Chuck Brisbin
Recognized as one of the Best Vocalist in the Tri-State Area, Chuck’s Powerful, Soulful Voice can be found in his Solo Performances and in harmony with some of the Best Musicians in a Duo, Trio or Full Band configurations.
– His band “Chuck Brisbin & the Tuna Project” has consistently proven to be one of the top ten Blues Bands in the Cincinnati Area since their inception, performing at The Cincy Blues Fest since 2008.
– His Group “Chuck Brisbin & COLD Tuna” delivers Great Rock-n-Blues in a tight Five-Piece Band.
– “The Chuck Brisbin Trio”, consisting of Brian Franks, Cat Campbell & Chuck Brisbin, delivers Blues, R&B, Rock and Country in a style all their own.
performance: 5:45-7:15 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 AMERICANA STAGE
Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO)
The Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO) is comprised of a talented high school age musicians who are furthering their experience in playing America’s classical music – jazz. Comprised of premier players in grades 9-12 from central Ohio and beyond, the CYJO has a 30-week season during the school year, and performs at the Southern Theatre prior to each of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra’s Sunday matinee concerts.
The ensemble also plays a limited number of additional performance opportunities throughout the year as the schedule allows. The CYJO plays literature of the highest level with repertoire from the libraries of the great big bands, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Oliver Nelson, Benny Goodman and Dizzy Gillespie.
performance: 1-2:30 pm SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
Damian Knapp
Damian Knapp is not based out of Los Angeles or Nashville and he is not participating on a music television game show anytime soon. Always a rebel and outcast, he disdains the modern era guitar shredder. His ART is a reflection of his life living in Warren, OH, an old rust-belt city nestled between Cleveland and Youngstown. First and foremost a songwriter, Knapp sings about the backroads, characters, and social issues facing his hometown. Perhaps no other place in America is more fitting for a bluesman in modern times than Warren, OH as she has been hit hard by deindustrialization, job losses, crime, and the heroin epidemic.
Besides his formidable guitar chops, Knapp believes in the characters he sings about and considers himself first and foremost a songwriter. He likes to describe his new blues album as a "Grand Tour of the Blues" because so many different styles of Blues are represented on the album. NYC's Elmore magazine stated that, "Damian Knapp is well-versed in the blues and plays a mean slide guitar."
During his 23 year career as a professional musician, Damian has had the opportunity to perform with many of his favorite national blues acts and play countless music festivals and iconic venues around his home state of Ohio. He has twice participated (2005 and 06) at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. As a performer, Damian has played legendary venues such as Packard Music Hall, Canton Palace Theater, Beachland Ballroom. Beal St. (Memphis) and many more. He has shared the stage with the likes of Magic Slim (RIP), Devon Allman, Tab Benoit, John Hammond, Foghat, Tinsley Ellis, among several others.
performance: 9-10:30 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 AMERICANA STAGE
Dan Holt
Dan Holt has been writing, performing and recording his brand of blues for over 20 years. He was the winner of the Black Swamp Blues Society Blues Challenge in 2015 and the Dayton Blues Society Blues Challenge in 2016 and was a quarter finalist in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN in 2016 and 2017. In addition to performing at venues across the United States and parts of Canada, Dan has released 10 solo albums including "Driftin" and "Poison Pen."
performance: 2:30-3:45 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 AMERICANA STAGE
Dave Powers Quartet
For over 34 years, two-time EMMY® Award winning composer and performer Dave Powers has been a vital part of the Columbus, Ohio music scene as a pianist, keyboardist, vocalist, entertainer and educator. Dave has traveled and performed nationally and internationally. Dave is a consultant and a frequent guest of the Public Television Show “The Piano Guy” and has taught a series of master classes with “Piano Guy” host Scott Houston. Dave is also an adjunct faculty member of The Ohio State University School of Music. Considered one of the most successful musicians in the Midwest, Dave manages to win over the hearts of all who hear him perform. From concerts to clubs and restaurants to corporate events and private parties, his vast repertoire is as diverse as the audience that he entertains. Dave has performed with noted performers such as Steve Allen, George Benson, Rusty Bryant, Buddy DeFranco, Mark Farner (of Grand Funk Railroad), Eric Gale, Terry Gibbs, Ernie Krivda, Wilbert Longmire, Johnny Lytle, ‘Blue’ Lou Marini (of the Blues Brothers), Joan Rivers, Arturo Sandoval, Grover Washington, Jr. and many others. In addition, Dave is associated with the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus, and performs with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. Dave has been hosting a jazz concert series from his home, and now has been recently re-located at the Clintonville Woman’s Club called “The House Jazz Concert Series.” Dave’s performance schedule and CD’s are available online at www.davepowers.com.
performance: 12-1:30 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
Flippo FLIPPO: The Music of Al Jarreau and David Sanborn
FLIPPO is a jazz group displaying instrumental virtuosity and creative energy in the spirit of sonic colors and innovation born of the “funk” and “jazz/rock fusion” movements of the 1970’s and beyond. The band features Michael Cox on Sax, Paul Brown on guitar, Erik Augis on Keys, Andy Woodson on bass and Louis Tsamous on Drums.They started FLIPPO to play some of their favorite music together.
