Thank-you to all our Maine Blues Artists.
We couldn't do this without your talent!!!


 
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.

 Maine Blues Artists 

 


Annmarie Smith       
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.

A.O. & the KO's   

AO & the KO’s really gets a kick out of hearing the audience singing along when they’re playing the blues and ‘70’s pop and R&B.  So, belt it out when the beat and lyrics inspire you!  Do it!  You’re in good company! Andy Oliver began six-stringing the blues and R&B in Maine with Pepper Joyce’s The Sensations.  During his tenure as an elementary school teacher, he enjoyed gathering marginalized and underserved students  into his ”Blues 101” club, enabling them to shine during lunchtime performances.  Really fun.  Ed Coyne has been performing throughout New England since the early ‘80’s.  He was a founding member of Bad Credit and Full Moon Madness and performed with Peter Gleason’s Legends for many years.  Ed currently plays bass with AO & the KO’s and the Sacred Heart Church on Mellen Street in Portland.Bob Barton has been percussing for many years, starting as a teen in NYC.  He settled in Southern Maine and played with his brother, John Barton in the Friendly River Band and The Wannabees and with other friends in The Flying Penguins.  Bob currently also plays with The Fullertons, a “garagiana” roots band.Mark Gunter, a special Maine Blues Festival guest on the keyboard with AO & the KO’s, heard The Doors when he was in middle school and said,  “I want to do that!”  He then heard blues and rock ‘n’ roll piano players and said, “I want to do that!”  Mark’s been trying to “do that” ever since.


Beam and Fink
Gravelly vocals, melodic harmonica and thumping guitar make for simple, soulful acoustic music. Mike Beam and Jeremy Fink play a stripped-down and lighthearted brand of country blues. Their mix of unique songs from the genre's rich history, and vintage-style originals, reveal an appreciation and enthusiasm for the roots of American music.

Bellamy Jazz Band
The Bellamy Jazz Band plays a loose, jammin’ Chicago-style jazz ranging from Preservation Hall to prehistoric swing, jazz ballads, dance hall tunes, and just a suggestion that they have heard the rock and roll. Together for over 28 years, they play New Orleans and Chicago Jazz and swing with a wild vitality and loving irreverence. A Maine favorite, this eight piece band has won popularity awards eight years in a row.

Big G and the Rhino
Glen "Big G" Rogers, Gary "Rhino" Searles and Matt "The Bass" Cornell combine their passion for music to bring traditional and contemporary blues to the ears of friends and fans from Maine and elsewhere. Keeping the tradition alive, they add their own spices to make it something a little different.

Black Cat Road  BlackCatRoad.com
Funky, soulful, emotional, rootsy blues and more. The powerful voice of Jessica Moore Hines (Jessie Mae) whips the band into a frenzy and slaughters the audience. Comprised of blues veterans Steve "The Iceman" Bailey on guitar, Kate Seavey on bass, Don Reed on keys, and Chris "Krank" Hartogh on drums.They tell corny jokes between tunes and dance about while playing, rarely with grace, but always with enthusiasm. Some venues actually call them back to play AGAIN...for money!!! They're THAT good!! Black Cat Road makes hips shake and jaws drop.

Blue Steel Express   kevinkimball.com
This year the ‘Express will again include several special guests in a wide-ranging “blues revue” showcase! Formed in 1993, the 'Express is comprised of MBF Co-Founder Kevin Kimball, Deb Danuski, Bub Lynch, Jim Palmer, Mike Vaughan, Ralph Thompson and Mike Wingfield. The band features tight arrangements of blues standards, Brit-blues and original material built around Deb's vocals, Kevin's slide playing, and classy presentation. 

Blue Velvet Moon 
Old songs with a new touch. This band was put together by Nelson Bellarose, the drummer for the band. Amy Jensen on lead vocals and guitar was found playing at an open mic and quickly added to the band. Jeff Wright on harmonica and vocals, and keepin' a steady beat on bass is Foris Williams, long-time friend and bandmate of Nelson Bellarose.

