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Thank-you to all the
Maine Blues Artists who participated in this years festival. We couldn't do this without your talent!!! Maine Blues Artists Grand Master of Ceremonies
Mark Persky, MC www.markpersky.com Radio and television personality Mark Persky remains quite arguably the most recognizable voice in Maine broadcast media and is a passionate devotee of the blues. He has been with the Festival since its inception in 2006, and also serves as the MBF Official Spokesperson. After many years entertaining on radio and television, he continues to deejay weddings, reunions, and birthdays. His website, has won the coveted Cheap Website Award several years in a row. Mark “Guitar” Miller- www.markguitarmiller.com Mark Miller has been playing guitar and belting out the blues for decades. This legendary performer inspires and captivates the audiences and musicians alike with dazzling and emotional guitar work that only come from a true master, and blazes the trail for twenty-first century blues guitar! Pam Baker & the SG's- www.pambakerblues.com Pam Baker, Maine’s very own “Queen of the Blues,” and her band The SGs have pulled audiences in with their dynamic and original take on playing the blues. Pam has the ability to fill a room and thrill crowds with her mega blues voice while bringing the crowd into a closer and more intimate feel as she testifies the blues with a wink and a smile—working the room singing to friends and strangers alike. “There’s nothing like connecting with the audience,” Pam says. “That’s what I’m here for.” Annmarie Smith www.myspace.com/a7blues Annmarie Smith has been carving out her niche in the Northern New England music scene since 1997. Her pleasingly eclectic style is built on her unique vocals, subtle finger picking, and uncanny slide guitar licks. In addition to her original material, she mines the rich history of the blues ranging from early roots through today’s artists, making them all unmistakably her own. The Blind Lemons The Blind Lemons with front man, multi instrumentalist and all-around “Force of Nature” Tom Renino at the helm the ‘Lemons were there at the beginning of the blues scene at the now legendary Raoul’s Roadside Attraction. This band of seasoned pros helped kick-start the blues in Maine over twenty years ago! The Colwell Brothers www.soul-sensations.com The Colwell Brothers bring their unique brand of high energy electric Blues and R&B to your concert, nightclub, or party and make it an event to be remembered! Former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, Pat Colwell, rips it up on guitar and vocals while Bob Colwell brings down the house with his New Orleans flavored piano work and vocals extraordinaire. With a combined total of over 50 years in the business and their work with such bands as the Boneheads, Soul Sensations, the Radiators, and Inspectors; as well as opening for BB King, NRBQ, CCR, Rick Danko and Roseanne Cash. The Colwell Brothers and their band of veteran studio musicians; rhythm section Greg Lindholm and Dickie “Doo” Hollis, along with Sax/Harp virtuoso Dave Wakefield mean business! Don’t miss these guys legendary performance at this year’s Maine Blues festival. Pat Pepin www.patpepin.com Award winning vocalist and saxophonist Pat Pepin is without a doubt one of the most entertaining blues performers around. Pat has worked all her professional life as a vocalist, sax player, songwriter and music teacher. With a career that spans over 25 years, Pat has three times represented the Maine Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge, produced three CDs and now has tour schedule that includes shows and festival appearances up and down the east coast. Her 2010 CD release "In It For the Long Haul" was a top 4 finalist for the Best Self-Produced CD as part of the 26th IBC in Memphis, Tn. Blues Challengers -www.myspace.com/blueschallengersmusic Blues Challenger is a band that takes an old school, less is more approach to playing blues. It’s simple - two guys, a guitar, a drum set, and a couple of microphones. This is the way it was done in the heyday of Mississippi juke joints! Both members (Greg Hoover, guitar/vocals and Ben Logan, drums) have numerous national recording and touring credits, and present a rare original authenticity to today’s blues scene. Bonnie Edwards and the Practical Cats - bonnieandthecats.com Well, All Reet! This is “jump-swing” blues in a eight-piece band with a twenty-piece attitude. Formed over twenty years ago, the ‘Cats have been featured in countless music and art festivals throughout the state and region. Send your Zoot Suit to the cleaners and have it ready! Dave Mello- www.myspace.com/davemelloband Dave Mello has been performing professionally for over forty years including tours in the 1970's with Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, and the Staples Singers. His unique style of acoustic blues is marked by meticulous guitar