For their 2020 CBJF Show, FLIPPO will perform the music of Al Jarreau and David Sanborn.
performance: 4-5:30 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
Fox 'n Hounds
Picture a traditional bluegrass ensemble pickin' away in the moonlight. Instead of boys from the mountains of Virginia, picture a band of gypsies from all walks of musical life. Fox N Hounds keeps the laments and ballad’s of Bluegrass music, but also brings a lively addition. It's Bluegrass music of the now. Songs from the hills and from the city-- full of excitement and adventure, love and despair, and even unhealthy appetites. Fall of 2009 marked the release of their self-titled EP. Fox N Hounds has spread its sound across Central Ohio to the ears of listeners eager for a new twist to bluegrass music.
performance: 5:30-7 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 AMERICANA STAGE
George Delancey Quartet
A native of Cambridge, OH, and a student of such prestigious programs as the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Michigan State University Jazz Studies Program, where he studied under Rodney Whitaker. He has worked with notable bandleaders Johnny O’Neal, Wessell Anderson, Willie Jones III, Philip and Winard Harper, Christian Howes, Houston Person, Tia Fuller, Bria Skonberg, as well as many others in New York and throughout the Midwest. He is active nationally as a bandleader and educator, and has worked with programs including Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz for Young People, Christian Howes’ Creative Strings Workshop, and Keith Hall's Summer Drum Intensive. He is also the director of the Midwestern arts initiative Appalachian Muse.
performance: 7-8:30 PM Friday, June 19, 2020 Heartland Bank Jazz Stage
Groove Trio
Get ready to move. AC Collins and the Groove Trio is making music to move the masses...drawing and expanding on the sounds of 60's & 70'sClassic Rock, Rhythm & Blues, Funk & Soul Music around!
performance: 4-5:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 AMERICANA STAGE
Harold Stewart & The Blueshounds
International performing and recording artists, Harold Stewart & The Blues Hounds, are based out of Columbus, Ohio and consistently offer high-intensity, upbeat, funky blues music with a wide range of flavors. The Blues Hounds have headlines many international events and opened for various pro-musicians overseas, as well as recording 2 CDs in Japan.
The Blues Hounds sound is a modern, funky, powerful good-time, high intensity electric blues—with horn-line and Hammond b-3 backing—in the vein of the music created in the late 1960s by Stax Records and made popular by Blues giants like Albert King, Otis Rush, Albert Collins, Freddie King, Jr. Wells, Lucky Peterson, Little Milton and BB King. Jump and swing Blues tunes fill out the band’s repertoire from artists such as T-Bone Walker, Ray Charles, Louis Jordan, Roomful of Blues and Delbert McClinton.
performance: 12-1 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Harper & the Midwest Kind
An amalgamation of roots, blues and world music, award winning Australian singer/ songwriter "Peter D. Harper" creates a heady mix of roots music through his creative use of the harmonica, and the haunting drone of the didgeridoo. By combining traditional and modern influences, borrowing from Western and World music, Harper has created a highly original take on the roots genre. Harper has received an amazing 14 x Music Awards in four different countries and has performed on over 2000 Films, commercials and TV series. Considered to be a virtuoso harmonica player, Harper’s innovative use of electronic enhancement and feedback, breaks the traditional boundaries of the harmonica, giving his music its distinctive harmonics and effects. The powerful guitar sounds and the unique drone of the didgeridoo create rawyet eerie sonic textures, somehow sounding primal and contemporary at the same time. Harper is backed by his very talented American Midwest based band: "Midwest Kind"
performance: 5:45-7:15 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 Electric Blues Stage
Huntertones
Huntertones brings people together around the globe with fun, imaginative and fearless music. Their high energy, horn-driven sound features genre bending composition and unconventional covers. Every show is a social experience celebrating the joy of music.
The band formed in Columbus, Ohio and is now based in Brooklyn, NY. They’ve performed in over 20 countries world wide and continue to tour the US and abroad. Their latest release, Passport, is a collection of songs inspired by their experiences sharing music with people from all over the world.
performance: 9-10:30 PM Friday, June 19, 2020 on the Heartland Bank Jazz Stage
In Layman Terms
In Layman Terms is a nationally acclaimed quartet that has played all over the United States. Their unique and diverse sound ranges from gritty, foot-stomping acoustic work, to that of an electrified big band with Americana undertones, funk, and a hint of modern flair. Their compelling, content-filled original music has had airplay worldwide, has ranked nationally on the charts, and has had rave reviews by reputable musicians and reviewers. Cole Layman, Logan Layman, Hamed Barbarji, and Collin Hopkins are all distinguished, experienced, and extremely versatile multi-instrumentalists in their own right.