Blues Hounds
The Blueshounds are are a favorite in the Lakes Region, having made regular appearances at Bray's Brewpub and other area venues for many years. A Maine band, they start with the blues, but blend in some smokin' blues/rock and country/rock as well. They feature tight arrangements of modern blues and surprising interpretations of classic blues. For this band and their fans, it's all about that fun, so be warned that the Blues Hounds personify the idea of a "Blues Party!"

Blues In The Works
What do you get when you team up three BIW workers with three other seasoned musician? Blues In the Works! With a triple-threat guitar section, this group has an "in your face" style. The line-up features Sue Beauchenes lead vocalist; Pat Hynes, guitar & lead vocals; Mark Pendelton, sax; Ed Eldredge, guitar & vocals; Jim Palmer, bass & vocals and Larry Beauchenes on drums.

The Blues Prophets   facebook.com/BluesProphets
The Blues Prophets began as the New England Blues Prophets in 1976. Today, Doug Wainoris continues making great guitar sounds with an earthy vocal style; Jamie "Jake" Isaacson plays some of the best blues piano around. Drummer Jeff Davison, along with with solid bassman Jack Tukey, create an effervescent pocket to carry the groove. Harmonica marvel David "DW" Gill has penned and vocalized many respectable blues tunes. Don't miss this one.

Brad Hooper   www.BradHooper.net
Brad Hooper is a two-time Maine Songwriters Contest finalist, Portland Phoenix Best Blues vocalist nominee and full-time working musician. (He learned how to play guitar last Tuesday at 4 p.m.) Hooper maintains a solid performance schedule of hundreds of professional shows each year and has earned the respect of his fans, friends and contemporary peers. Hooper, a Maine Blues Festival committee member, spends countless hours helping to keep the blues alive in Maine. Hooper will be performing this year as part of the Ball Brothers Band.

British Yankees
The British Yankees put on a dynamic show which chronicles the history of British blues throughout the 60's...how it arrived in England and how it developed and was ultimately brought back to the States by people such as Clapton, Beck, Mayall, Fleetwood Mac, Cream, Yardbirds, etc. frontman, Vernon Northover, guitar and vocals, played in blues bands in the UK during this period and experienced the metamorphosis first hand.

Bruce Marshall   brucemarshall.net
Bruce Marshall's music career spans six decades and over eight thousand shows including appearances with over 200 national acts. Known equally well for his riveting band shows with the Bruce Marshall Group and his soulful, heart-felt solo performances, he's also half of the Montgomery and Marshall acoustic duo with bluesman James Montgomery. A tireless performer armed with great originals, an expressive, soulful voice and a commanding guitar style, on electric, acoustic and steel dobro, he's earned a reputation as one of New England's best.

Colwell Brothers   soul-sensations.com 

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 The Colwell Brothers and their band of veteran studio musicians mean business. A must see every year.

Curbside Blues 
Matt Foster and Randy Visser will once again find their favorite curbs along the bustling streets of Naples during the fest. Both men love the intimate story telling opportunities of street busking. Call out a favorite tune or join in for some group harmonizing. Tell them your favorite blues tales and they'll break into the perfect soundtrack. If it's blues...they'll play it, or let you experience your own inner busker.

Dave Mello   davemelloblues.com
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.
 
 
Delta Knights -
deltaknights.com
The Delta Knights Band formed in 1996.  In that first year, the band represented Maine when they played the very first International Blues Talent Competition in Memphis.  Founded by Guitarist/Vocalist Rob Babson, the band continues to play close to 100 shows per year.  They are proud to be part of this virtually ALL-MAINE Blues Festival!  Visit www.deltaknights.com or their Facebook page for more information.


Denny Breau -  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.

Double Entendre
Double Entendre is Jeff Levesque and Cheryl Mercer. Cheryl is the featured vocalist and has over 25 years experience in musical theatre and studio recording in Memphis and Nashville in various genres. Jeff is the multi-instrumentalist and is from Greene, Maine. His background includes years of studio and stage work in Los Angeles.