work matched with spot-on passionate vocals. Deja Blue-www.dejabluez.com Originally formed in 1999, this Bangor-based quartet re-formed in 2005 and has honed its chops into a well-oiled, classic blues machine. With charismatic front man Dan-O on vocals, immaculate guitar work from Toby Williams, and a rock-solid rhythm section comprised of Jimmy Rorden and bassist Bill Branca, Deja Blues were semi-finalists in the Road to Memphis state blues competition. The Delta Knights - www.deltaknights.com The Delta Knights were one of the first bands to represent the State of Maine in the International Blues Challenge in 1996. Led by founder Rob Babson and propelled by legendary blues drummer Larry Peterson, the ‘Knights are one of the most sought-after bands in the state. Denny Breau- www.dennybreau.com Legendary guitar master Denny Breau is the gold-standard by which other guitarists measure themselves. Yeah, he’s that good! His recording credits include numerous appearances on albums by national blues acts, and is one of the most in-demand guitar teachers in the state. Once again, Denny offers a live performance that is a must-see for musicians and blues fans alike. The Don Brewer Blues Project - dbrewerjr@rocketmail.com The Don Brewer blues project is an all-original blues band from the Boothbay Harbor region. Incorporating both West Coast blues and Chicago styles into an original sound, the end product is a gritty, swinging, juke-joint high energy blues music. DW Gill and the Blues Prophets- www.myspace.com/harpman1896 Still groovin’ 35 years later, The Blues Prophets, Maine’s premier Chicago style Blues unit is comprised of Doug Wainoris ~ Guitar and vocals, DW Gill ~ Harmonica, vocals and Sax, Jeff Davison ~ Drums and vocals, Jack Tukey ~ Bass guitar, and Jamie Isaccson ~ Piano. The Prophets have had the honor to work with the likes of Muddy Waters, Koko Taylor, James Cotton, and a host of others. The aim of the band is to showcase the American Blues style with all the influences of Jazz, Rockabilly, Swing, New Orleans and Acoustic Blues. Eric Green -www.myspace.com/ericgreenband Eric Green describes himself as a “Penobscot/Maliseet Native American soulman carvin’ out a livin’ clawin’ on my guitars” who’s played in a long list of “seedy dives, bars, taverns... and hell holes” and “wouldn’t give it up for nothin’ (unless perhaps six figures were involved)”.We feel Eric is entirely too modest, so we’ll say instead that Eric and his band simply ooze swampy, funky mojo! Kevin and the Steeldrivers - www.kevinkimball.com This is raw, urban blues, straight up, no chaser. Comprised of slide guitarist and vocalist Kevin Kimball, master drummer Bub Lynch, and Don Whitcomb, “the bass player’s bass player”, the Steeldrivers feature slash-and-burn bottleneck blues and explosive arrangements. Wear loose clothing! Luther James Luther James is the traditional “starting pitcher” for the Maine Blues Festival. He’s a master luthier (that’s a “guitar-maker”), custom blues harp microphone designer, and longtime blues jam host. When he performs at the Festival he steps out with his own distinctive brand of “slow burn” electric blues. Matt and the Barnburners www.mattandthebarnburners.com Matt Bilodeau has been a longtime fixture in the Maine blues scene, backing up other Maine blues acts on harp and vocals. Now fronting his own band, Matt brings to the stage an absolute passion and sincere commitment to the blues that is irresistible. Matt and the Barnburners have twice won the statewide Road to Memphis Competition. Meantone Meantone is “Original Graveyard Blues”, a duo comprised of Meantone on fretless slide guitar and throat and Young Bret on drums and percussion. Meantone’s unique guitar tuning along with Young Bret’s maximal playing of his minimalist drum kit make you think there are four or more people in the band! The Mojomatics Want authentic “Old School” Chicago blues and West Coast swing? This band is all about just that. Fronted by vocalist and harp virtuoso Ton O’Connell and directed by Maine blues mainstay Mike Hayward (“Red Light Revue”), this is the original stuff! (Minus the scratches on the 78’s) The Mojo Mamas The Blues duo the "Mojo Mamas," which has been electrifying audiences around Maine for the past several years are Pat Pepin -vocals,guitar, saxophone and foot drums, and Jan Sturtevant - piano and vocals. These Blues-rocking grandmas perform original and classic songs presented with humor from a woman's perspective. Be prepared to laugh, shout and sing along! Poke Chop and the Other White Meats www.poke-chop.com Bandleader, Harmonicat, vocalist, and lead guitarist extraordinaire Ron Gill (a.k.a. “Poke Chop”) has been playing music around the country for over thirty years. Originally from Colorado, Ron has been settled in Maine for several years working over 100 dates a year and hosting several blues jams around the area. Now working with a rock-solid rhythm section comprised of blues veterans Chad "Lamb Chop" Thorne on bass, Tom Delrossi on drums, this outfit lays down a groove that hasn’t been heard since the last time the Bush Doctor was conjuring up a potent gris-gris down on the bayou! They will be joined by groovin' harpcat Thom Hanes for a hot set of smokin' blues. By the way, once upon a time the Blues boarded a riverboat down in New Orleans... The Blue Willow Band - www.bluewillowband.com The Blue Willow Band is a six piece Rhythm and Blues/Jazz band featuring Diana Hansen on vocals, guitar, and percussion. With material that ranges from Robert Cray to Fats Waller, Blue Willow has been entertaining audiences from Bangor to Nantucket to North Conway for over twenty years. Dancing in the street is encouraged! The Roy-Hudson Band The Roy-Hudson Band is all about roadhouse boogie on a Saturday night. Led by veteran musicians Linda Roy on keyboards and vocals and Dan Hudson on guitar, slide guitar and vocals, this outfit is "blues with the bark still on!" Long time favorites in west central Maine, the Roy-Hudson Band will boogie until YOU drop! Trailer Trash-pauldubeentertainment.com Over the years, Trailer Trash has developed faithful following for its own unique sound and showmanship; their performances are reminiscent of the raw energy of a roadhouse band of another era. A well-oiled combination featuring award-winning guitarist Paul Dube, Ellen Lindsey on upright bass, and Eric Grenier on blues harp, Trailer Trash combines high-caliber music craft and sly humor so that their audiences can almost see the chicken-wire! Blind Albert - www.myspace.com/blindalbert Vincent Gabriel , a.k.a. Blind Albert, is a must-see live performer who has been creating and performing his own brand of music for more than three decades. Forming the Blind Albert Band in 1991, Vince quickly established himself as a no-holds-barred blues and rock performer. In addition to opening the 2004 North Atlantic Blues Festival, Vince has shared the stage with countless blues legends including Jimmy Rogers, Eddie Shaw And The Wolf Gang , Johnnie Rawls, and Lucky Peterson. I.C. Waters Band - www.myspace.com/bluzguy A long established performer in the Portland area, Steve Bailey is all about playing and singing the blues right and with respect! At the same time, he’s also just as likely to infuse his high-octane performance and soaring guitar work with the understated yet hilarious wit that has become his trademark, so watch out! Jimmy and the Soul cats - www.jimmyandthesoulcats.com With more than 20 years at the top of New England’s music scene, a serious road history performing throughout the U.S. and Canada, and two internationally distributed CD releases, this band is sheer roots and blues enjoyment with a sound that speaks in world- class tones. If you’ve seen Jimmy Junkins play, you’ve seen a rarity: someone who plays for the sheer love of music! The Juke Joint Devils The Juke Joint Devils, as the name of the band suggests, play a style of blues that goes back to the days of the juke joints. A time when every "joint" had at least a trio playing most nights of the week and the bands would "swing like crazy". The band features Tom O'Connell on vocals and harmonica, and Gerry Byrne on guitar in the front line backed up by the driving rhythm section of Sean Finn on bass and Steve (G-Pa) Kaulback on drums and vocals. If you're looking for toe tapping, swinging blues the Juke Joint Devils is the band you want to hear! Rick Miller & Gate Street Blues Heavily influenced by the jump blues and swing styles of T-Bone Walker and Duke Robillard, Jersey City-born guitarist, and bandleader Rick Miller brings it home to Maine with a blend of authentic, original tunes and styles from Texas to Chicago and from Memphis to the big West Coast sound, all with his unmistakably “fat” archtop tone and feel. Making up Gate Street Blues are longtime professionals and bandmates B. J. LeBlanc on vocals and drums, Bob Cleary, himself a blues band leader, a Breklee alumnus, and longtime student of blues legend Ronnie Earl, on 2nd guitar, harp and vocals, and "Cousin Doggy" Styles on bass--a realtive newcomer to blues, but himself a longtime guitar fixture in the New England rock and R&B circuit since the 1970's. With an upbeat and motivating jump blues sound, Rick Miller & Gate Street Blues have become one of Maine’s perennial blues festival favorites! The Zack Pomerleau Blues Band- www.myspace.com/thezackpomerleaubluesband No longer is the blues a thing of the past for the older generations: teenagers Zack Pomerleau and Sam Berce are modernizing the blues in a way that will not only open the eyes of the young kids in the crowd, but also the eyes of their parents and families alike. The Zack Pomerleau Blues Band features teenagers Zack Pomerleau on harmonica, vocals and guitar, Sam Berce on slide guitar, John Berce on bass and Dave Ellis on drums. They were chosen as this years Road To Memphis winners and competed in Memphis, representing the state