“With its NOLA flavored funk and soulful rocking blues ‘Strong Roots’ by In Layman Terms is strong medicine for the soul indeed. Logan Layman’s vocals belie her tender years, and Cole Layman’s guitar lines add passion and intensity with every note. Hamed Barbarji’s trumpet lifts the music up. Nick Davidson on drums joins Logan on bass to form a groove engine that is tight and tenacious. ‘Strong Roots’ is definitely a contender for Album of the Year.”
- Barry Kerzner, Music Journalist
performance: 12:30-2 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 Electric Blues Stage
James Gaitors’ SOUL REVIVAL
The James Gaiters Quartet brings its Soul Revival to #2020CBJF. James has appeared with many of the world’s greatest artists, been a featured performer with Wynton Marsalis, and has received accolades the world over. James’ powerfully musical voice has also led to nationally and internationally televised features on BET on Jazz, and he has been featured on some of the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals. James is also a prolific composer, arranger, and producer, and has written, produced, and released Looking Back Ahead, a CD featuring his own group, MUV-MeNT, as well as his more recent album Exodus.
performance: 5-6:30 PM Saturday, June 20, 2020 Heartland Bank Jazz Stage
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
Jonn Del Toro Richardson got his start at an early age, having grown up in a musical family. His grandmother and her siblings played in a touring mariachi band playing regionally through the Southeast and Southwest. After watching his uncles play at family gatherings, he picked up a guitar in his early 20s. On a diet of Country, Motown, R&B, Classic rock and various other genres, Jonn continued learning his chosen instrument and he worked in various bands playing all types of music.
Once he heard the blues, he knew he had found his place. Richardson’s partnership with Diunna Greenleaf and his role in the Blue Mercy Blues Band and the support of the Blue Shoe Project in Dallas TX led them to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN in 2005. That same competition Richardson was honored with the Albert King Award, the most promising blue guitarist of the competition.
In 2007 Jonn played on the Grammy winning album The Last of the Mississippi Delta Blues Men. He continues Perkins’ legacy by working with the Pinetop Perkins Foundation. You can hear his influences on his various recordings and live. Richardson has had the pleasure to work with players such as Diunna Greenleaf, Otis Taylor, Bob Margolin, Hubert Sumlin, James Cotton, Bob Stroger, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Anson Funderburgh, Ronnie Earl, Rich Del Grosso, and many, many more.
Jonn has released two CDs with other artists. In 2011 Jonn released Time Slips on By with Rich DelGrosso to great reviews. It garnered a Blues Blast Nomination for best Traditional Album and was named one of the top 100 blues CDs by Billboard Magazine of 2011. In 2013 Jonn teamed up with Sean Carney to release Drivin’ Me Wild. This album also got great reviews as served as the basis for several European tours.
In November 2015 Jonn released his first solo Album, Tengo Blues. Produced by Answon Funderburgh this effort charted in the top 10 blues charts for months and garnered rave reviews throughout the country. It also and earned him a Blues Blast Award nomination for best new artist in 2016.
In May 2017 Jonn won the Blues Music Award from The Blues Foundation for Best New Artist Debut Award for Tengo Blues!
Jonn Del Toro Richardson continues to tour extensively both in the U.S. and Europe.
performance: 7:45-9:15 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Marion Meadows with Urban Jazz Coalition
He started playing tenor sax in high school, and then migrated to soprano sax. Meadows attended Berklee College of Music. There he majored in arranging and composition. He later went to the SUNY Purchase School for the Arts. During his college years he played in a number of bands including disco, R&B and various jazz ensembles.
Meadows perfected his craft studying with Sonny Fortune, Joe Henderson, Dave Liebman and Eddie Daniels. “Not long after I finished school, (drummer) Norman Connors recorded one of my songs, “Invitation” and then asked me to join his band. Meadows first hit the airwaves in 1991 with “For Lovers Only.”
Meadows hooked up with numerous artists and musicians and became a well-known sideman in his own right, recording or performing over the years with Brook Benton, Eartha Kitt, Phyllis Hyman, Jean Carne, The Temptations, Michael Bolton, Angela Bofill, Will Downing , Bob Baldwin, Chuck Loeb, John Lee, among many others.
In the late ‘80s, Meadows stretched his boundaries by becoming a member of a New York avant-garde band called the Aboriginal Music Society. In 1990 Meadows submitted a solo project to Steve Backer at Novus/RCA and was signed to a recording contract, thus marking the beginning of his solo career. Meadows’ first RCA release “For Lover’s Only” was a huge success and was followed by his groundbreaking “Keep it Right There” album. He became a staple of the contemporary jazz format with his subsequent recordings, which include Body Rhythm (1994) and Forbidden Fruit (1996), Passion (1997), Another Side Of Midnight (1999), Next To You (2000), In Deep (2002), Players Club (2004), Dressed To Chill (2006), Secrets (2009) Whisper (2013) and most recently Soul Traveler, the first installment of his Soul Trilogy which now showcases his current release, Soul City" on the New York based Shanachie Label. Meadows is a semi-pro cyclist, graphic artist and designer. Marion received a doctorate from Wilberforce Universty in 2016.
