in Golden,CO where he plays solo shows and also fronts the band, Jack Yoder & The 2 Piece Suit. He is proud and honored to represent the Colorado Blues Society. www.jackyoder.com

Previously a semi-finalist at the 2011 International Blues Challenge, this year marks Micah’s third performance at the IBC. Completely self-taught, and well-known for his powerful, dynamic vocals, carefully crafted acoustic slide guitar, and unique blend of delta and country blues, which he calls ‘Appalachia blues’, Kesselring relentlessly puts everything he has into each and every performance. Hailing from the backwoods of a small town in southeastern Ohio, Micah Kesselring is proud and excited to represent the city of Columbus at this year’s International Blues Challenge. www.micahkesselring.com/

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, 25-year-old Steve Balkun is an exciting young talent in the blues world. With tremendous respect of past traditions and passion for forging a new voice for the future, Steve has developed a dynamic style that is all his own. Steve delivers creative sets that include plenty of fiery slide guitar, strong vocals and refreshing originality. A singer, songwriter, guitar slinger and entertainer, Steve is also a professional luthier and plays his own handmade instruments that further add to his unique sound. Playing hundreds of shows in all corners of the northeast and across the country, Steve captivates audiences with his thrilling guitar playing and emotional performances. www.balkunmusic.com

Teo Anicic was born on the 4th of June in 1980. in the city of Split, Republic of Croatia in Europe. As a kid he was interested in things most kids are, but somewhere around 1995, Teo heard The Rolling Stones, J. J. Cale and a few others, and life was never the same after that. From then on he spent last 15 years exploring and playing all kinds of black music from blues through reggae to afrobeat. In his own original material which is musically laid back and steeped in country and folk as it is in the blues, you will hear about themes and motifs from modern era and with his interpretations of the past, you will see that it is actually all connected and has no intention of stopping. Teo is just the next in line.

Dave Muskett is a singer, songwriter and vintage finger-style blues guitarist. Dave has been honing his guitar skills for more than twenty years playing a wide variety of instruments and genres but found his true place playing the blues. His acoustic act has been referred to as a stimulating and cerebral experience, blending the slide guitar of the Delta with blues-rock lead guitar licks and the intricate ragtime-based fingerpicking of the Piedmont style blues. Dave’s original songs range from fun, up-tempo numbers to pieces with moody and soulful overtones that put the listener in mind of the deep and dark origins of the blues. www.muskettmusic.com

Brown Bottle Fever is a two-piece stomp blues act comprised of Zach Pemberton (harmonica, vocals) and Billy Skelton (guitar, stomp- box, vocals). The two have been traveling the Midwest, West and Southern regions since 2008 with their unique brand of blues. With live shows that can be described as an electrified whiskey soaked punch to the chest, the duo blasts crowds with energy and charisma. Skelton’s stomp-box and guitar blends delta slide with pulsating rhythmic hard-driving precision, while Pemberton’s soulful voice and eerie storytelling combine with a harmonica style all his own. 2013 begins a full year of touring and promotion of their first full length album “Dangerous Combination.” www.BrownBottleFever.com

Willie has performed at venues from Key West to Canada. Whether on Delta-style bottleneck slide steel, 6 and 12-string acoustic, cigar box, diddly bow, or electric guitars, ukulele, harmonica, or keyboards, either solo as a “one-man-band” or as “Sweet Willie and the Tea Bones”, his shows are guaranteed crowd pleasers. Willie’s roots are in the hills of northern lower Michigan, home to Amish communities and farmers who migrated to the city for jobs at the new horseless-carriage factories early in the 20th century. Willie’s grandparents settled in that icon of today’s great depression: Flint, Michigan, the newest home of the blues! www.cidyzoo.com/willie.htm

Nominated for a Dutch Blues Award in the category Best Vocalist, Robbert Fossen is a mainstay in the Dutch scene. The front man with bands such as A Crossroads Deal and The Robbert Fossen Blues Band, he has toured with the blues musicians John Primer, Tail Dragger, Chick Rodgers, Nick Holt, Charles Hayes, T Model Ford and Willie Kent. In November 2012 he filled in on tour for his hero Magic Slim due to illness. Peter Struijk met Fossen when he invited Fossen to play on Struijk’s debut album “Human Ways”. He often tours in the U.S. and Europe with the legendary Chicago blues vocalist Tail Dagger. Struijk works as an independent musician, teacher and producer and runs his own record label ‘Blue Shine Records. www.chicagoblues.nl

Maple Blues Award nominee Graham Guest is a young veteran of numerous music projects. A pianist, singer, songwriter, producer and radio host; he started out playing as a sideman with some of the world’s top blues musicians. Graham recently released his long awaited CD entitled “Relief”. Featuring a collection of original songs, it charted on CKUA radio and is a hybrid of urban styles veering in and out of blues yet always rooted in the form. For Graham, sometimes throwing down boogie-woogie piano is the feeling for the day, and sometimes making a very personal connection with the audience by singing one of his own songs is the way to go; but the bottom line is finding the music and groove in the moment. facebook/grahamguestmusic

MARK ALBERTSON (Guitar/Vocals) Born in 1964 & raised in Ft. Smith, AR; Mark has long been considered to be a well rounded, soulful player adding a distinct sound with his guitar to any band he plays with. His rich, southern, soulful blues vocals obviously pull from deep within his heart. WANDA WATSON (Vocals) Born in 1960 & raised in Tulsa, OK; Wanda’s raspy voice & soul singing has the best of two worlds, the rawness of a natural born blues singer with a colorful past & the polish of a mature talent that delivers every time. After 20+ yrs. of playing music together in different bands, MARK & WANDA have joined forces as a duo to blend their talents & love for music together again in a soulful DISCOMBOBULATED BLUES style. wandawatsonband.com

Olivier Gotti is well travelled and, by playing bars worldwide, has learnt the humility of those who are seen but not listened to. So he has gained experience and confidence. From these wanderings, he brought back a taste for the Blues and his guitar position, the lapsteel. Since his return to France, he’s been busking in the city he lives in, Aix. He owes to the streets encounters with people who have been supporting him since. During the summer of 2011, he travelled to several blues festivals in a truck and literally played at their doors. 2012 is his first touring year, playing the most prestigious Blues festivals in France and Canada as well as non exclusively blues stages where he gets warm welcomes. www.oliviergotti.com/

