Welsh trio Cardinal Black—Tom Hollister (vocals), Chris Buck (guitar), and Adam Roberts (drums)—prove that some things are worth waiting. Initially championed by Steve Winwood in 2010, the band seemed destined for success, recording at Wincraft Studios and securing a U.S. record deal. However, fate had other plans— before releasing an album, the trio disbanded.

A decade later, Cardinal Black reunited with a renewed vision, quickly proving their place in the music world. Their debut single, “Tell Me How It Feels,” shot to #1 within 24 hours, setting the stage for a remarkable resurgence. Since then, the band has sold out London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire, performed at the historical Cardiff Castle, and joined Peter Frampton on a UK tour, including a career-defining, sold-out show in London at the famous Royal Albert Hall.

In 2024, Cardinal Black made their highly anticipated U.S. debut at Playing with Fire, leaving a lasting impression with their soulful melodies, soaring vocals, and explosive guitar work. The band went on to play sold-out shows at the iconic Troubadour in L.A. and Basement East in Nashville.

Cardinal Black continues to captivate audiences worldwide, proving their time has truly arrived. They announced signing with Thirty Tigers, a global music distribution, label services, and management company based in Nashville, Tennessee. Thirty Tigers represents artists like John Prine, Lucinda Williams, Alanis Morissette, and The Smashing Pumpkins. 

The band recently signed with the multi-talent booking agency, WME USA, embarking on a significant 2025 North American tour. This includes a highly anticipated return to Playing with Fire for an encore performance that is a do-not-miss performance as they continue solidifying their reputation as a must-see live act across continents!

Back by popular demand, Bywater Call returns to Playing with Fire for the third consecutive year! This dynamic seven-piece band from Toronto, Canada, delivers a powerful blend of Southern soul, roots rock, blues, and New Orleans funk, captivating audiences with their emotionally charged live performances. Their electrifying stage presence, driven by Meghan Parnell’s powerhouse vocals and Dave Barnes’ masterful guitar work, creates an unforgettable musical experience.

Rounding out the band’s stellar lineup are Bruce McCarthy (drums), Mike Meusel (bass), John Kervin (keys), Stephen Dyte (trumpet), and Julian Nalli (tenor saxophone)—a collective force that seamlessly weaves rich, soulful soundscapes.

In August 2023, Bywater Call made a lasting impression on Joe Bonamassa's Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Mediterranean Cruise, sharing the stage with Blackberry Smoke and Christone "Kingfish" Ingram. Dave Barnes also had the opportunity to perform alongside blues legend Jimmy Vivino, further solidifying the band's reputation as a rising force in the blues, roots rock world. Their performances at festivals worldwide have consistently left audiences in awe, earning them the title of "find of the fest."

Bywater Call’s growing acclaim has been recognized with multiple 2024 award nominations, including: Best Female Vocalist, Entertainer of the Year, and Electric Act of the Year (Independent Blues Awards & Maple Blues Awards), International Blues Artist of the Year Nominee (UK Blues Awards), alongside Larkin Poe. The band has also been recognized as a 2025 International Blues Artist of the Year Nominee (UK Blues Awards), alongside the likes of Beth Hart and Walter Trout.

Their success extends beyond North America, with media outlets in the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK hailing Meghan Parnell as one of the top female voices in blues and roots music today. A standout career moment came when Robert Randolph personally invited Meghan to join him on stage, a testament to her commanding vocal presence.

Bywater Call’s music is a deep dive into life’s triumphs and struggles, seamlessly shifting between soul-stirring ballads and high-energy anthems. Drawing inspiration from legends like The Band, The Wood Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Otis Redding, Little Feat, and Sly and the Family Stone, they craft a sound that is as authentic as it is exhilarating.

Prepare for a musical journey that blends raw emotion, infectious grooves, and electrifying musicianship—Bywater Call is ready to set the stage on fire once again! 

Levi Platero is a Diné blues guitarist and songwriter hailing from the Navajo Nation in the Southwest region of the United States, specifically To’hajilee, New Mexico. His soulful playing and introspective songwriting reflect a lifetime immersed in music.

Platero first picked up a fifty-dollar pawn shop guitar at the age of nine. By fourteen, he was performing with his father and cousin in their family band, The Plateros, drawing inspiration from their gospel roots and the legendary blues artists Stevie Ray Vaughan and B.B. King. This powerhouse blues-rock band formed in 2004, earning comparisons to Los Lonely Boys and ZZ Top. After a decade of touring, Platero collaborated with the renowned Native blues band Indigenous before embarking on his solo career.

In 2016, Platero released his self-titled EP, which included the award-winning single "Take Me Back," recognized as Best Blues at the Native American Music Awards. His debut full-length album, Levi Platero Band (2019), highlighted his fiery guitar skills and genre-blending sound, followed by his most ambitious project, Dying Breed (2022), a deeply personal album that transcends traditional blues to incorporate rock and contemporary influences.

Levi Platero’s electrifying performance at Playing with Fire and its sister series, Music For The City, made a lasting impact, earning his band a well-deserved encore appearance in 2025. Joined by bassist Bronson Begay (Diné), drummer Royce Platero (Diné), and rhythm guitarist Jacob Shije (Santa Clara Pueblo), Platero and his band deliver a powerful live experience, seamlessly blending Texas blues, vintage rock, and modern guitar heroics.

With a sound rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving, Platero and the band continues to carve their own path in the blues world, bringing a unique voice and perspective to the stage.