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Urban Jazz Coalition is one of the hottest live performance ensembles on the contemporary jazz scene today, with a sound described by JazzTimes Magazine as “flush with rhythmic grooves, funky bass lines, and beautiful melodies.” Their energetic blend of Soulful Jazz/ R&B has electrified audiences across North America at many of the nation’s most prominent festivals and concert venues including The Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Jazz Fest West, The Capital Jazz Fest, The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, and numerous other prestigious concert venues. UJC’s music has also been featured in network television programming, international film soundtracks, McDonald’s regional advertising campaigns, and as part of an eclectic group of artists on a Gospel/Jazz compilation project released by Capitol/EMI Records.
In addition to the notoriety UJC has earned as a self contained group, they have also become one of the most in-demand back up groups in the smooth jazz genre, having performed as sidemen for a number of top smooth jazz artists.
performance: 9 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
Nikki D & the Browns
Nikki is well known as a “Sacred Steel” player, a musical style and African-American gospel tradition of using lap steel and pedal steel guitars in church. The Brown family singers were formed by their parents, the late Curtis & Ruth Brown in 1973. Their dad encouraged them not only to sing, but to learn to play musical instruments. They have performed throughout the gospel music circuit, have won awards and recorded several projects. They were named the 2010 Ohio Gospel Superfest Winners, were 2014 Lowell Folk Festival participants, 2014 Toledo Quartet Music Association Grammy Award Winners, and the 2015 B-Made Known Talent Search winners. Nikki D & the Browns have performed a number of times at Natalie’s—as well as countless other venues and special events.
performance: 4:30-6 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Orion and the Constellations
Industrial blues trio Orion and the Constellations plays with the precision of a finely tuned manufacturing line, their funk inspired riffs will move you through myths and memories of love and consequence, generational struggle and the power of the human spirit, leaving you with a sense of shared experience and an undeniable groove in your gut. Working in a steel mill by day and a self-taught blues guitarist by night, Orion DiFranco leads with fast fingers on electric guitar alongside Efrum Imler and Erik Rau (bass and drums).
” A solid groove from start to finish” Adrian Blacklee Blues Matter Magazine
Adult Contemporary Song of The Year
“Whiskey My Woman and This City”
Influenced by the great SRV, Gary Moore and Gary Clark Jr, the album was produced at Sonic Lounge by Joe Viers (Lydia Loveless, Red Wanting Blue, Dr. John). With the precision of a finely tuned manufacturing line, their funk inspired riffs will move you through myths and memories of love and consequence, generational struggle and the power of the human spirit, leaving you with a sense of shared experience and an undeniable groove in your gut.
The
performance: Saturday, June 20, 2020 2:15 PM Electric Blues Stage
Paisha Thomas
Paisha Thomas is an American singer/songwriter based in Columbus, Ohio who commands attention from the moment she takes the stage. Equally at home singing Soul, Gospel, R&B, Paisha creates music about love, self-discovery, and the condition of the world.
She released her first album in 2016, which drew immediate praise from critics and fans alike, and she’s currently working on her highly anticipated next record. Paisha’s band consists of the best national and regional musicians, including Dwight Bailey (bass) and James Gaiters (drums). She frequently collaborates with Stan Smith (Nova Madrugada, Moacir Santos), Counterfeit Madison, Scott Woods (Holler & Streetlight Guild), Phil Clark (Hoo Doo Soul Band, Phil Clark & the SOUL), and Jesse Henry (Spikedrivers), on a variety of engaging projects.
Paisha has performed nationally and in Columbus at the historic Lincoln Theatre. In 2016 she launched a concert series, Cover Me, which provided a platform for local artists and raised funds to help cover costs of music education for students in underserved populations. Paisha has also shared the stage with Ruthie Foster, and created and hosts the monthly “Soul Sunday” series at Natalie’s, a live music venue in the Columbus area. Besides her talents in singing and performing, Paisha creates sculptures and ceramic art, and is engaged in social justice causes.
performance: 9:15-10:45 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 AMERICANA STAGE
Ralph & The Rhythm Hounds
Ralph & The Rhythm Hounds have been nominated for the 2019 Cincinnati Entertainment Award as “Best Blues Band in Cincinnati,” placed 2nd in the 2018 Dayton Blues Challenge, placed 3rd in the 2018 Cincinnati Blues Challenge and were nominated for the 2014 Cincinnati Entertainment Award as “Best Blues Band in Cincinnati.”