As the official Doctor of Blues, Doc Mock has taught many of the greats their best licks. Charley Patton, Blind Blake, Robert Johnson, Muddy, the three Kings, Eric, and SRV, just to name a few. Oh, wait, that’s not right!! Mock has tried to learn from those guys!! But no doubt he is old!! Alan “Doc” Mock has been performing with stringed instruments for nearly 40 years. In 2000, Mock joined the acoustic blues band, the Water Street Hot Shots, a 2010 IBC semi-finalist. His sparkling mandolin picking quickly became a key ingredient in the band’s high-spirited repertoire. Most recently, Doc Mock has moved out into solo blues – playing original compositions of electric blues with an acoustic panache. www.docmockblues.com/

Let’s go back in time to Bob Dylan circa 1962, a young man steeped in confidence with an unrelenting passion to be unique and successful in his endeavours. Now some 50 years later Brendan J. Stephens makes his mark with his debut recording, Ragged. Brendan has taken a step back in time and written with the maturity of a well traveled, weather beaten, train traveling hobo of days gone by. His approach to musical creation and song selection would not have been so unique amongst the thousands of protest and folk singers of days gone by but in today’s colourful world it is extremely refreshing to hear a young man interpret our modern day through black & white glasses. brendanjstephens.bandcamp.com

Born in Kansas City, Howard discovered barrelhouse blues in Minneapolis in the 60’s where his driving 12-string guitar style with a powerful bass line and intricate finger picking, led a fellow performer to tag him with the moniker “Poor Howard”, after the Leadbelly song. For over forty years he has been performing delta blues across the U.S.,in Europe and Japan. “Poor Howard has an uncanny way of singing classic blues tunes as if their hard-luck stories were happening today. In his care, old songs never seem old, but timeless, personal, pulsing with knowable human emotions. His own songs nestle beside them as if they all grew up together.” -Scott Alarik, Boston Globe www.poorhowardstith.com/

Regarded as one of Canada’s finest finger-style blues guitarists, Rick Taylor brings a high level of energy to the stage. A 40 plus year veteran of the guitar, Rick cut his teeth on early Delta and Chicago Blues. He has been a featured performer on numerous TV and radio shows, main stage festivals, concert halls and clubs. Rick is the recipient of the Jimmy Lewis “Life Time of the Blues Award”, as well as 2 time winner of The Great Lakes Blues Society “Road To Memphis” competition. With 3 solo CD’s to his credit, Rick’s 2010 release “Lucky Room” garnered numerous international rave reviews, received heavy airplay,and charted for over 75 weeks on Roots Music Report Blues, peaking at #10 in USA and at #3 in Canada. www.ricktaylormusic.com

Johnny and Dwight have spent years along the Gulf Coast playing their unique blend of Blues and Rock. Their tunes range from soulful, well-written ballads to guitar driven Southern boogie, all guaranteed to set a mood of good times, while grabbing you in the gut when you least expect it. Dwight is one of the Gulf Coast’s premier guitar players, having played with most everyone within the society, well earning the coveted name of” Captain Tone”. Johnny began writing at a very early age and continues to be one of the most favorite singer-songwriter‘s along the Gulf Coast. Johnny and Dwight are regular performers at the world famous Flora Bama Lounge in Perdido Key, Florida. You do not want to miss this duo! JohnnyBarbato.com

Multi-award winning Canadian singer-songwriter Thom Swift has been lauded across Canada for his distinctive roots-blues blend, marked by sophisticated guitar playing, earthy baritone and textured lyrics. With 12 albums to his credit, both solo and with acclaimed jazz-blues trio Hot Toddy, Swift has won several East Coast Music Awards, Music Nova Scotia Awards and a coveted Canadian Maple Blues Award. He was also selected by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation as one of the country’s top songwriters, penning a song for the “Great Canadian Song Quest”. Thom Swift’s engaging songwriting and performance style will takes listeners into the realm of authentic roots-blues, masterfully done. www.thomswift.com

When John Egan shouts the blues, he’s hard to miss. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Egan has made three records that don’t lend themselves to easy categorization. He fits somewhere on an power blues arc that includes Jimi Hendrix and Chris Whitley, artists who put a powder keg under the venerable genre. Egan shares with Whitley a sometimes-studied, sometimes-stormy way with the resonator. On his lastest project “Phantoms” Egan bangs, stomps and howls a rocking blues that will leave his audience coming back for more. www.thejohnegan.com

Entertaining, eye-catching, soulful, and energetic are just a few words that can be used to explain Robert Sampson’s brand of Blues. Born legally blind, and in poverty, Robert uses his pain and struggle from his past to fuel the power and emotion behind his performances. A pianist, organist, drummer, bassist, harp player, and singer, Robert has many tools at his disposal to awe and wow a crowd. So sit back, and enjoy what this amazing Bluesman has to bring to the table. icbluesclub.org

Doug & Tre Dillman are a versatile singer/songwriter Duo steeped in the blues that have been composing and performing since 2005. Doug & Tre’ were both influenced by the blues at an early age with influences from Etta James to the Rolling Stones and have been singing and performing ever since. Their collective efforts have produced two cd’s “Wire,Wood & Melody” and “Blues,Blood & Soul”. Between Doug’s raspy vocals and picking style along with Tre’s soulful vocals they create a “raise the roof to down home” party atmosphere with their variety of styles. Some old, new and definitely Da Blues !

Matt Woods is both a native Iowa and a purveyor of its unique blues tradition. As a seasoned performer of many local, regional and national clubs and venues, Matt has developed a distinct style while still staying loyal to his blues roots. Versed in traditional delta, hill country and urban electric blues, his biggest influences include the likes of: Son House, Fred McDowell, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and R.L. Burnside, among others.
www.mattwoodsmusic.com

In 1958, At the age of 6, Mickey’s father brings home a Victrola and two records: one by Little Richard and one by Jerry Lee Lewis. Earl Palmer’s drumming on both records started the fire in Mickey’s soul. At the age of 12, Mickey, AKA Kidd Cain, was already out playing 5 times a week. In 1968 Mickey landed in Toronto, Canada, listening to the greats and playing in bar bands for 10 years, then moving back to reside in Israel. Over the years, Mickey’s soulful involvement can be found on 289 albums, and he has been writing, playing, singing and arranging the Blues for the last 30 years. Representing his country in the International Blues Challenge 2013 proves that dreams do come true!

