A cross-ocean connection of roots and blues music past and present, this band prompts a visceral reaction. Blues-based roots and rock masterfully and seamlessly infused with traditional West African sounds of the Wassoulou and Sonrai peoples of Mali, James’ five critically acclaimed Mali-based albums have been warmly received worldwide. Timbuktoubab, an award-winning documentary film of his work with three traditional Malian music masters was seen on PBS stations and lauded by NPR and the World Press. Joe Satriani invited James’ band to open on his 2015 tour.  Markus James’ haunting vocals, generous guitar chops teamed with Mali instruments, sounds, and melodic language vocals that embrace the audience and make them move. Living Blues magazine says, “The mix of sounds, instruments, and influences…is mind-boggling.”

JP Soars

Nominated in 2021 in the Contemporary Blues Male Artist category for a Blues Music Award (BMA), and now in 2022 as B.B. King Entertainer of the Year, and J.P. Soars and the Red Hots for Band of the Year, Soars is truly soaring. He burst upon the national scene in 2009 by winning 1st place with his band, the Red Hots, in the band category, as well as the Albert King Award for Best Guitarist in the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. Soars was also nominated for a BMA as Blues Rock Artist of the Year in 2019, alongside blues heavyweights in the category like Billy Gibbons, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tinsley Ellis, and winner, Eric Gales. His blues career began at 18 years old, when he won a radio station contest for a $1,200 guitar and two front row tickets to see B.B. King in concert, then met him backstage after the concert. Twenty years nearly to the day came the IBC win. 

Anne Harris

Chicago-based singer-songwriter and fiddle player Anne Harris has been crafting her unique sound and captivating audiences over countless performances in the US and abroad.  Her collaborations range from Doyle Bramhall II to Jefferson Starship and Otis Taylor with whom she appeared in Omaha. BluesWax says of Harris, “She inhabits the music, or maybe the music inhabits her, but it is impossible not to be drawn under her spell.” She not only presents a superb musical experience; her performances are also visually mesmerizing. Don’t miss her performances, as attending audience members will be raving. 

Altered Five smokes, smolders, and burns like a swig of good whiskey. The hip Milwaukee quintet is known for its strong brew of tough, original blues and hard-hitting live shows. Blues Blast raves that barrel-chested frontman Jeff Taylor possesses a “smooth, warm-toned voice as monumental and undeniable as Howlin’ Wolf with the finish and flourish of B.B. King.” Downbeat declares stealth guitarist Jeff Schroedl “reaches the high bar of mixed invention and fluidity.” Fueled by a rhythm section laying down the deepest grooves this side of the MGs, the five blues blasters hit the ground running 20 years ago and show no sign of easing up. Their sixth studio album, Holler If You Hear Me, debuted at #3 on the Billboard Blues Chart and received three 2022 Blues Music Award nominations, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year, among their previous chart placing achievements and accolades.