The band features Noah Cave. Noah Cave is a Cave family fourth generation blues guitarist. Noah has an explosive "modern blues" musical style, deeply rooted in the artist phrasing of musicians Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Ray Vaughan, BB King, Albert King, BB King, Freddie King, Gary Moore, Peter Green, Johnny Winter and many other modern blues and blues rock based musician’s styles.
The band released its first original CD, Mesmerized, in August 2016 and is currently working toward the release of its second original CD.
The band formed in 2003 and has played at many festival events including Taste Of Cincinnati, Lebanon Blues Fest and Cincy Blues Fests. In 2018 we performed at Sayler Park Octoberfest, Buckeye BBQ Fest, Blues In The Boonies, Cincy Summer Blues Fest, Cincy Winter Blues Fest just to name a few.
performance: 1:15-2:30 pm SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 on the ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE.
Robert Mason Trio
Robert Mason is a pianist, teacher, and arranger from Columbus who graduated from OSU with a BM in Jazz Studies and a minor in Music, Media and Enterprise. He has won numerous awards for jazz performance including the Louis Armstrong Award for outstanding musicians while still in high school. He also received several scholarships at OSU including the Atkin Jazz Scholarship, Tom Battenberg Jazz Scholarship, and the George and Janice Scantland Jazz Scholarship. Robert currently performs with a number of groups in Columbus, including fo/mo/deep and his own group, The Robert Mason Trio. He also helps leads the worship band at Flintridge Community Church.
performance: 2-3:30 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
Sean Carney and Friends
The Columbus, Ohio bluesman has it in his family genes, with jazz horn players in the previous two generations. Onstage locally he mastered his craft backing a wide array of local and national R & B greats such as Christine Kittrell and Jimmy “T-99” Nelson and making it known that he was a skilled and tasteful guitarist and vocalist. He gained exposure and experience serving as vocalist Teeny Tucker’s musical director and co-writer.
Gahanna native Sean Carney’s profile has gotten a major boost in recent years, and in fact is decidedly international these days when European tours often in the company of major historical figures have become almost routine for him. He has performed worldwide with Big Joe Duskin, Duke Robillard, Charlie Baty, Columbus standby Willie Pooch, Hank Marr, Joe Weaver, Johnnie Bassett, “King Saxe” Gene Walker, Sir Mack Rice and Hal Singer as well as his own group.
Sean is a noteworthy, sophisticated master of tone and taste with a broad appreciation for the music before him and around him and a knack for turning out interesting songs. A perennial fan favorite, Sean has performed EVERY year at the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival since it began.
performance: 9:15--11 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 Electric Blues Stage
Shayna Steele
One of the greatest singing sensations of our time, known from recordings with Snarky Puppy and Moby and a host of other stars, Shayna Steele takes flight on her third album, “Watch Me Fly." Offering six self-penned originals and four select classics ranging from Soul via Blues and Gospel and easily crossing over to retro R&B and Jazz, showcasing Shayna Steele’s supremely soulful energy, as well as her mind blowing vocal artistry and songwriting skills.
“I am outrageous, larger than life” are the first words on Shayna Steele’s new album. The few notes she sings to voice them in the aptly named song “Be” already make it clear that this is not braggadocio, but a fact. The singer, born in California and raised in Mississippi, who as a self-proclaimed “American Air Force brat” grew up all over the world, but lives and thrives in New York, not only has a charismatic, charming and truly unique voice, but also plenty of technique and the vocal strength of a volcano. Shayna has performed with the likes of Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Bette Midler and Steely Dan as a sought after background vocalist. Shayna made the decision that being in the background was not an option anymore and has been touring regularly as a featured vocalist with Grammy Award winning trumpeter, Chris Botti, was a featured vocalist on Snarky Puppy’s “Family Dinner” and reached #1 on the Dance Billboard charts as a featured vocalist on Moby’s “Disco Lies.” Saying Shayna is ready to step out on her own would be a major understatement.
“I grew up all over the world," Shayna explains in her liner notes. “It was
hard to call any place home for most of my life… but it was my time in Biloxi that really shaped me into the person I am. I struggled with the lack of access to different cultures, but I found the silver lining through music and performance. I was a bit of an outcast, coming from a bi-racial family, living in Mississippi, where the races pretty much segregated themselves… I didn’t belong. But when I go home to visit, the community is so welcoming and proud of my accomplishments. I get that 'Mississippi hospitality' and I wanted to write them an anthem… to let them know how important they were to me.”