Blending soulful blues guitar with hard-drivin’ Boogie piano may not be original, but this super-duo will make you feel as if you’re hearing it for the first time. Brandon Hudspeth (guitar) and Mike “Shinetop, Jr.” Sedovic (piano) decided to collaborate only just last year, and the results are astounding. Playing a wide array of styles, they masterfully incorporate East Coast, West Coast, Chicago, and Traditional Blues into every show. Shinetop’s vocals can be described as “somewhere between Percy Mayfield and Johnny Cash”, and seem to change with every song. These two will definitely raise some eyebrows. www.facebook.com/ShinetopNHudspeth

Forty Eight years and still unknown, Joe Debow was born in Louisville Kentucky to a gospel family and was brought up on gospel and blues. Joe’s early influences started with his mother, a singer and his dad, who played in a band. In the 1950′s he listened to the radio and heard Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. Joe developed his singing range and style with much sacrifice and lots of sweat and dedication to his craft. He has made his living playing and singing music. Danny Henderson, a native of Louisville Kentucky started playing the guitar at 13. He was introduced to the blues at 15. Years later he took classical music lessons and honed his style by playing in several local bands. Danny teaches guitar at the Guitar Emporium. www.JoeDebow.com

Playing guitar since age 13, Randy Colvin cites as early influences B.B. King, T-Bone Walker, Johnny Winter, Dickie Betts and more recently Ronnie Earl, Anson Funderburgh and Tommy Castro. After playing in numerous bands since the early 70′s including shows at the legendary Club 68 in Lebanon, Kentucky, Colvin formed One Shot Johnny in 1997, a band which continues to play the Kentuckiana region and has performed at the W.C. Handy Festival, Madison Ribberfest and Louisville Blues & Barbecue Festival. Randy has written and recorded 36 songs with his band and their most recent studio record “Times Like These” went to the semi-finals at IBC in 2010 as an entry in the “Best Self-Produced CD” category. myspace.com/oneshotjohnny

The Ozark Mountain Oysters is comprised of two individuals that have a diverse musical background. John “Johnny G” Gibble, is no stranger to the blues. Before settling in the midwest, the Ohio native toured with, and fronted bands on the east coast,playing trumpet, percussion, and vocals. John “Johnny” Evans, born 1953 in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, moved to Missouri at a young age.As a teenager in the 1960′s, he played clubs along Route 66, from Fort Leonard Wood, to Kansas City. He started writing songs using life’s valuable lessons. Soulful, funky, raucous, blues, peppered with lyrics that have been fermenting for decades well describes this road tempered pair. www.facebook.com/ozark mountain oysters

April Mae and Catfish’s musical mantra exclaims “Roots Baby Roots!” These Happy To Have The Blues Award recipients; April Mae (vocalist – washboard percussionist) along with Dave “Catfish” Fecca (cigar box guitar) create music deeply rooted in blues and Americana delivered with a vintage vibe and sassy grit- it’s all about the boogie! While garnering an impressive list of professional accolades, these Memphis loving traveling musicians recently recorded at Sun Studios while on tour in support of their new release Boogie. Performing from the east coast to Lafayette in their innovative bio diesel Boogie Bus, redesigned in 1940’s whimsy and running on used vegetable oil. Grease it up baby – here they come! www.AprilMae.com

Founder of the Long Island based Frank Latorre and the Kingbee’s, Frank is stepping out as a solo act, combining his haunting harmonica and vocals with a guitar to bring his style of blues to Memphis. Frank is no stranger to the IBC, he embraces the honor to represent the Long Island Blues Society and take care of unfinished business in Memphis. www.franklatorre.com

The word “authentic” is certainly a tired adjective in the Blues world. Well, John Bull and Sheffield Walker are authentic – in the most meaningful sense of the word. Their guitar/harp duo sound is classic and evocative, but their music is not a sterile and clichéd homage to Blues greats of the past.They play in the moment, with intensity tempered by wisdom – taking their time, wringing every ounce of emotion from every note. Their sound is not contrived, it’s organic – a diary of decades spent traveling their state of Alabama and the southeast, playing swanky restaurants and raunchy juke joints, big festivals and county fairs. facebook.com/johnbullbandal

Satoru Nakagawa is a Japanese born blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. At seventeen, he bought John Lee Hooker’s album, recalling it as the hardest sound he had heard. After high school, he left home and began his journey searching for the roots of American sounds in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He continued his quest in Thibodaux, Lafayette, and New Orleans. He now lives in Boston, Massachusetts, extensively performing with his band, TOKYO TRAMPS since 1999. The band has released 6 original albums and competed in International Blues Challenge 2011. When Satoru performs solo, he sings his original blues songs with passion and presence, and plays slide guitar with conviction in Delta tradition. www.tokyotramps.com

Little Boys Blue is comprised of two West Tennessee natives – Steve Patterson, Jackson, Tennessee (Slide Guitar) and Jimmy D. Taylor, Brownsville, Tennessee (Harmonica player). Major influences include Sleepy John Estes, Yank Rachell, and both Sonny Boys I & II. Little Boys Blue tied for third in the 1996 IBC sharing the honor that year with the Matthew Skoller Band. Although 17 years has past since their IBC placing, the duo is better than ever and ready to represent Memphis once again at the 2013 IBC. You Tube: Bluedawgbluesacrat

Kit Kildahl and Steve Vonderharr have played blues music in Minnesota for over thirty years. Since 1997 Kit and Steve have shared the spotlight in the Fabulous Minnesota Barking Ducks. In 2011 the pair combined their talents to form a Maxwell Street style blues duo. The combination of their talents produces a tasteful and original sound due to their individual mastery of several blues styles. Kildahl and Vonderharr’s musical sensibilities require that they challenge each other to perform each song with a renewed sense of energy and spontaneity that engages the audience and satisfies the soul; they call it Working Without a Net. www.reverbnation.com/#!/kildahlvonderharr