Downeast Soul Coalition www.downeastsoulcoalition.com facebook.com/downeastsoulcoalition
Back for its 7th appearance at the Festival, Downeast Soul Coalition plays a high energy, groove-driven blend of blues, R&B, soul and funk that features danceable grooves, creative solos, strong vocals, and a powerful horn section. DSC is anchored by bassist/frontman Scott Morrison and showcases guitarist Chuck Smith, saxophonist Kate Campbell Strauss, trumpeter Michelle Kingston, keyboardist Mike Vaughan, and drummer Nancy Durham.

Dr. Dann and the Off Mission Blues Band
Dr. Dann and The Off Mission Blues Band have played together for two decades at local venues in both Maine and New Hampshire. They are well-known for their blend of classic blues and rock which includes BB King, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Buddy Guy among others. The band uses its hard-driving, heartfelt expression to ignite instruments and listeners alike into a blues frenzy.

Ed and Barry
Ed Murphy was bitten by the blues bug after hearing his first Leadbelly record and then going to hear Dave VanRonk play at the Gaslight Cafe in Greenwich Village. Fifty years later he continues his love affair with early twentieth century roots music. Playing 12-string guitar and 6-string slide guitar in a personal style that is based on listening to his musical heroes. Barry Dumper is a deep-blues vintage finger-style picker who keeps the pre-war acoustic blues tradition alive, covering material from Charlie Patton to JJ Cale, and offering well-crafted originals.

Hi Test
Hi Test is a group of Maine based blues veterans that assembles every Wednesday evening at La Cage in Lewiston, Maine from 7-11 PM. Consisting of Steve Bailey on guitar and vocals, Krister Rollins on bass, Brian Hodgman on drums and new kid on the block Chris Velletri on sax and vocals, Hi Test opens with 40 minutes of classic blues, then opens the floor to jammers. The Hi Test jam is geared to individual participation as opposed to showcasing bands. The goal is to help individuals develop the necessary tools to successfully integrate with other like-minded enthusiasts with little or no preparation. We believe the language of the blues is truly universal.

Jason Simonds and the Wicked Blues Band facebook.com/WickedBluesBand
Wicked Blues Band was formed in 2012 by Jason Simonds. After a two year run of gigging, the original band dissolved at the end of 2014. Jason spent most of 2015 working on songwriting and has phoenixed the Wicked Band with new members and many new original songs. Wicked will be recording their gig at Rick's Cafe and they invite as many as can fit in the room to share the experience with them.


jc and the ACES- jeffchristiansenmusic.com
With jc, it’s all about hot tunes with strong vocals-no filler added.The ACES cover a lot of roots music territory:  , smooth blues, rough blues, blues that tells a story, along with swing and R&B. That's a full house and if you think we’re foolin’, you gonna get yo'self a schoolin’!  For the 2019 Maine Blues Festival, along with jc (Jeff Christiansen), the ACES are a high-stakes cast of characters: Jeff Davison, drums and vocals; 'Lunchpail' Jere DeWaters, harmonica and vocal; Chris Velletri, sax and vocals and holding down the bottom, Krister Rollins on bass. The ACES stay on the job until the job is done!
 

JLD Project5 
The JLD Project5 plays a collaboration of originals that range from old-school blues to 70's blues/rock and features a great range of vocals and cool grooves. Band members include Tom Dube, electric guitar and vocals; Pete Ladd, acoustic guitar and vocals; David Hodgkins, bass; Mike Hall, acoustic guitar; and Dennis Buzzell on drums.