Schooled in Jazz by her Godfather, self-taught and guided by her musician father and
educated in Gospel by her choir director, the Grammy-nominated Michael McElroy, Shayna Steele dove headfirst into music in her teens, entering (and winning) several pageants and talent shows, including an appearance on Ed McMahon's Star Search at the tender age of 15 (she came in 2nd by a 1/2 star). "I never really felt 'grounded' until I moved to NYC”, she says. “It was then that I really opened up to different genres of music." Shayna began to develop her sound, blending new influences, from Ledisi to Rachelle Farrell, with her childhood icons Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and the Temptations. Having released an EP and two full length albums by now, she continues to tour extensively with her band, as well as appearing as a special guest vocalist with jazz big bandsthroughout Europe and the U.S.
performance: 7-8:30 pm Saturday, June 20, 2020 Heartland Bank Jazz Stage
Shemekia Copeland
“Copeland is a powerhouse, a superstar… she can do no wrong.” – ROLLING STONE
Shemekia Copeland never holds back. Her instantly recognizable voice—capable of being sultry, assertive and roaring—delivers every song with unparalleled honesty and passion. Her wide-open vision of contemporary Americana roots and soul music showcases the evolution of a passionate artist with an up-to-the-minute musical and lyrical approach. With her new Alligator Records album, America’s Child, Copeland confidently announces an electrifying new chapter in her constantly evolving story. Produced by Americana Instrumentalist of The Year winner Will Kimbrough (who also plays guitar on the album) and recorded in Nashville, America’s Child is a courageous and fiery statement of purpose, a major step forward for the singer whose musical consciousness continues to expand as her star continues to rise.
When Shemekia broke on the scene at age 18 in 1998 with her groundbreaking Alligator Records debut CD Turn The Heat Up, she instantly became a blues and R&B force to be reckoned with. News outlets from The New York Times to CNN praised Copeland’s talent, larger-than-life personality, and true star power. With each subsequent release, Copeland’s music has continued to grow. From her debut through 2005’s The Soul Truth, Shemekia earned eight Blues Music Awards, a host of Living Blues Awards (including the prestigious 2010 Blues Artist Of The Year) and more accolades from fans, critics and fellow musicians. 2000’s Wicked received a Grammy nomination.
Copeland returned to Alligator Records in 2015 with the Grammy-nominated Outskirts Of Love. She won the 2017 Living Blues Readers’ Award for Blues Artist Of The Year (Female), the same distinction she won the year before. She also took home the 2016 Blues Music Award (BMA) for Contemporary Blues Female Artist Of The Year. Outskirts Of Love won the BMA for Best Blues Album Of The Year. MOJO said Copeland was “spectacular, stirring, sanctified and sassy.”
Shemekia Copeland has performed thousands of gigs at clubs, festivals and concert halls all over the world and has appeared on national television, NPR, and in newspapers, films and magazines. She’s sung with Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, Carlos Santana, James Cotton and many others. She opened for The Rolling Stones and entertained U.S. troops in Iraq and Kuwait. Jeff Beck calls her “amazing.” Santana says, “She’s incandescent…a diamond.” In 2012, she performed with B.B. King, Mick Jagger, Buddy Guy, Trombone Shorty, Gary Clark, Jr. and others at the White House for President and Mrs. Obama.
performance: 7:30-9 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Sirens
Sirens music is all about the unique melody, the expression through lyric & voice and the texture of acoustic guitar & bass coming together to create unique but timeless pop songs. Sirens is comprised of two of Ohio's most sought after studio and live performers Molly Pauken (bass, drums, guitar, mandolin) & Kay Harris(vocals, guitar, mandolin) Stylistically, Sirens music integrates pop, rock, Americana, funk, & folk to produce a sound all their own! Performing out regularly with their band and as a duo. As a 4 piece, Kay and Molly are joined by Pete Cary on guitar, bass and vocals, and Jeff Peters on drums. From time to time, many other amazing area musicians join in the fun. Sirens plays monthly at Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza , statewide Summer festivals, weddings and other private events.
Today’s listeners have such a wide range of musical tastes. Somehow Sirens in their third and highly anticipated Cd, have streamlined a collection of songs that does just that! With the bass, drums, mandolin and guitar skills of Molly Pauken, and the diverse, emotive voice of Kay Harris, Confessions of an Optimist presents a blended group of songs that travel through funk, Americana, pop/rock and soul in a truly original way. Their love of melody and creative songwriting will take you on a journey of depth and candor.
performance: 12-1:30 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 AMERICANA STAGE
Skyla Blumenscheid
Skyla is a High School musician living in Columbus, OH. She discovered her musical talent at an early age, when her mom picked up a $5 keyboard at a garage sale for her when she was a kid. She's been impressing audiences ever since then.
performance: 1-2:15 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 Americana Stage
Sydney McSweeney
Sydney McSweeney is a vocalist from Columbus, Ohio who at a young age developed a deep love of music. That love directed her to Otterbein University where she studied classical voice and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in music. Most recently, Sydney sang with the renowned bass player FOLEY and she performs as the lead vocalist of the Sydney McSweeney trio.
She is a rising vocal sensation who takes a fresh approach to jazz with her wide-ranging voice and one-of-a-kind style. She has an ability to inspire audiences of all ages.