of Maine in the 2010 IBC. Drew Heinonen-www.myspace.com/drewheinonen Drew Heinonen combines a blend of rootsy and contemporary folk, rock, and blues into performances. He takes the stage armed with a steel string guitar, a captivating voice, and an intense passion. Originally from Minneapolis, MN, he moved to Maine to pursue his luthier career, and now spendis his days in a shop space tucked inside an old mill in Central Maine, crafting handmade guitars, deepening his understanding and appreciation of the aesthetic beauty of the auditory and visual aspects of the instrument. New Blues Revue-www.myspace.com/newbluesrevue New Blues Revue is the traditional host of the MBF All-Star Jam . Led by Jerry Smith on guitar and vocals, the New Blues Revue also features seasoned pros Krister Rollins on guitar, Jason Young on drums, Dave Engel on bass, and John Whitney. After performing a set of their own tunes at the Naples Golf Course they are going to set the stage for the best part of the night, The All-Star Blues Jam at Bray’s Brew Pub. Big Chief- www.bigchiefband.com Formerly known as Big Chief and the Continentals,, the band was originated in 1989 and like good wine has grown better with age. The backbone of the Big Chief sound emanates from the strong rhythm section making it easy for any of the hand picked guest musicians to easily find firm footing. This year, along with core members Jeff Davison, Steve Lynworth, and Dave Thibodeau the band will also include keyboard legend Robin Worthly. The band plays swing era classics ala Ellington and classic soul and rock favorites with a New Orleans party number thrown in to get the dance floor boiling. The Sensations- www.pepperandthesensations.com Longtime host of the popular and highly successful Sunday Night Jam at Bray's Brewpub & Eatery, drummer and bandleader Pepper was introduced to the rythm and blues sounds of the early fiftues, when the backbeat was placed to make you shake your hips; it is in that spirit that Pepper has led the Sensations for over ten years. The Blue Jets Soaring above the status quo, the Blue Jets bring an electrifying and exciting take on American roots music, to old and new generations of music lovers everywhere. The original roots was of course the blues and the Blue Jets grew out of that as sidemen for Blues legend Eddie Kirkland and other blues ventures. Darren “Big Red” Thiboutot, a Grammy nominated drummer, was on the road with Eddie Kirkland for several years and has played and recorded with a large number of blues greats. Rick “Slow Driver” McLennan, on bass, was with the house blues band at Raouls Roadside Attraction until it’s closing and was a winner of the Maine Blues Society’s “Road to Memphis” contest as a member of the Blues Punks. The newest member of the Blue Jets, Darren “LD” Thiboutot Jr. on guitar, has been playing out at venues all around southern Maine, receiving rave crowd responses. He’s a force to be reckoned with. So get onboard the Blue Jets. The Pinecasters-www.arlowest.com Arlo West is doing it again an this is as “roots” as it gets!. The Pine Casters are a Country Swing Band. Yeah...you read that correctly. Add a little bit of Elvis spice and the talent of the one and only Arlo West and you’ve got something special worth checking out! What do you want to bet Arlo will have a “Pine” Telecaster or two on stage !!! (And don’t worry: you’ll hear lots of “blue notes” all night long!) Paradise Alley Blues historian and twelve-string/resonator maven Ed Murphy along with flat-picker extraordinaire Barry Dumper have been blues mainstays since long before the first Maine Blues Festival. After years as an acoustic duo, Ed and Barry have more recently added a rhythm section (Paul Culloton and Brendan Shea) and harmonica player Lee Margolin to the mix. And if you’ve never heard Barry lay it down with his vintage Gibson electric guitar, you’re in for a real treat! The Blueshounds Longtime Lakes Region good-time band favorites, The Blues Hounds formed in 2001 by Jay Wentzel(guitar), Ron Breton(drums), and John Fontana(bass). Dave Debree (Sax) joined in 2003, and Jessica Sprinkle (vocals) and Scott Schuester (keyboards) are the newest members of the band. Be prepared to howl with the ‘Hounds! Boondocks Blues Band- www.shawnmercer.com “Boondock Blues” also describes the type of music of this band. There is definitely a blues influence in the songs, but there are also strong currents reflecting life off the grid in the back woods of mid-coast Maine flowing throughout the work. Fronted by singer/songwriter Shawn Mercer, the band includes seasoned pros Michael Heat on drums, Brad O’Brien on bass, and Dan McCaw on guitar, this one of the most original acts on the roster. Myron Samuels WMPG on-air blues host Myron Samuels - harmonica player, vocalist, and one-half of the longstanding duo the BarBQ Blues Boys - has been keeping the country blues tradition alive in Maine for decades. This year Myron includes very special guest Eleanor Ellis on guitar and vocals. Originally from Louisiana, Ms. Ellis has performed throughout the US, Canada and Europe, and has been nominated for several blues awards. Off Mission Blues Band The Off Mission Blues Band has played together for 10 years at local venues in both Maine and New Hampshire. They play a blend of classic blues and rock that includes BB King, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, and Buddy Guy among others. The band uses its hard driving, heartfelt expression to ignite instruments and listeners alike into a blues frenzy. Blue Sky Project Blues Sky Project has been gigging around Maine for years, and make their first appearance at the MBF by popular demand. They are: Steve Burd on Bass, Dale Boothby on drums and Rick Jennings on guitar. Along with Gary Marston’s down and dirty blues voice and keyboard legend/Maine music producer Harry King (nuff said!). Great ‘tunage’ with plenty of fun and energy, coming from 5 seasoned musicians. Jessica Hines and the Two Timers Jessica Hines has a tremendous, powerful voice; backed by Maine blues veterans Steve Bailey on guitar, John Donaoe on sax, fiddle, and mandolin, Krister Rollins on bass, and Marty Joyce on drums she literally whips the band into a frenzy and slaughters the audience. It's interesting to watch people in the audience who have never heard her sing. She gets up on stage and starts to belt out a song and their jaws drop. Jessica and Steve will also be performing at this year’s festival as the blues duo “Jessie Mae and the Ice Man” Dave McKelway David took up guitar at about 15 years of age, learning his first song, “Stewball”, from some guy at a summer camp. He piddled around with some other early folk stuff, and in time was introduced to the music of Mississippi John Hurt. Over the years, David has continued to play and expand his repertoire to include diverse artists as Doc Watson, “Fats” Waller, “Duke” Ellington, Jerry Reed, and Chet Atkins,. Dave says his playing will not get you dancing on the table, but it will some offer an opportunity to rest your feet to some really nice playing. Kevin Midgely-www.kevinmidgely.com Kevin Midgley has been performing in the southern Maine area for over 20 years in bars, clubs, and coffeehouses, has opened shows for Buddy Guy, James McMurtry, and Steve Forbert. His live sets are a mix of Delta and folk blues, and his own songs, which a teenage fanzine described as " old lady music - the stuff the babysitter uses to drive children into their bedrooms! Preservation Blues Band-www.preservationbluesband.com Guitarist and front man Peter Michelini is known for his ripping guitar style incorporating a wide range of blues sounds from Delta to Kansas City to Chicago. After 20 years of playing the swampy dives of New Orleans, Peter relocated to Maine and established the Preservation Blues Band in 2009. Rhythm section members, Chris Truslow on bass and Bill Petcher on drums lay down a foundation of solid soulful energy reminiscent of the early blues greats. Their first CD will make its debut the Blues Festival! Mr. Smooth and the Blue News Frank Sambiase has been playing guitar and performing music for most of his life. In that time he's toured the country, played with a diverse variety of performers and composed or added to many songs. Currently, Frank is very busy; when not working on his solo album, Frank can be found on a stage near you. When not performing with his own "Blue News" Band, he also makes appearances with other area musicians. Jessie Mae and the Iceman Mary Murphy with Steve McManus (207) 576-2988 Featuring Mary on soulful and sultry vocals, piano, keyboard bass, and blues harp with Steve on drums and other percussion. Mary & Steve deliver the blues with covers from classic artists such as Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and more including originals. Two seasoned Maine musicians team up to bring you jazzy blues for your dancing and listening pleasure. Rookery Originally called “What’s the Catch” when they made their first appearance at the Maine Blues Festival several years ago, Rookery is a dynamic trio of young musicians – the oldest is twenty! – who despite their youth have had extensive formal music training and experience in award-winning public performance. They are: Owen Conforte, guitar/vocals, Andrew Patterson, bass/vocals, and Tyler Arnold, drums/vocals. Rookery proves that young bands know how to hold their ground among seasoned musicians! Rattleboxx www.myspace.com/rattlebox Rattleboxx is a group of 4 guys and an amazing new lead singer- Mary Bergey. With Harley Colwell on bass, multi-tasking keyboard player/guitarist Steve Neil, Andy Moore on drums and Chris Plumstead on lead and slide guitar, Rattleboxx plays both rock-oriented and traditional blues. Since Mary joined a few months ago they have expanded their repertoire to include her griving voice on song covers by Janis Joplin, Susan Tedeschi and Delbert McClinton. |