Johnny Costa Rica and the Blues Dogz
Singer and Harmonica player John Rousseau has brought together some of Maine's most talented musicians this to bring you some amazing  music. Stefan Iris, of the Juke Joint Devils is on guitar. Stefan is known for serving up energy, taste and tone-always a blast. Mark Napoleon of the Tone Kings, a well known and highly sought after player, will be playing keyboard. You’ll hear that Hammond B3 sound and some great ivory tones from this guy. Gerry Byrne, a former finalist in the Road to Memphis, will be holding down the bottom with his upright. Per Hansen (formerly w/ Ronnie Earle), one of the premiere drummers in Maine, will be sitting in on drums.The consummate professional, Per brings impeccable timing and infectious energy whenever he plays. Finally, John Rousseau will get you dancing and smiling with his story telling style of singing, and his high energy harp riffs.

Juke Joint Devils 
The Juke Joint Devils are an "Old School" jump and swing blues band whose musical style draws heavily from Chicago, Memphis and New Orleans blues music of the 1950's and also from the more modern "West Coast" style of today. Founding member Tommy O'Connell, vocals and blues harp, was a finalist in the 2011 International Blues Challenge. He is backed up by the smoking dual guitarists Stefan Iris and George Stamboulis, Sean Bowman on upright bass and blues veteran Mike Murphy on drums.


Justin Lindsay and Bunk 
Justin Lindsay and Bunk plays a high-energy, rootsy mix, with a focus on Chicago blues. Justin is a 15-year old guitar whiz who started appearing at the MBF and NABF, playing with seasoned pros, when he was 11. The band features Thom Hanes, harp and vocals, along with the hard-hitting rhythm section of Eric Sawyer and Steve Pisani.

Larry Peterson Blues Project
With 54 years behind the kit, Larry Peterson has seen and done it all. Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, he has toured or played with some of the finest acts in the country including Wilson Williams and The Platters, Bo Diddley and Tab Benoit. The band includes Jerry Smith, guitar; Todd Corey, bass; and John Donahue, sax.

LC Williams and the Driver
LC Williams and the Driver, formerly Blood Orange Martinis, are a hard-driving blues group with a uniquely old-school sound. Comprised of Trent Souder on guitar, vocals and occasionally foot snare; Lauren Williams on harp and vocals; Phil Pitula on bass and vocals; and a rotating ensemble of talented rhythm players; they are groove-oriented and always willing to follow an improvisational thread. Reminiscent of early Chicago-style bands, their sound is spare but dynamic and captures the attention of real blues lovers whenever they take the stage.

Liz Lannon Blues Band
After twenty years on the New England blues circuit, with seven albums to her credit, Liz Lannon remains one of the premier local talents. Liz has recently relocated to Southern Maine and has been playing such venues as the former Midnight Blues clubs in Auburn and Waterville, and McSeagull's in Boothbay, among others. The band is primarily influenced by the Chicago blues but rockabilly, jazz and sixties-soul influences are infused in the repertoire.

LRHS Skazz Kats & Blues Band
The Lake Region High School SkazzKats are a blend of serious concert and jazz students at Lake Region High School. Led by Band Director, Paul Greenstone, their repertoire consists of jazz standards, blues, and Ska classics, with a little rock thrown in. They have performed at the Cumberland County Civic Center, at the Portland Expo, the United States Coast Guard Academy, and Downtown Crossing in Boston. After a busy year, the LRHS SkazzCats are proud to be appearing at their 5th Maine Blues Festival.


Luther James and the River Kings
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. 


Mary Murphy
Maine native singer/songwriter/indie artist Mary Murphy sings from her soul to yours, accompanying herself on piano, blues harp and at times guitar and other instruments from Maine to South Carolina. She performs originals, covers select blues artists, and stylizes songs of other genres by weaving a web of jazzy blues around them.

Matt and the Barnburners   mattandthebarnburners.com
Matt & the Barnburners are a two-time winner of the Maine Blues Society's statewide "Road to Memphis Competition" and a longtime fixture of the Maine Blues Scene. Frontman Matt Bilodeau, on harp and vocals, delivers unbridled passion and energy, along with a sincere commitment to the blues that is irresistible. Matt & the Barnburners delivers a high-energy mix of all your favorite blues classics with a unique and tasteful twist.