When Sydney isn’t teaching or singing, she loves spending time with her massive, tight knit family. If she’s not traveling or in town enjoying local music, you can usually find her under the warm covers of her bed watching Netflix!
performance: 3-4:30 PM Saturday, June 20, 2020 on the Heartland Bank Jazz Stage
Tee Dee Young
Tee Dee Young, a native of Lexington Kentucky, has been performing and playing for audiences for years. He got his start playing the guitar sitting by the railroad tracks and at the early age of thirteen he was exposed to the life of blues learning the basics mentored by an elderly gentlemen, the late Mr. Harrison Coleman. He would pick up singing from his late father gospel singer Leonard Young and he would later be influenced by his late brother George Young who would constantly reminded him to never change his style in which he plays the blues.
Tee Dee has been named: 2015 Best Blues Artist, Lexington Music Awards 2011. Beale Street Blues King’s Beale Street Merchants Association Memphis, TN and 2011 Best Blues Band in State of Kentucky Kentucky / Blues Society Bowling Green.
He was a 2011 International Blues Challenge finalist at The Blues Foundation Memphis, Tennessee. At the age of fourteen he formed his own band and, throughout the rest of his teens, Tee Dee Young would perform every chance he could get; in basements, private parties, talent shows and entering through back club doors.
By age 20, he was performing in prestigious venues such as: The Cotton Club, Albert King’s Club, Kington Mines and Club Zero. Further down the road he would make appearances at B.B. King’s Club & Isaac Hayes’ Club. He would later find himself opening up for/performing with legendary and acclaimed Blues and R&B musicians such as: Johnny Rawls, Guitar Shorty, Big Bill Morgan, Albert King, Lil “Howling ” Wolf, Sir “Mack” Rice, Eddie Floyd, Malina Moye, Al Green, Denise Lasailes, Aretha Franklin, Cameo, Lakeside, James Brown, Alexander O’Neal, Vesta Williams, Miki Howard and many others.
What makes Tee Dee Young unique is the style in which he plays the Blues. Young’s playing and singing are authentic to the genre but oblivious to current industry trends. His guitar is a weapon, wielded with total authority, assailing the listener with his sheer virtuosity!! He writes and perform his own music, while still being able to maintain his originality covering music written by other artist and his love for pleasing his audience, while he’s “firing down on that guitar!”
performance: 2:45-4:15 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Temple Monkey
New Americana best describes Temple Monkey. Created by a melding of three and four part harmonies with musical styles from America's Heartland: pop, rock, country, blues, and a dash of swampy Louisiana Creole, creating a sound that travels down the Mississippi like a Sloe Gin Fizz for the soul. This is a band that has a sound, whether it's leaving their unique thumb print on the diverse cover arrangements they perform or their original songs. Make no mistake, these guys have come to play, and play they will with a blistering performance that tells it all.
performance: 4-5:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Terry Douglas
Terry Douglas grew up in Lodi, Ohio, and from an early age he took interest in the guitar. Terry started hitting open mics and playing solo gigs at local bars that led to his first album release “Living the Dream” in 2014. Terry continued to play gigs and hone his craft and released “Written in the Parking Lot” in August of 2017. The response was overwhelming. With tracks like “Ties that Bind “and “Hot Mess Express” being played worldwide on Internet Radio and FM radio.
performance: 7:30-9 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020 AMERICANA STAGE
The Blue Cats
Three veteran blues-jazz musicians, Rick Collura (electric guitar), Terry Finneran (keys, vocals, blues harp, flute) and Randy Huff or Andy Smith on percussion form the core of the Blue Cats. The 3-piece combo unites to bring you energy intensive, yet volume controlled original arrangements of favorites from their musical hip pockets. Their experiences include extended support time with local favorites (Willie Pooch, McGuffey Lane, John Schwab, Jim Lynch, Tony Monaco), as well as on-stage experience with a variety of national acts including James Brown, Albert King, Luther Allison, Johnny Winter, Tom Scott, Leo Kotke, The Griswolds, Ray Guy Blues Band and others.
performance: 4-5:30 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 AMERICANA STAGE
The Drifter Kings
The Drifter Kings are musicians, first and foremost. But they are entertainers. All three come to the stage with a passion, and an impressive resume. These gentlemen are not new to the music business. Their personal musical journeys have come to this crossroads, Columbus, Ohio to enrich our musical lives just a little bit. Music lovers throughout Ohio and the rest of the country are getting more than they bargained for. These players will make you pay attention.
The soft spoken, heady front man, who happens to be the drummer, is New York native Doug Oscard. He put the band together and takes care of their business. Along with the duties of being the drummer he also contributes excellent song writing to the band’s projects. Doug’s musical background is definitely an asset. The key to it all though is their chemistry. There is plenty of that to go around. But like all musicians, it’s about the music.
On the guitar is Chris Whitney, a native of Columbus. Chris is one of the most well rounded guitarist you will find anywhere. He studied jazz guitar at Ohio State University, but he is also well versed in country, rock, blues and classical music. His wife and he own an art gallery/music studio in Clintonville, where they teach piano and guitar. Chris has written, arranged and recorded original music for multiple projects. One such project was a film score for the movie A Genesis Found (2010). Chris has also played in several different bands.