Richard Chrisman, Clarksdale’s Daddy Rich, is a musician, songwriter, and teacher. He is a regular performer at Clarksdale’s Ground Zero, Sunflower River Festival, Juke Joint Festival, and the Delta’s juke joints. Daddy Rich not only plays the guitar and sings, but he also plays the harp, bass, and drums. This Clarksdale favorite charms blues fans from near and far with his musical talent, his soulful originals, and his handsome good looks. Over the last nine years he has become the beloved teacher of the children he teaches in the Delta Blues Museum’s Arts & Education program. This young Mississippi bluesman is rich, not in monetary terms, but because he feels the blues and you will, too! www.daddyrich.com

Miss Jackie Wilson has one of those amazing voices that you will never forget. She started singing the blues at age 3, inspired by her mother’s musical influence. Her music can be described as a mix of Ann Peebles, Big Mama Thornton, and Aretha Franklin. When she sings the blues, Jackie won’t just sing to your soul, she’ll touch it… Keyboardist Maestro Lightford is inspirational. He writes, arranges and plays with great skill and conviction. He is a graduate of Belmont University with a degree in Music Education. When he is not entertaining, he is the band instructor for FH Jenkins Elementary School. The musical chemistry between Maestro & Jackie is a pleasure to experience.
www.missjackiewilson.com

Winner of the 2011 Billtown Blues Challenge in Williamsport, PA and the 2012 Natchel’ Blues Challenge in Virginia Beach, VA, and competed in the 2012 International Blues Challenge. Shawn plays in his own very innovative way. He has a vast repertoire of originals and original versions of covers and will never play a song the same way twice giving you a different show every time. Some of Shawn’s influences include diverse styles of Snooks Eaglin, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and Big Bill Broonzy, and harmonica players like Junior Wells, James Cotton and Sonny Boy Williamson. With his love for blues and blues based music, Shawn created a style all his own that can be described as a blend of blues – raw and dirty www.reverbnation.com/shawnstrickland

MIDDLEGROUND is the result of over 35 years of collaboration between two professional musicians, Barbara and Mark Armbrecht. Their music has evolved over the years as they explored different types of music, including country, folk, blues, and jazz. Now they bring their own special flavor to the music that has always called to them most strongly; roots blues. Listen as they perform and you will hear the influence of the artists from the past, both in Barbara’s fingerpicking style and Mark’s solid and expressive bass lines. They wish, through their music, to honor the great blues artists who have come before and to share the contemporary relevance of these great musicians and their music today.

Colin John From his formidable fingerpicking skills to his slide playing in lap and bottleneck styles, Colin commands the stage. His synthesis of blues, soul, rock and Hawaiian music was described by the British blues magazine Mojo, as “ferociously entertaining funked-up R & B.” Colin splits his life between Ohio, and the islands of Hawaii. “The Transpacific Bluesman” is internationally regarded as a unique musician, possessing world class skills on acoustic, resonator, and electric guitars. Guitar Player magazine said, “This is what Jimi Hendrix might have sounded like if he abandoned the rat race, moved to Hawaii, taken up surfing, and let the sun and waves bestow their laid-back highs.” www.colinjohnmusic.com

Hipps N Ricco are a Blues Duo based out of Northern Michigan. “Ricco” (Eric Jaqua) plays Guitar (Electric/Acoustic) sings with conviction and lays down groovy beats with the revolutionary “Farmer Foot Drums.” Vocals, Background Vocals, Harmonica licks blown by Hipps! (Charlie Witthoeft) Whom makes his third appearance at the IBC, only this time, it is in the Solo/Duo category! Hipps was a Finalist in 2003 with “Mojo and the Boogieman” and a Semi Finalist in 2007 with “Charlie’s Root Fusion.” Hipps has shared the stage with Rod Piazza, Harper and Kim Wilson to name a few and their duo just opened for John Primer this past Summer. HnR will be Arriving straight from Anaheim, California’s NAMM Show! www.hippsnricco.com

Born and raised in Memphis, Buddy Shute began playing the bar scene when he was 16. Performing with the older guys, he became familiar with the R&B and blues standards. When he was 19, Buddy says, he went to New Orleans for one night, woke up the next morning and ten years had gone by; this was in the 70′s when New Orleans was like an island. He picked up the region’s traditional music and style. The younger musicians respected the older musicians and everybody played with everybody. Now in Northwest Arkansas, Buddy plays solo and with Kathy Cole & 4 Guys Named Moe.

Sunnyland Steve has been playing blues music every day for over forty years. His blues are a mix of Piedmont and Delta styles with a dash of humor. Mississippi John Hurt, Leadbelly, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Doc Watson were his earliest influences and his passion for country blues has been the cornerstone of his life. Raised in a small town in North Carolina, he now resides in Cocoa Beach Florida and continues to bring country blues to new audiences, in clubs, prisons, retirement homes and libraries.

Mark and Harry Milloff share the blues as a family tradition. Mark’s father introduced him to the blues while growing up in southern Florida, during the late 50’s and early 60’s. Mark acquired his first guitar, a Stella, at the age of 13 and proceeded to teach himself to play by listening over and over to the likes of Lightning Hopkins and Bukka White. Harry acquired his first bass while in the 5th grade and grew up with the sounds of the blues filtering throughout the house. Mark and Harry have been playing together ever since. Their music is based in the Delta but roams into highly original territory. This is father and son blues, low down and dirty.

Dos Hombres is a culmination of 2 veteran players with a combined 45 years experience performing to crowds from New Orleans to Chicago and every club and juke joint along the way. After more than 2 decades of performing in bands they have returned to their first love… Acoustic Blues. With one foot deep in the Blues Roots paying homage to the Legends and one progressive foot forward, Jonas “Howlin” Cowan and Gerd Ellis have combined their styles to create a contemporary sound that is from the heart and always close to their Delta and Country Blues roots.

Two Guys Named Moe is the collaboration of two Southern California Bluesmen, T.J. Sullivan and Damon Van Buren.  Their music is a blend of Americana Roots and Blues. With more than 80 years of playing experience between them, they play their Blues for audiences with a style of sophistication, musicality and humor.  www.tjsullivanmusic.com

Discovering Blues at the age of 13, Juke Joint Jackson has made his life ambition to learn as much about blues as possible. Starting off with guitar and learning as much Delta twang as he could find, he slowing found other regions of the Mississippi where there were differences in the way musicians approached the blues. JJJ has explored as many of these regional dialects as possible, learning and experimenting with different instrumentation and creating a sound that is just his. A particular affinity to the Hill Country sound, but also drawing on the sounds of the Delta, Memphis and even the music from the across the river in Arkansas. Sit back and let JJJ take you on a an adventure through the regions of the blues!!

Lubos Bena comes from Slovakia, which is located in Europe and the birthplace of John Dopyera, the inventor of the resophonic guitar (Dobro). Lubos has been listening for many years to the Mississippi blues and lets the sound of this music get inside his head. Then out it comes through his hands on the guitar, drums, and his voice. The result is a real blues feeling with a Slovakian accent. It goes down like southern soul food with a good wine from Skalica, his hometown. Lubos Bena has several music projects and one of those is the co-operation with a harp player named Charlie Slavik. Lubos Bena & Charlie Slavik has represented, The Slovak Republic, at The 2nd European Blues Challenge 2012 in Berlin, Germany. www.lubosbena.sk

Tacoma’s 14-year-old Nolan Garrett is an accomplished guitar player, singer and songwriter. His music incorporates a blend of rock n’ roll, sophisticated pop, grunge and garage rock, doused with just the right of amount of blues on the fire. “I love the feeling of being on stage,” he observes. “It’s such an adrenaline high and it’s the one place you can start going crazy without anyone yelling at you. It’s the place where you can let loose, have fun and feed off the people cheering back at you.” These days, Garrett heads to L.A. quarterly to work on songs for his debut album. “I love the old stuff and it definitely needs to be brought back, but I want to put a modern twist and flair on my songs.” www.nolangarrett.net

After collaborating near Bangkok’s Utapao Air Force Base, keyboardist Tony Nardi and drummer/lead vocalist Eddie Mobley began touring throughout Thailand and the United Kingdom. Shortly after recording two original tunes “Linda” and “Man Of My Word”, the duo would sell their music at gigs near the air force base. Known as Salt & Pepper, the duo’s tracks were heard on Armed Forces Radio and Bangkok’s BBC English Radio. After a forty-year break, Nardi and Mobley would regroup to release “Linda” and “Man Of My Word” on the United Kingdom’s Kent Records. Since moving to Hot Springs, Arkansas, the duo continue to inspire new listeners with their authentic sounds through their original Blues tunes. na

Comparisons include Etta James, Macy Gray and Little Esther. Passionate, sultry, powerful and humorous are words reviewers have used to describe Sandy’s music. She feels what she sings. Growing up in South Carolina gospel country gave her an innate feeling for the blues. She moved to Florida in 1995 and in 2012 released her seventh CD, Christmas Songs, Tales And Fables with Bob Margolin on Baby Come Home For Christmas. Duke Robillard chose her song Cook In Your Kitchen for a new CD he produced for Sunny Crownover. Influences include Etta James, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Howlin’ Wolf and Elvis. Backed by Berklee pianist Carroll Stclair, they shine in the blues. sandyatkinson.net

Doggn it are Australian bluesmen performing original blues & roots music from a unique Australian perspective. Graeme Druce, ( Guitar, resonator and mandolin ) Graeme is known for a guitar style with rich tone and complexity of sound, but more than anything very clean distinctive progressions. John Cupit ( Blues harp ) He plays a deep hollow sounding blues, which will move you with its rich tone, and sustained bends and vibrato. Doggn it will inspire you with their unique sound. The instrumental work, the way two voices blend, and the stage presence will captivate. Their performance belies the short time they have been in public view. www.myspace.com/doggnit

For Gary Applegate, music is all about the groove. He believes you’ve got to feel it or it doesn’t count. On his quest to create the perfect groove, Gary has developed a number of tools that allow him to simultaneously incorporate guitar, a baseline, foot percussion harmonica and vocals. Gary uses no backing tracks, sequencing, drum machines or looping. Everything you hear is played live. The self-designed rig allows Gary to passionately express the groove he feels using his whole body as an instrument. Gary performed as a solo in the 2012 River City Ohio Blues Competition and was selected to represent the Blues Jazz and Folk Music Society of the Mid-Ohio Valley, in the 2013 “International Blues Challenge”.

Rachelle Coba’s innovative approach to the guitar incorporates her classical training into powerful original Blues compositions. Her vocals range from sultry and alluring to bold and compelling. Rachelle has long been committed to the Blues in her writing, singing, and playing as well as a resident teaching artist for local Blues in the Schools programs. She regularly lends her talent to help raise money for youth advocacy groups. Her commanding finger picking style and soulful, riveting vocals draws every listener into Rachelle’s “new school of Blues.” www.rachellecoba.com

Toronto-based Suzie Vinnick has been playing guitar since the age of 9; her influences include Koko Taylor, Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Ray Vaughan. She is the owner of a gorgeous, powerful voice and performs with a sweet mixture of engaging candidness and unparalleled musicianship. Suzie is a three time Juno nominee (Canada’s Grammy Awards), winner of eight Canadian Maple Blues Awards and her CD Me ‘n’ Mabel placed in the top 5 of the Self-Produced album of the year at the 2012 IBCs. Kerry Doole of Exclaim.ca says “Her crisp guitar work is all the framing Vinnick’s strong, soulful vocals need.” www.suzievinnick.com

Sherman Lee Dillon brings to the stage years of working in the trenches as a Mississippi Blues artist. Spending 40 years playing the black and white (and BLUE) clubs in every corner of Mississippi has given him a feel for the Blues few can claim. In 1969, he began playing Dobro, Harmonica, and Banjo to fans across the south (and then some). Not only does he do traditional songs as though they were his, it’s difficult to tell his own compositions from the ones written in the “old days”. Embedded in his songs are both pain and humor, narrative and melody. (However, Sherman Lee may be THE BIGGEST LOSER here. This is his fourth trip!!! He represented Mississippi at three previous blues challenges.) shermanleedillon.com

The Evol Love Duo is the young, powerful, guitarist and vocalist David Dunavent, and big drummer Josh McDowell. They are members of David Dunavent and Evol Love from Clarksdale, Mississippi. David has lead Evol Love for five years. Touring regionally, they are regulars at venues in Clarksdale and Vicksburg, and one of the most popular working bands in the area. Representing the Vicksburg Blues Society, David Dunavent competed as a solo artist in the 2012 International Blues Challenge. He ranked in the top 37. David recently completed a session in Nashville. Mesmerizing fans with classic Blues and modern sounds as a duo over the past three years, David and Josh bring their potent brand of Blues to the 2013 IBC.

Kenny Acosta’s musical performance as a solo artist projects his incredible charisma, and conveys unity between himself and his audience. Kenny Acosta will showcase his unique versatile voice and his creativity as a producer, arranger, songwriter, and brilliant guitarist. The recipe for Kenny Acosta’s musical performance consist of down home blues mixed with a New Orleans street beat and Caribbean rhythms, sauteed in a funky mixture of soulful growl. Yes, Kenny has been lots of places and done lots of things, but bottom line is, he will entertain you with professionalism and his charisma.
www.kennyacosta.com

Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely, an eclectic acoustic blues duo and International Blues Challenge 2012 Semi-Finalist, featuring Randy’s guitar slingin’ and dynamic vocals and Jeff’s fine harmonica lickin’. With interplay that blends soul, rock, New Orleans rhythm and delta blues, they live by the credo: “If there’s no feeling, you’re just wasting your breath”. After spending 10 years in LA doing sessions and sideman work, Randy took his vast repertoire north, joining Jeff in fronting a popular Seattle area band, Blues Therapy, at the turn of the century. Both are well traveled, playing everything from loose pickin’ parties to tight funk ‘n soul shows, forever capturing the true rhythm and soul of the blues. www.randynorrisandjeffnicely.webs.com

Blackwater Mojo (Seth and Erin Young) have performed their signature blend of Hill County Blues and Appalachian Roots all over the United States, as well as in Eastern Europe, South-East Asia, and Easter Island. Dubbing their sound “Reso-phonic Stomp”, they derive their unique sonic from a bare-bones instrumentation: steel resonator guitars, a single bass drum, and raw, soul-infused vocals. Deeply influenced by pre-war blues and the music of their native Randolph County, West Virginia, they create a sound that is at once modern and vintage. Blackwater Mojo released their debut album, Cold Holler, in the spring of 2012. www.reverbnation.com/blackwatermojo

The Kentucky Gentlemen is a Wichita, Kansas based duo that was born out of a mutual love of traditional blues and cheap bourbon. Every whiskey soaked note that emanates from these boys’ instruments pays homage to a time when the blues still reined king over American musical culture. Hand built amplifiers and a one-of-a-kind foot operated percussion rig allows them to produce a tone that cannot be purchased in any music store, and a fullness that is almost impossible to replicate without a drummer. Featuring Mitch King on guitar and hi-hat, and Aaron Underwood on bass, kick and snare, this group is bringing back the lowdown dirty blues of mid-twentieth century Chicago in a format that’s sure to drop jaws. facebook.com/KYGblues

Whitehead & Streff: The music of Bill Whitehead and Paul Streff is rooted in the Chicago blues tradition with Bill on guitar, keyboards and vocals and Paul on bass. Bill was a winner of a blues songwriting competition in 2006. After personally discovering the blues back in the 70s, he’s been on the scene in Chicago and Kansas City ever since. Paul has played bass in the Chicago area since the late 1980’s. He’s in the house band at Buddy Guy’s Legends, honing his craft alongside the best in the business with versatility, skill and touch. Bill and Paul have roughly 50 years of experience between them and put their own twist on the Chicago sound with a fun, original, upbeat, blues-with-a-feeling style.

Mason Beckham is an 11 year old guitar player and singer. Mitch Beckham is a 14 year old bass player and singer, along with the drummer, Lance Womack and guitar player, Jody Beckham. We are a blues band from Little Rock, Arkansas. We are members of the Arkansas River Blues Society. www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beckham-Brothers/350151868

38th Parallel is a dynamic classic rock and blues band. These busy high school students have been playing music together since 2009 and won 1st Place at the Dekalb School of the Arts Talent Show. Their music and presence in the Atlanta area has grown stronger each year, performing at festivals and local restaurants. Members of the band include Jody Chamberlain on keyboards and projecting a powerful, soulful voice, Sam Libman shows his incredible skill and enthusiasm playing the guitar and harmonica, Dashiell Wakeman plays the bass with fluid style, while Jonathan Yaeger pulls the sound together with an energetic solid beat. These multi-talented musicians will definitely capture your attention! www.facebook.com/38thParallel

Making his second appearance at the IBC is 16 year old Bear Hutchinson from Annapolis, MD. Bear’s style of playing is a hybrid of blues and rock. His improvisation skills are rare even for seasoned musicians. Bear was a recipient of the Blues Foundation’s Generation Blues Scholarship and attended Berklee College of music’s summer piano workshop. He was honored to be chosen to play at Berklee’s recital hall for the final camp performance. Besides playing piano, Bear is on the football and lacrosse teams at St. Mary’s High School, a member of the National Honor Society and enjoys honing his harmonica skills.

‘New Blues Street Project’ is a rock and roll/blues band from southeast Michigan. They have been performing together since late 2010. Members include Alex Meingast (guitar/vocals), Ian Darling (guitar), Steven Murtonen (drums), and Zack Swartz (chapman stick; world’s youngest stick player). They take blues and classic rock and add an upbeat modern feel to it. Because of the members’ experience and knowledge in different genres, from jazz to current rock, they are capable of playing almost anything and any genre. New Blues Street Project has performed at shows across Michigan and Ohio, including the Guinness Book of World records world’s longest continuous concert the ‘Assembly Line Concert’. www.youtube.com/user/Newbluestreetproject

Wyatt Lowe & The Youngbloods is an all youth blues trio from San Diego, CA. Wyatt Lowe, 15, lead guitar / vocals, was born and raised into the blues at Chappy’s Roadhouse, his family’s BBQ and Blues restaurant in Temecula, California. Jaxun Blinn, 15, drums, is the son of San Diego blues icon, Scottie Blinn, front man for the Mississippi Mudsharks and Black Market III. Jaxun is extremely tight in the pocket bringing his unique style and attitude to the band. Connor Patlan, 14, bass / vocals is the newest addition to the trio. He completes the band with his laid back and steady style of bass playing. www.facebook.com/youngbloodsblues

Memphis, ever wonder where the souls of the great musicians go after they pass? Shailen Abram, a 14 year old Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania prodigy will answer that question with superior command of “THE 88” and powerful vocals. Fans are transported back to a time when Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Marvin Gaye reigned supreme and were golden. Notes bend as he blends all the components of music into a “Blessed and Kicking” delivery that is his alone. Shailen’s slap style of playing is rarely seen. New life is smacked into every single song. His bluesy renditions lift spirits as dancing rhythmic fingers are accompanied by a towering voice. Wonder no more Memphis. Sample Some Blues – Shailen Abram Style – Souls Included! www.youtube.com/user/ShailenAbram

What if Adele sang to Slash’s playing? You’ll find out when you hear Katie Scudder in front of this ballsy band. Close your eyes during Sweet Child O’ Mine and be amazed by the feeling. But open them back up for the emotion of Jimmy Page, SRV, and Buddy Guy on the face of Ryan Snyder. You’ll soon notice your ass shakin’ to the groove of a John; Paul Jones, Deacon, or Taylor. That groove is made by Eric Torres and his fingers are why your hips just can’t stay still. Listen for the boom of Keith Moon and the rhythm of John Bonham. When you find it there can only be Alex Miller behind the drums. …or Animal from the Muppets. These kids live and breathe music. www.facebook.com/pages/AbsoluteValue/257587174260532

Formed just a year ago in Fort Collins, JT & The Thunderbolts has made an impression in the Colorado Blues scene. Jake Ellingson, vocalist and songwriter, started playing guitar at the age of 13 with one goal in mind, to one day play on Beale Street. Jake, now at the age of 15, plays from the soul and has made a name for himself in Blues Jams and Festivals in Colorado. Backed by a tight rhythm section consisting of Mitch Meyer, 18, on drums, and Danny Steiner, 17, on bass. JT and the boys drive home electrifying blues and solos, influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and The Allman Brothers. The boys are proud to represent The Colorado Blues Society at the 2013 IBC Youth Showcase. www.facebook.com/JtAndTheThunderbolts

Bobby Paltauf is a 13 yr old, Blues Guitarist from CT. he is determined to play Royal Albert Hall some day!. He has already open shows for AMERICA, Ivan Neville,Dumpstaphunk, Anders Osborne, and even jammed with Buddy Guy! and many more. Young Bobby Paltauf celebrates the release of his first mini CD, “Let’s Go For a Ride” available on I tunes the CD features real life experiences that Bobby has had. Bobby played all guitar parts, and all vocals, These mixes and songs are created by Bobby, The CD was recorded at C.C.S.S. Richie Cannata played Sax, on trumpet is Forrest Lawson ( Frosty!), on drums Kevin Bregande, and Bass Neville L’ Green influenced by Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jimi Hendrix.Has artist relations, with GIBSON! www.rjpmusic.webs.com

Members of 4 Town Blues Band attend „The Pop-Rock School“, from four Croatian small towns: Sisak, Ivanic Grad, Petrinja and Kutina. During the school days Franka Knezevic (drums, 15), Ana Barisic (acoustic guitar, 13), Marijana Kovacic (vocal, 19), Ena Sabolic (vocal, 20), Dino Harcevic (bass, 16) and Alen Bakaric (eletric guitar, 17) decided to form a blues band. School teachers welcomed their decision to explore that main basic fountain of pop and rock music. Two strong soul-blues vocals of Ena and Marijana are main band’s blues weapon.

Straight from the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Southern Halo is an energetic and soulful sister trio band. The girls formed Southern Halo three years ago and have been playing gigs and festivals ever since. Natalia, the 15 year old band leader plays acoustic and electric guitar and keyboard. Christina, the “wild child”, is 14 years old and makes herself exceptionally comfortable behind the drum set. “Baby bass” Hannah is 12 years old and keeps the groove going with her bass and percussion skills. Together, they solo and harmonize their way through some of the greatest classic blues rock songs of all time. www.southernhalo.net

The UnXpected, from Williamsburg and Hampton Roads,Virginia, have been making a huge splash in the local music scene. The band is led by the passionate guitarist and singer Cole Layman, the the old-timer of the band at age 15. They are fronted by Cole’s little sister, Logan, the dynamic 12 year-old bassist and singer who sings with a powerful voice that is far beyond her age. Tyler Bevington is the 11 year-old keyboard player whose antics thrill the crowd. Kevin Marks, 12, is a natural on the drums with a smile that lights up the stage. Zachary Salsberry is the laid back 12 year-old guitarist who has the stage presence of a seasoned pro. When they get together to make music, the result is truly UnXpected! www.theunxpectedband.com

The Deals formed at the beginning of 2010 as a blues band. All of them had gone to school together at Oxford, Mi. High School. We had not been able to find a singer for our first few shows and had taken up singing ourselves, taking turns with different songs. We then decided to branch out from only playing blues music and began playing rock music as well. As a band we tried out a number of singers, but only to have them fall through for one reason or another. We continue to split the singing duties and are playing bars and venues with both covers and originals and we are in the process of working on original songs to be recorded. We are influenced, largely, by traditional blues musicians and classic rock artists ranging from the 50′s to today. www.facebook.com/TheDeals.Band

Let’s go back in time to Bob Dylan circa 1962, a young man steeped in confidence with an unrelenting passion to be unique and successful in his endeavours. Now some 50 years later Brendan J. Stephens makes his mark with his debut recording, Ragged. Brendan has taken a step back in time and written with the maturity of a well traveled, weather beaten, train traveling hobo of days gone by. His approach to musical creation and song selection would not have been so unique amongst the thousands of protest and folk singers of days gone by but in today’s colourful world it is extremely refreshing to hear a young man interpret our modern day through black & white glasses. brendanjstephens.bandcamp.com

Texas music has a way of morphing into something distinct, all it’s own. With a Texas twang and a take-no-prisoners approach, Texas 99 conjures up memories of blues legends while staying true to the genre. Add a twist of country, rock, jazz and you have a melting pot of styles that brand Texas blues. Guitarists Eric Hoovestol and Rebecca Laird are winners of The Houston Blues Society’s T-99 Nelson Scholarship. She was one of six guitarists to make it to Guitar Center’s Battle of the Blues Finals in L.A. Chris Spencer played bass with The Blue Threads, who won third place in Houston’s IBC finals. Adrienne Barakiss studied drums with Grammy winner Vince Cherico, and played at the Drummer’s Collective in New York. www.texasninetynine.com

Fedor and The Power Trio was formed shortly after the summer of 2012. This band is made up of four of Springfield Illinois’ youth musicians. Front man Zack Fedor, went in search of Tyler Landess (lead guitar), Caleb Ellison (drums), and Ryan Hendrickson (bass) in hopes of creating a musical power house out of young adults, that otherwise, rarely cross paths. The bands interests include blues, all of its interpretations, and writing original material!

Girls. Guitars. Blues. THE SAD SAM BLUES JAM is all that and more! These ladies are oozing with talent and have created quite a stir in Indiana and beyond. Fronted by sisters Sadie Johnson, 16, on lead guitar and vocals, and Sam Johnson, 17, on bass, these gals exude amazing chemistry and bring extreme excitement to the stage. Kaiya Grundmann, 15, joins in on rhythm guitar/vocals and Jacob Gates, 18, on drums. Sadie plays guitar with the heart and passion of a much older, wiser soul, yet her original songs have a young, gritty attitude. Sam can rock a bass like NO other, and Kaiya’s edgy vocals really enhance the sweet repertoire of music this band puts out. Jacob holds down the groove whether it is blues or funk. facebook.com/sadsambluesjam

Aaron Holder (18) ,guitarist, from Scottsville, KY is a 2011 recipient of the Generation Blues scholarship. Ian Matthew Harper (15), drummer, is a founding member of the Young Artist Alliance, which supports charities through music performance. Ian “Deebs” Lovelace (18) from Bowling Green, KY is very heavily influenced by Little Walter and plays in the traditional Chicago cross harp style. Trey Farlee (17), bassist and vocalist, is also an actor with lead roles in two music productions. Together they make up the driving blues quartet, MO’ PIE, combining both the traditional and modern sounds of the blues in a high energy youthful package.

The Chase Walker Band is comprised of three members, 14 year old Chase Walker on Vocals and Guitar, 13 year old Matt Fyke on Drums and 14 year old Randon Davitt on Bass. The bands influences of Texas, Chicago & Louisiana blues can be heard in the songs they write and play. Although this band is comprised of teenagers, they play like seasoned pros, having performed for cheering crowds in California, Chicago, Texas, and Pennsylvania and having been featured on television on more than one occasion. Don’t miss these kids! After competing in the Van/Warped Tour Battle of the Bands they were offered a spot to play in the 2013 Van’s Warped Tour, this will be the first blues band to play the warped tour. ChaseWalkerBand.com

Cumberland Blue formed in the fall of 2012 when a group of young blues musicians in Nashville decided to start something new based on their love for the deep roots of blues music. Lead by vocal powerhouse Choloe Kohanski they show their old blues souls in every song. Duncan King provides powerful, groove laden percussion along with heart pounding bass from Greggory Garner. Grant Smith adds a spicy touch with his unique blues fiddle. Hank Compton and Jackson Thatcher provide tasteful and searing guitar. Rounding out the band is Keyboard prodigy Yates McKendree keeping the ivories dancing! This band will surprise you and have you dancing with their fresh blues approach based on the blues masters of the past.

Carbon Jam is a young, five-piece blues/rock band from Virginia Beach that continues to impress audiences with high-energy shows featuring strong vocals and spot-on instrumentation. The monster drums and funky bass lines of Jay Windsor and Jake Fultz provide the foundation for the scorching leads of Ben Laderberg and the multi-instrumental talents of Carter Hall. Haley Bauser lends her voice, often compared to Janis Joplin, to songs that range from heartfelt and soulful blues to all-out rock-and-roll. The band released their first EP available on iTunes (I’ll Miss You) this past year.
www.carbonjam.com/

A Blues and Classic Rock oriented all-brothers band of young teenagers, Electric Sala plays reinvented and rearranged covers of rock and blues classics. In each cover song played, they make it a point to highlight their distinct adaptation of it, a subtle reinterpretation never unnoticed by the keen avid listener. Their musical adventurism shows in their not mimicking the Rock and Roll greats and Blues legends, a mature approach to creating their music. Their confidence is borne on their youthful angst and pure enjoyment of playing. Loud but not overbearing, just enough to rock your blues. www.facebook.com/electricsala

The V-Knights are a four-piece band comprised of 12 year old twin brothers (Gabriel-bass guitar, Christian-lead guitar), Alex, 10 years old, on drums, and Nicolas, 7 years old. The group started performing in January 2010. The siblings’ all-original rockin’ blues revival sounds are composed entirely by the elementary school-age prodigies. The V-Knights proudly name blues greats such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Vaughan, Carlos Santana, John Lee Hooker Jr., Buddy Guy, BB King, Eric Clapton, Albert King, Willie “Big Eyes”, and Muddy Waters among their chief influences. www.vknights.com

DON’T MISS THIS ALL ORIGINAL SET! Back again is Columbus, Ohio-based blues-rock band Pett Crow. Not your typical youth band, front-man Wes Crow (age 15), bassist Julia Crow (age 14) and drummer Brandon Pettiford (age 13) are swiftly making a name for themselves on both local and national scenes in their quest to keep the blues alive for the next generation. Their unique take on blues-rock blends a very robust mix of blues, acoustic, funk, soul and, of course, some good ol’ rock ‘n roll. With talent beyond their years, they are a powerful presence on the stage, and have an impressive set of original music guaranteed to get crowds up on their feet and dancing. www.pettcrow.com

Hunter Konopasek is 17 years old and lives in the small town of Fairfield, which is located in Southern Illinois. Hunter has been playing guitar for approximately 7 years. His influences are Alexi Murdoch, John Butler, P.SUS, and David Gilmore. Hunter sings and plays lead guitar in a band with his friends in Evansville, Indiana. He enjoys playing any genre of music. This is Hunter’s first time to participate in the Blues Challenge, and he is honored to have been given the opportunity to a part of this prestigious event.

The Zion Fritzinger Band originally formed over two years ago with three members; Zion Fritzinger on guitar, Salvador Gala on Bass, and Trevor Rodgers on drums. In their time together, each has honed his talents which are showcased chiefly in the genres of jazz and blues. More recently, the group was joined by vocalist Mary Liz Donohoe, whose style represents a variety of genres, but whose voice carries a soulful, pure quality. These young musicians continually learn together, constructing original, bracing music with improvisations that emphasize the group’s individual fortes. The collective balance between these skills results in an impressively fascinating experience of new music with an old soul.