Maxwell Street
Maxwell Street members met each other at a blues jam. After spending many Saturday afternoons playing for fun in a heated garage, BOOM, out came a blues band. A solid group with a Chicago West Side blues feel, genuine, authentic and gritty.

Memphis Lightning
We're Memphis Lightning and we bring our own brand of ol' school Rock & Roll and down and dirty Blues to a juke joint near you.  Memphis Lightning was born out of tradition with a pedigree second to none.  Having played with the Blues Legend Eddie "Blues Man" Kirkland, Memphis Lightning are the real deal.  Their energetic performances will bring you back to the days when the Jukejoints were rockin' and the Blues was King.  So bring a friend, roll back the rug and get on the floor....Memphis Lightning is in the House.

Migley and Tripp
Get ready for some finger-style guitar playing, mandolin riffing and syncopation to get your Bluesfest partying off to a good start. These guys are purveyors of old-time country blues. Kevin brings vocals, National and acoustic guitars to the group. Jeff Tripp plays mandolin, guitar and fiddle. Jay Conway is resident harmonica player and Mark Cousins will be rounding out the group on drums and percussion.

Mike Hayward's Blue Lions
Hard hitting Texas electric blues delivered with a brass knuckle guitar tone at full throttle with powerful tenor sax in the mix, original songs plus blues by Freddie King, T-Bone Walker, Bobby Bland, Johnny Guitar Watson and Guitar Slim.


Mike Schools Band
The Mike Schools Band, featuring Victor Montez Jr., is a collaborative effort to bring quality, high-spirited, dynamic blues to the public. With influences ranging from Freddy King, to Stevie Ray Vaughn, to the late great BB King, it's always something special when Mike and Victor put their heads, hearts and strats together. Backed by an all-star rhythm section. Come join us.

Mumbling Blues 
Featuring Cameron Lambert on electric dobro, Mumbling Blues, is bringing the next gen fuse while keeping it old-school. A new, young band, ready to keep the blues rolling.

New Blues Revue
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 Todd Corey, Krister Rollins, John Donahue and Larry Peterson. Together this crew will set the stage for the best part of the night: The Eleventh Annual All-Star Blues Jam at Bray's Brewpub.
 

Poke Chop and the Other White Meats   poke-chop.com
After a 10 year run in the State of Maine, bandleader, harmonicat, vocalist, and lead guitarist extraordinaire Ron Gill (a.k.a. “Poke Chop”) is taking his act on the road and is making his last appearance at the Maine Blues Festival. He has been playing music around the country for forty years now, working with a rock-solid rhythm section comprised of blues veterans groovin' harpcat Thom "The Hurricane" Hanes, Marty Lynch on bass, Marc Perez 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! This will be one hot set of smokin' blues. By the way, once upon a time the Blues boarded a riverboat down in New Orleans...

Poor Howard & Bullfrog
"Poor Howard" Stith has been performing 12-string barrelhouse blues for over thirty years across the U.S., Europe and Japan, entertaining audiences with his dazzling guitar, heartfelt voice, and an endless supply of anecdotes. He has shared the stage with such notable blues performers as John Jackson, Archie Edwards and Peg Leg Sam. Mike "Bullfrog" Rogers is a forty year veteran whose styles range from folk to blues. Mike has opened for such performers as John Hammond, Luther "Guitar" Johnson and Emmie Lou Harris, and has appeared on over thirty CDs. 

Preservation Blues Band  preservationbluesband.com
Preservation Blues Band performs blues originals and classics from Howlin' Wolf, Lightnin' Hopkins, John Lee Hooker and others. Peter Michelini's expressive guitar style showcases a wide range of blues sounds from the Delta to Kansas City to Chicago. Steve Brown is known for his soulful piano and Hammond organ sound developed through many years of performance; Chris Penney has been bringing his driving bass sound to the Maine music scene for the past twenty years and Rusty Beckett is a one-man groove factory holding down the band's back-beat.

Ragged Jack   facebook.com/Raggedrockabilly
High energy roots rockabilly trio Ragged Jack has been burning up Maine stages for over three years with their tight old-school sound and on-stage acrobats. The world-class guitar wizardry of Corrie Bonnevie, upright bass and yodeling of Holly Marie and the solid grooves of Maine blues scene veteran drummer Tom "The H-Bomb" Hines are sure to drive the excitement to the stratosphere.


Renovators   therenovatorsmusic.com 
Just like a good old house with good bones, they're still around, seven albums later and are still rockin' and writing fun, funky, topical, bluesy tunes. Songs about the power of love and the power of money. Songs asking for truth and others critical of the wacky political scene. But there's also songs about kids and family, good ole girls and going fishing for the big one.

Trailer Trash  pauldubeentertainment.com
Over the years, Trailer Trash has developed faithful following for their 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, Eric Grenier on blues harp, and newest member Bob Rosenbaum on lead guitar. Trailer Trash combines high-caliber music craft and sly humor so that their audiences can almost see the chicken-wire!

Voodoo Clowns
A dynamic band spanning styles from roots to contemporary blues this driving 4 piece band is sure to scratch your blues itch. The band is primarily fronted by the combo of musical veterans Jere "Lunch Pail" DeWaters on vocals and harmonica and guitarist and vocalist Dave 'Fish' Bottom. This powerful duo is backed by one of the tightest rhythm sections around consisting of Steve Kaulback on drums and vocals and bassist Scott Morin.

Whoa Nellie!
This three piece powerhouse band features a high energy song selection drawing from rock blues influences including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix and the T-Birds. Featuring the fiery, intense guitar playing of Nelson Nadeau, and tight, driving grooves anchored by Nancy Durham on drums and Scott Morrison on bass, this band will kick it into high gear from the very first note.

 


Ball Brothers Band  www.BallBrothersBand.com
The Ball Brothers Band is comprised of Kenny Howard, Scott Kennagh, Clay Abbott, Ronny Mills and Brad Hooper. They've been jamming Southern-rock (and other tasty treats) for more than thirty years but don't look a day over eighty. As kids they were known for hanging around local bars, scrounging under-aged beers, snagging roaches and bugging their local guitar heroes for a chance to play. Time has learned them plenty of licks now and left them reflecting: "So this is mileage, why did we want it in the first place?"

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!

Two Bar Break
Two Bar Break is a group comprised of three well-known, veteran musicians: Marty Lang on guitar and vocals, Alden Clark on piano and Dan "Redd" Girouard on drums.
In addition to playing with Two Bar Break, Lang is a 20-plus year member of the popular Moon Dawgs and Loose Connection. In the 1970's, starting at 17, he played for five years with the Country Squires. The 1981 graduate of the University of Maine, Augusta, Lang is also playing with Az Iz. Clark, who is also a member of Az Iz, was born in Waterville and has worked with many well-known bands and musicians playing "Ragtime Country", bluegrass and blues. He was a member of The Imposters and played with Jud Strunk, opening for such acts as Andy Williams, "Guitar" Shorty and "Little Milton." Girouard has played with the Mark Miller Band, Arlo West, Glen Livet Band and many others. He began his music career in the late 1960's playing for bands such as the Vibrations, Universal Underpass, and the Soul Brothers.


Rick Miller and his Band
Heavily influenced by the jump blues and swing styles of T-Bone Walker and Duke Robillard, Rick Miller brings it home to Maine with a blend of authentic, original tunes and styles with his unmistakably “fat” archtop tone and feel. Making up Gate Street Blues are longtime professionals Tom Ambrose (bass), and Per Hanson (drums/voc/harp). With an upbeat and motivating jump blues sound, Rick and his Band have become one of Maine’s perennial blues festival favorites!

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!

Samuels, Midgley, and Trippe
 Expect nothing but some downhome country blues from these veteran musicians who have been performing individually for well over 30 years! You got Kevin Midgley on guitar and vocals with Myron Samuels on harmonica, foot tambourine and vocals in addition to Jeff Trippe on mandolin, guitar and vocals. Be sure and check these Blues roots musicians for some Delta, Piedmont and early Chicago Blues as these guys will surely pitch you a ‘Wang Dang Doodle’.

The Sensations   www.pepperandthesensations.com
The Sensatoins' bandleader Pepper was introduced to the rhythm and blues sounds of the early fifties, when the backbeat was placed to make you shake your hips; it is in that spirit that Pepper has led the Sensations for over 15 years.

People From Earth
People From Earth is a five member funk, jazz & soul experience based out of Southern Maine. Check out their music at www.soundcloud.com/people-from-earth. Vocalist & saxophonist Lisa Brundage is a graduate of the USM Jazz Performance Program and currently performs with People From Earth and Mama's Boomshack. Guitarist Jason Lusignan, studying music at UMA, has been playing music with James and Lisa since the fourth grade. Bass player James Cook, studying music at UMA, grew up playing music with Jason and Lisa throughout elementary and high school. Currently he performs with People From Earth and Will & Doug. Drummer.percussionist Phil Fournier is originally from Rhode Island.

The Old Blues Kats - DW Gill and Doug Wainoris
www.facebook.com/TheOldBluesKats
Doug has developed a precussive finger picking guitar style, while recreating the music of Mance Lipscomb, Big Bill Broonzy, Robert Nighthawk, Robert Johnson, and John Jackson. DW's harmonica pay tribute to John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, Jazz Gillum, Big John Wrencher, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee and Blind Boy Fuller whilst inserting in the sets, original blues and Cajun tunes. The Kats are on the scene.


Pat Pepin Project
Pat Pepin Project is without a doubt one of the most entertaining bands around. Fronted by award winning vocalist and saxaphonist Pat Pepin, the members are Troy Hanscom-guitar, Mike Auger-drums and Cathy Hanscom-bass. Everyone sings and three part harmonies abound! This group of talented musicians first met while studying at the University of Maine Augusta and in the years following graduation, each has achieved success in all aspects of their field- touring, teaching, audio/video production and recording. Pat has three times represented the Maine Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, produced three CDs and now has a tour schedule that includes shows and festival appearances throughout the US. 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.

Mark Miller and Friends  www.markguitarmiller.com
Mark Miller has been playing guitar and belting out the blues for decades. This legendary performer (and two-time winner of the prestigious Lenny Breau Award!) inspires and captivates the audiences and musicians alike with dazzling and emotional guitar work that only comes from a true master, and blazes the trail for twenty-first century blues guitar
Mark will include several special guests in his performances this year, including vocalist Maine native Rick Tompkins who worked with the late Levon Helms in Woodstock, NY, 15 yr old guitar phenom Cam Pulaski and another master of the guitar, the legendary Bob Fillion.


 
Jimmy and the Soulcats   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!

Mama's Boomshack   www.mamasboomshack.com
Mama's Boomshack could best be described as the lovechild of James Brown and Sly Stone- a seven piece band playing a mixture of funk, soul and blues music. Based out of Portland, Maine, the band has been together since 2011 and is comprised of talented musicians, many of whom have prominent roles in other groups like the Fogcutters Big Band and People From Earth. In February 2014, they went into studio with producer Jonathan Wyman and the result was "Speed of Soul" - a nine song manifesto of funky soul music, a style that pulls from the multiple influences of the band members. The album is currently available at shows and also at their website.

The Bad Daddys   www.baddaddysband.com
The Bad Daddys have been a Maine-based blues stronghold since 2005. Founded by it's frontman, Paul Waring, the four piece band continues to purvey original blues in their own distinctive sound and Voice. Made up of Tom Rush on drums, Tony Nedik on bass, and Dan Lorey on guitar, the strong character of this band comes through as one of the tightest units in New England. Exceptional and unyielding with a velvety tube driven tone. The Bad Daddy's deliver style and sound the underscores Waring's vocal tenor, a chemistry for that sharp and gritty sound that sizzles and burns. 

Barry Dumper
Barry is a deep blues, vintage, finger style picker from Southern Maine keeping the pre-war acoustic blues tradition alive. Covering material from Charlie Patton to JJ Cale, as well as offering some well crafted originals, Barry digs deep into the American Blues songbook.

Blood Orange Martinis
Chosen to represent Maine in Memphis, TN for the International Blues Challenge (band category), the Blood Orange Martinis formed a few years ago when Trent Souder and Lauren Williams, who had been playing as a blues duo, joined forces with bass player Phil Pitula to create a trio with a more driving, electric sound. Guitarist Trent Souder and harp player Lauren Williams had been playing together in various blues bands since the early to mid nineties - the Taildraggers, the Marvin Lord Group, Souder and Williams Blues Band - when they hooked with Phil Pitula, initially to form the short lived Sweet Northern Blues Band, which played festivals and local haunts for about a year before dissolving. Pitula, a veteran of such groups as Sister Sadie, Nevah, and Hot Wax, rejoined Sounder and Williams in this stripped down version to produce a tighter, more dynamic trio which has the power of a full band and the dynamics of a small group. 

Blue Willow Band
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 Blues Mafia
The Blues Mafia is a rockin' and wailin' 6 piece Blues band with MORE. Funk, Swing and Latin flavors are featured with soulful and raw singer Kristin Chute, "The Boss" on vocals and violin, Ron "No-You're-The-Boss" Gill on guitar, Eric Lawson drumming, Ryan Halliburton bassing, Saxy Bruce Couillard Jr., and Duane "The Harp Man" Asdourian. This band covers the classics of blues from Albert King and Ike Turner through Sugar Pie DeSanto and Sippie Wallace and updates the setlist with offerings from Adele, The Black Keys, Alabama Shakes and Amy Winehouse. Truly a blues offer you can't refuse...

Bonnie Edwards and the Practical Cats   bonnieandthecats.com
Bonnie Edwards and the Practical Cats, an R&B horn band, was formed in Portland, Maine in the late 1970's. Since that time they have played nightclubs from the Apollo Theater in New York City to Gilbert's in Camden, Maine and toured the US, Canada & Europe. They performed at Disney World in Florida and opened shows for national acts such as Dr. John, Gatemouth Brown, Johnny Copeland, Jimmy Rogers, and Savoy Brown. They were the 2002-2003 Maine Blues Society's Road to Memphis competition winners and participated in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tn in Feb. 2003. The Practical Cats are an eclectic group of fine seasoned musicians that know how to lay down a groove.

Brookside Blues Band 
Brookside Blues Band is veteran group from central Maine who's core trio is capable of mixing rock, folk, reggae, funk ,country, and jam styles but always go home to the mother of all these genres, the BLUES!. Brookside performs as a power trio (Think Hendrix or Cream) but also add various guest members on keys, harmonica, guitars, and vocals to expand their musical boundaries. One- off performances with numerous well known area musicians are becoming a common practice, where real musical magic can happen. The core trio consists of Eric Mauriello, bass & vocals; Ken Goodman, guitars & vocals, and Jeff Glidden, drums.
, drums.


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.


Pam Baker & the SG’s   www.pambakerblues.com
Pam Baker 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 fans into a closer and more intimate feel as she works the crowd, singing to friends and strangers alike. “There’s nothing like connecting with the audience,” Pam says. “That’s what I’m here for.” 

TheTone Kings 
The Tonekings are one of Maine's premier R&B Soul bands..Composed of many of Maine's finest music scene veterans, The Tonekings offer up a musical gumbo of Blues, Soul, Funk & R&B. Fronted by former Port City Allstar vocalist Phil Divinsky, The Tonekings include guitarist/vocalist Andy Argondizza, B-3 & piano king Mark Napoleone, bassist/vocalist Pete Masterton & drummer /vocalist Marty Joyce.
CD Baby gave The Tonekings 2006 debut CD its Editors Pick Award & The Tonekings continue to play to full houses throughout New England.