Tony Harp is also a Columbus transplant, originally hailing from Oklahoma. His first instrument was not the bass guitar however. It was an alto sax. Tony study under Joe Davis (The Doobie Brothers, Freddie King) at Northeastern University. Eventually he would receive his degree in Music Technology from the University of North Carolina Asheville. The bass guitar became his instrument of choice, and he has honed his skills for the past 25 years.
The Drifter Kings approach to the Blues, is one of a different perspective, as alluded to in the upbeat/toe tappin’ track Son of a Gun. Most of the vocals are courtesy of Chris, but Tony demonstrates his bluesy swooning on Back to the Country. Doug lays down the percussion in several different ways, including a “washboard” or scratch board and a stomp box. Now that’s a bit old school, but still they bring that modern jazz approach right along. Which I think speaks to their sound, their whole approach to the Blues, it is a melting pot of different sounds that has made Blues so indelible in American history. The Drifter Kings understand that and we should all salute them for their efforts. Keeping the Blues alive, that is what The Drifter Kings do.
performance: 6:15-7:30 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 Electric Blues Stage
Tom Carroll Duo
Tom Carroll has been a mainstay in the Central Ohio music scene since the late 1970s. He leads several groups including SPEAKEASY which he co-founded in 2007 with fiddler Andy Carlson. The band is based in the Gypsy Jazz music made famous by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli in the 30’s and 40’s.
performance: 2-3:30 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020 AMERICANA STAGE
Tony Hagood Trio
Hagood is an internationally accomplished pianist and composer from Westerville, Ohio. Tony holds a bachelor of music degree from Capital University with emphasis in performance. He has played for audiences in China, Japan, South Korea, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and many countries in the Caribbean. Tony is very passionate about music and its powerful influences. He will continue to pursue diverse musical paths and share them with all who listen.
Currently, Tony plays in the central Ohio region at many private events as well as restaurants, concert venues, corporate events, festivals, etc. When he is not playing solo, with his trio, or cover band, he teaches jazz piano at Kenyon College, accompanies for a Temple and Church, and teaches lessons in student’s homes.
Tony’s performance experiences include big bands, musicals, various combo groupings, instrumental and vocal accompanist, cruise ship pianist, symphony orchestra pianist, accompanist and classic rock cover bands.
Tony studied with mentor Mark Flugge from 2004 to 2010. Mark’s virtuoso techniques and stylistic flexibility have had a strong effect on Tony’s playing. He has also studied with Bill Dobbins, Luke Gillespie, and Dave Pietro.
performance: 5-6:30 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
Vanessa Collier
If you haven’t been fortunate enough to meet Vanessa Collier and witness one of her head-turning, fiery, and passionate performances, you should definitely make sure you do. As a master musician and multi-instrumentalist, Vanessa weaves funk, soul, rock, and blues into every powerful performance and she is downright impressive. With soulful vocals, searing saxophone, and witty songwriting, Vanessa is blazing a trail, racking up an arsenal of honors, and has already singled herself out as an artist of distinction and one we would all do well to watch.
It’s not simply the accolades she has accumulated so far, although they’ve been many -- three Blues Music Award Nominations (BMAs) for Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year (2018) and Horn Player of the Year (2018 and 2017), a Blues Blast Award nomination, the Jamming-est Pro Award bestowed by the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, First Place for lyrics in the International Songwriting Competition, Best of 2014 Blues Breaker on Dan Aykroyd’s BluesMobile -- it’s the fact that she has accumulated all these honors even while her career is still in its infancy. A 2013 graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, she’s toured nationally and internationally, released two critically acclaimed albums (2014’s Heart, Soul & Saxophone and 2017’s Meeting My Shadow), and released her highly anticipated self-produced third album, Honey Up, in July 2018.
These days, Collier spends much of her time on the road, performing at some of the most prestigious music festivals in the world. Her talents have taken her to the Blues Music Awards Show where, in the words of the Blues Foundation, Vanessa “blew the doors off the Blues Music Awards!”; Ottawa Blues Festival, where she earned two front page newspaper photos and rave reviews after her foot stomping debut there; twice on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, where she earned the Jamming-est Pro Award and was a featured artist with Tommy Castro’s Blues Review; Briggs Farm Festival, where she was the “most popular Briggs Farm act in 2017” (Elmore Magazine), and the list continues. In 2017, Vanessa was also a featured artist in three major tours across Europe as part of Ruf’s 2017 Blues Caravan.
Collier says she’s happy performing on stages across the world, hoping that she can make a difference with fans and followers along the way. “I am driven to do this because I find it a total form of expression and connection,” she explains. “I love connecting with an audience and feeling their energy and I hope to inspire people to follow their dreams and passions, to find what brings them joy, and then to pursue it doggedly.”
performance: 9:30-11 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020 ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE