British blues-rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter Ben Poole has been turning heads with his high-energy blend of blues, rock, and soul. Praised by legends like Jeff Beck and Gary Moore, Poole’s fiery guitar playing and soulful vocals have earned him a place among the most exciting contemporary blues artists.

Poole's inspiration for playing music started early with a father as a professional musician, and educators' encouraging him to ‘play what he liked.’ He was drawn to the guitar, inspired by icons like Jimi Hendrix. His dedication to the instrument led him to the British and Irish Modern Music Institute in Brighton, where he refined his craft and began building a loyal fan base. 

Recognized early in his career as Total Guitar magazine’s “Guitarist to Watch” in 2010, Poole quickly gained momentum, earning multiple British Blues Awards nominations, representing the UK at the 2010 European Blues Challenge placing third among 19 countries. That same year, Poole was voted '2012's Best Newcomer' by Blues Matters! Magazine and discovered by the Playing with Fire producers. Poole made his first North America debut in Omaha at PwF in 2013.

Poole’s discography showcases his evolution as an artist, from his 2012 debut Let’s Go Upstairs—produced by Grammy-winner Isaac Nossel—to the live album Live at the Royal Albert Hall (2014), and critically acclaimed releases Time Has Come (2016) and Anytime You Need Me (2018). In 2019, Poole self-released a live double album, Trio/// Live '19.  

A tireless touring schedule has seen Poole perform across the 19+ countries, with festival appearances across the European continent, into Canada and the U.S. With his passionate performances, stunning musicianship, and an ever-growing international following, Ben Poole continues to push the boundaries of modern blues while staying true to its rich traditions.

Héctor Anchondo delivers blues with soul, grit, and heartfelt honesty—especially in solo performance. His acoustic sets are raw, personal, and emotionally resonant, showcasing expressive slide guitar, fingerstyle finesse, and a voice shaped by a true bluesman’s journey. Whether on a festival stage or in an intimate venue, Héctor connects deeply with listeners, weaving stories into every note.

Born and raised in Omaha, Anchondo first gained national attention with his full band, winning the Nebraska Blues Challenge in 2014 and 2015. Those wins led to appearances at the International Blues Challenge (IBC), where the band reached the semifinals in 2015 and placed among the top eight finalists in 2016. In 2020, Héctor returned solo to the IBC and won the Solo/Duo category, also receiving the Memphis Cigar Box Guitar Award for best guitarist. His accolades include multiple Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards—Best Blues Band (2013, 2014, 2015, 2019), Artist of the Year (2022), Album of the Year (2023), and Best Blues (2024)—affirming his impact on both local and national stages.

Before fully embracing the blues, Héctor fronted a successful rock band bearing his name. But the blues eventually called louder, leading him to Chicago, where he immersed himself in the genre—listening exclusively to blues for an entire year to absorb its roots and develop his own sound. His discography reflects that evolution, with Roll the Dice (2017) spending 24 weeks on the Roots Music Report, following earlier releases, Young Guns (2014) and Kicking Up Dust (2012), which helped introduce his blues style to a broader Midwest audience.

While the full band showcases his high-energy electric blues, Héctor’s solo acoustic sets offer a more intimate experience. With heartfelt lyrics and a raw delivery, his stripped-down performances reveal the emotional core of his music. When not on tour, he writes and produces from his Omaha-based studio while traveling with his wife and children—balancing creative work with family life. 

Endorsed by Delaney Guitars and GHS Strings, and performing on stages like the Chicago Blues Festival, Big Blues Bender, and the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, Anchondo continues to carve out a soulful, authentic path—acoustic or electric, always from the heart.