Andy Shaw Band
"We all belong to love/it's in our hearts/it's in my bones," Andy Shaw sings with a gripping rasp that can truly define his bands new record Own Resolve. Connected by blood, with 2 brothers and their father, and years of performing together, the flow is powerful and seamless. A band whose members have years of study on multiple instruments, the Andy Shaw Band thrives on bending genres. comes out, the band is hitting the road and finding their path. “The sound is an incredibly approachable tap into the reggae genre that is initially disguised by an almost alt-country feel and intense technical tightness, commanding audience respect, especially live." Dana Stewart wrote in Metromix Columbus. John Ross of Columbus Alive praised the group saying “the Andy Shaw Band. . .uses the best elements to create unique, laid-back grooves. Shaw and cohorts, among the hardest working musicians in town, have honed their trademark sound.”
Taking their fiery rock-reggae world beat experience show to Tennessee, Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, West Virginia, Michigan, New Jersey, Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa and beyond, ASB was heard through the airwaves charting nationally a #12 spot on Jambands.com. In 2012, they introduced their music to attendees at the famed SXSW in Austin, TX. “I want to make music that people can feel in their heart...the emotion, the groove, and the truth of the music." "I love making relationships, traveling to different places, and connecting with all different kinds of people," says Chris Shaw. "Everywhere we go I feel like our music appeals to such a wide audience."
performance: 5:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY STAGE
Angela Perley & the Howlin' Moons
Armed with electric guitars, swooning vocals, and songs that split the difference between rock & roll and dreamy psychedelia, Angela Perley & the Howlin’ Moons pack the biggest punch of their career with Homemade Vision . Like the band’s debut, Hey Kid — an album whose kickoff track, “Athens,” earned Perley an International Songwriting Award in 2014 — Homemade Vision was recorded in the Howlin’ Moons’ hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Many of the songs were dreamt up somewhere along the highways and backroads that crisscross America, though, coaxed into life by a group of roots-rock road warriors who regularly play more than 100 shows a year. As a result, Homemade Vision is the sort of wide-ranging record that creates its own geography, building an imaginary place where the influences of David Gilmour, Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, and Nebula all intersect.
It’s also the work of a genuine band:
. Chris Connor’s guitar playing — a flurry of fuzz, crunch, twang and bang — occupies just as large a role as Perley’s voice, while Billy Zehnal’s bass — coupled with cymbal crashes and snare hits from an arsenal of heavy-hitting drummers — glues the mix together.
Inspired by love, heartbreak, and everything in between, Homemade Vision is a battle cry from a band that’s spent years fighting the good fight, carving out their own brand of atmospheric, aggressive Americana along the way.
“I got to discover for myself, no advance billing, one of those bands that you can’t help but believe that one day everyone will know.”- Dennis E. Powell, Athens News (Jun 05, 2016)
“With a catalogue full of rock’n roll hits and dynamic performances, Angela Perley and The Howlin’ Moons is certainly a band to watch this year.”- Megan Gnad, Maverick Magazine (May 27, 2016)
“Backed by her four piece band, Ohio-based Perley has been building a solid reputation and following, BBC Radio 6’s Cerys Matthews included. Skewing to the rockier side of Americana roots, the album’s rife with reverb hung meaty guitar and rhythmic crunch, against which her voice sometimes evokes hints of Stevie Nicks and Susannah Hoffs.”
- Folk Radio UK (Mar 23, 2016)
performance: 9:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY STAGE
Austin Walkin' Cane
Original & classic delta blues featuring slide guitar and soulful vocals. A blues gumbo repertoire that can conjure up the ghosts of highway 61 & the delta blues experience. Austin Walkin' Cane is a blues singer, songwriter and slide guitarist that performs acoustic solo, duo & electric band sets. Austin Walkin’ Cane has toured Australia, Nepal, Colombia, France, Germany, England, Wales, and the US, from New Orleans, Louisiana to Juneau, Alaska with only a guitar & suitcase in hand.
Austin walked for ten years with a cane due to an arterial venous malformation at birth. While performing on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, a homeless man called out "Hey Walkin' Cane got some spare change for a brother?!" Austin took the jibe as his nickname. In 1996, after years of battling the inevitable, his left leg was amputated below the knee. A year after the surgery, he returned to the music scene stronger & without need of a cane.
performance: 2 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2018 pm Electric Blues Stage
Bill Foley Band
Bill Foley was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. While in a high school play, he discovered the acoustic guitar. Bill plays by ear and is completely self taught. Bill travels nationally (with even a few international trips.) He performs nightly, except Monday, which is date night with his wife.
performance: 7:15 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018 ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
CAMP Blues
Enjoy a special Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival performance by the members of CAMP Blues.
Led by international Blues musician Sean Carney, and conducted in partnership with the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus, CAMP Blues begins as a week-long “summer camp” ensemble experience for young, budding blues musicians.
During the week of the Festival, “campers” focus on learning about and playing the blues, including playing guitar, bass and drums; exploring those instruments’ respective roles in blues music; developing participants’ instrumental skills and techniques; learning basic music theory, ear training and improvisation; and even discussing how to overcome stage fright. Their “final exam” for the week-long camp is their public performance on the Creekside Community Stage, where the students can apply all that they have learned.
The “camp” is recommended for beginning to intermediate students on guitar, bass, piano and drumset, ages 11 through adult. Visit Jazz Art Group for more information or to register for the Camp…and maybe we’ll see you on stage!
performance: 12 NOON SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY STAGE
Change It Up Charlie
You want Jump blues to dance to? You want some hot'n'sweaty Jazz to swing to? You want some old faithful tunes to sing along to? You want some fresh originals that get your heart a bopping? You want to hear tunes like you never heard before? We got all that! We play what we love and entertain you along the way.
Change it up Charlie was started when Thom Reed and John Painter got together with some other musicians looking to play old favorites in a new way. Soon Bob Hamilton was added on guitar and later Jodi Frisby on ukulele and back ground vocals. Next to join was the lovely Ms. Holly Schmitt whose bluesy pipes gave things a new twist. Finally rounding out the group was Lee Burman who’s sax gave the band the edge it needed.
performance: 2:15 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Chief Johnny Lonesome
Chief Johnny Lonesome is a classic New Orleans style pianist. He found success early in his career with the Lafayette, Louisiana Jazz-Rock band 'Celestial Spring'. Through the mid 70's, Johnny toured with Charles and Charmaine Neville and Z.Z. Hill. In 1979 Johnny returned to his roots in Columbus, OH where he continues to energize and electrify weekly.
performance: 4:15 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
Columbus Jazz Orchestra
The CJO is led by world-renowned band leader and trumpet virtuoso Byron Stripling, former lead trumpeter for the Count Basie Orchestra. Under Stripling’s leadership, the CJO presents over 20 subscription concerts each season in Columbus, Ohio.
By incorporating contemporary arrangements into its repertoire and commissioning new arrangements and masterworks for jazz orchestra, the CJO promotes the future of big band jazz and cultivates the dynamic, adventurous spirit that has kept audiences coming back again and again.
The CJO has toured Europe and has collaborated with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, BalletMet Columbus, the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, the Harmony Project, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, Opera Columbus and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.
performance: 4-5:30 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2018 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ 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: 2-3:30 pm SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2018 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
Cowboy Poets - Acoustic Alley
The Cowboy Poets, based out of Nashville, tour to promote their 5 independent release albums of feel good stomp vibe, punctuated by colorful "left of pan" lyrics and big open acoustic sounds that have set this band apart since they formed in the 90s. They have opened shows for Crosby Stills and Nash, Santana, and did an entire summer tour with Bob Seger. They play roots music for everyone. For bare feet scooting across a dusty floor. Good for midnight kitchen dance parties or sharing bourbon on the back porch with compadres or total strangers. www.TheCowboyPoets.com
performance: SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 9 PM Acoustic Alley Stage
Dave Buker & the Historians
Based in Columbus, OH, Dave Buker & the Historians has been spreading its brand of Americana since 2010. Their most recent release, You Can Follow EP, is a collection of previously unreleased material and follows 2015's For Every Heartbreak, which ranked #39 on Sound & Silence Magazine’s Top 100 albums and was produced by Jay Alton (Saintseneca, The Speedbumps).
The band has opened for Matthew Logan Vasquez (of Delta Spirit), Run River North, Loch Lomond, Free Energy, and Red Wanting Blue and performed at 2017’s Bunbury Music Festival, playing before Death Cab For Cutie and The Shins. In December 2017, after winning a radio station-sponsored competition, Dave Buker & the Historians opened for Spoon, Alvvays, and The Aces.
Dave Buker & the Historians has been showcased by WOSU-TV’s Broad & High (and subsequently featured by other PBS affiliates), highlighted on Promowest Live (NBC4), selected as a CD102.5FM Local Artist Contest Finalist, and featured by American Songwriter Magazine (Daily Discovery). The band is currently writing new material for an anticipated 2019 release.
performance: 12 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2018 Creekside Community Stage
David Sanborn Electric Band
David Sanborn has released 24 albums, won six Grammy Awards, and has had eight Gold albums and one Platinum. Having inspired countless other musicians, Dave has worked in many genres which typically blend instrumental pop, R&B and traditional jazz. He released his first solo album Taking Off in 1975, but has been playing the saxophone since before he was in high school when he was inspired by the great Chicago blues artists near his hometown of St. Louis.
Having contracted polio at the age of three, Dave was introduced to the saxophone as part of his treatment therapy. By the age of 14, he was able to play with legends such as Albert King and Little Milton. Dave went on to study music at Northwestern University before transferring to the University of Iowa where he played and studied with the great saxophonist JR Monterose.
Later traveling to California on the advice of a friend, he joined the Butterfield Blues Band and played Woodstock with Paul Butterfield. Following that, Dave toured with Stevie Wonder and recorded for Wonder’s Talking Book album, played with The Rolling Stones, and toured with David Bowie. It was with Bowie that he recorded the famous solo heard on “Young Americans”. At the same time, Dave was touring and recording with the great Gil Evans, dividing his time between the two. After moving to New York City and studying with George Coleman, Dave started his solo career where he later collaborated with such artists as Paul Simon and James Taylor.
Dave’s solo release of Taking Off in 1975—still considered a classic—further solidified his career. His 1979 release of Hideaway became a popular hit and further propelled Dave’s ascent with the single, “Seduction” being featured in the movie, American Gigolo. Veteran bassist and composer Marcus Miller joined Dave on the 1981 album, Voyeur. The single, “All I Need Is You” won Dave his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance. In 1983, Dave released the hit album Backstreet that included Luther Vandross as a featured guest vocalist. Later albums have included guest artists such as Jack DeJohnette, Bill Frisell, Charlie Hayden, Wallace Roney, Kenny Barron, Christian McBride, and Eric Clapton.
Moving onto television, Dave hosted the show, Night Music from 1988 to 1990. Produced by Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels, the show featured films of jazz legends like Thelonious Monk, Dave Brubeck and Billie Holiday, as well as banter and memorable music jams by a remarkable list of musicians including Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Joe Sample, Pharoah Sanders, and many others. Additionally, Dave has regularly hosted the "After New Year's Eve" TV special on ABC. During the 1980s and 1990s, Dave hosted a syndicated radio program, The Jazz Show with David Sanborn. Dave has also recorded many shows' theme songs as well as several other songs for The Late Late Show with Tom Snyder. In 2017, Dave teamed up with his nephew and brother-in-law to create a new show called "Sanborn Sessions".
In his six decade (and counting) career, Dave has released 24 albums, won six Grammy Awards, and has had eight Gold albums and one Platinum album. He continues to be one of the most highly active musicians of his genre. As a whole, Dave is an artist who pushes the limits and continues to make music that challenges the mind and goes Straight to The Heart.
performance: 9-10:30 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
Davina & the Vagabonds
Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national scene with their high-energy live shows, sharp-dressed professionalism, and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. With influences ranging from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits, the band is converting audiences one show at a time, from Vancouver to Miami and across Europe. The band’s 2011 recording, Black Cloud, was named one of the 10 best releases of the year by the Minneapolis Star & Tribune. The group made its first appearance at the CBJF in 2013, where they wowed audiences who demanded their return.
DATV’s shows are filled with New Orleans charm, Memphis soul swagger, dark theatrical moments that evoke Kurt Weill, and tender gospel passages. Davina’s voice and stage presence defy category in a different way. Davina has been compared to Etta James, Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday and Betty Boop, but comparisons don’t suffice: Sowers is a true original.
This rollicking quintet is held together by Sowers’ keyboard playing, with acoustic bass, drums, and a spicy trumpet and trombone horn section. The group’s focused, clean sound and emphasis on acoustic instruments is novel to both blues and jazz worlds, and sets the show closer to New Orleans than to Chicago. This has set the Vagabonds apart at festivals in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Sighisoara, Romania, Sierre, Switzerland, Kemi, Finland, and 2012’s New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and Monterey Jazz Festival 2013 & 2014.
performance: 4 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Delyn Christian
Delyn Christian sings each song as if it were his last. Combining raw energy and true soul with every song he performs. He gives everything he has to each song he performs, striving to touch the heart and soul of the audience. Delyn is a singer/songwriter/musician who has been performing in the central Ohio area for more than 30 years. He has recently relocated to the central Tennessee area and performs in venues in both states.
performance: 2:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
Derek DiCenzo
Derek DiCenzo is a multi-instrumentalist who is as comfortable playing jazz on the acoustic bass as on the guitar or even the steel drum. He has been a full-time musician based in Columbus, Ohio for many years; his diverse influences and uncanny musical intuition has made him a much sought-after player.
performance: 1 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2018 ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
Erica Blinn
Erica Blinn is an American Rock artist based out of Nashville, TN. She is originally from Worthington, Ohio. Her upbeat harmonic tune stretches to the hearts of those who listen. She sings out honest words that stretch and twist through her tunes. Blinn bends the rules of the blues, and continuously knocks down the walls of pop music, creating a blue-collar music that everyone can stand up for and dance to. Blinn records at the Curry House Records in Nashville, TN.
performance: 4:15 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2018 ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
Flippo Performs the Music of Herbie Hancock
Who doesn't love the music of American jazz artist Herbie Hancock? Hancock is an American pianist, keyboardist, bandleader, composer and actor. Starting his career with Donald Byrd, he shortly thereafter joined the Miles Davis Quintet where Hancock helped to redefine the role of a jazz rhythm section and was one of the primary architects of the post-bop sound. Hancock's music is often melodic and accessible; he has had many songs "cross over" and achieve success among pop audiences.
Columbus jazz group FLIPPO will pay tribute to Hancock's music in this show. 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.
performance: Friday, JUNE 15, 2018 7-8:30 PM JAZZ STAGE
Honey and Blue
The band, a self-described mix of pop, blues and soul, is fronted by singer/songwriters Adam Darling and Stephanie Amber. Appropriately named, Honey and Blue combines Darling’s sultry bluesy sounds with Amber’s sweet, whimsical take on lyrics and harmony.
Born and raised in Ohio, Darling met Amber (a New York native) while working at the same restaurant in Los Angeles. The two were both pursuing a career in music and quickly hit it off, writing together for more than a year before forming their band. After performing all over LA, at sought-after venues like The House of Blues and The Witzend, the duo moved back to the Midwest to continue work on their first album. Once the duo arrived in Columbus they teamed up with Dwight Bailey and created their self titled first album.
Recently on WCBE (NPR), the band's much anticipated second album has finally arrived. 'All The Feels' showcases an entirely new sound to the band, featuring Dwight Bailey on bass and James Gaiters on drums.
performance: 2 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2018 CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY STAGE
Hurricane Jerry and the Surge
Jerry Loos, (Hurricane Jerry) is a very seasoned Guitarist / Entertainer that has been performing on Central Ohio stages for many years. Jerry's musical talent and warm personality continues to keep his crowds coming back for more!
Jerry (a Columbus native) has been crowned "The King of the Blues" three times for the state of Ohio in the National Competition sponsored by Gibson guitars and Guitar Center. Jerry has also made himself a name in National Blues circles and has recently played in Chicago, Los Angeles, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, and New York.
Jerry had the honor of opening for one of the all-time Blues Legends B.B. King on his final tour , and continues to perform with Tony Coleman (B.B. King's long time drummer) at the NAMM Pro Blues Jam in California and at B.B. King's Blues Club in Nashville.
In addition to Tony and B.B. King , Jerry has also played alongside other Blues Legends like Hubert Sumlin, John Cephas, and Keb Mo to name a few. Having gained the respect of these Blues legends has truly established Jerry Loos as one of the Top Bluesman around! So, come on out and see what others have Enjoyed from coast to coast! Hurricane Jerry Loos.
performance: 4-5:30 pm SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2018 CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY STAGE
Johnny Mack
In recent years Johnny Mack’s song writing has evolved and after collaboration with John Poppovich, the Heavyweights where born. The band is known for their blues, soul and acid gospel. This performance will feature the talents of frontman Johnny Mack -- unplugged.
performance: 9 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018 ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal
Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal's combination of soul, funk and R&B is in a word, electric. Best displayed in their high-energy live show, the blend of Hoyer's honest lyrics and his rich, intensely soulful vocals merge with his top-notch band to create an undeniable chemistry.
Hoyer formed Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal in 2012 in famed blues town Lincoln, Nebraska. The award-winning five-piece band includes some of the area's most revered and accomplished musicians. Joining Hoyer (keyboards/vocals) is Benjamin Kushner (guitar), Blake DeForest (trumpet), Mike Keeling (bass), and Larell Ware (drums). Inspired by the sounds of Stax, Motown, Muscle Shoals, New Orleans, Philly and San Francisco, the band continuously crosses musical boundaries both in style and era, and joins forces each show with a common goal - to have the crowd dancing so much they forget even their smallest troubles.
In 2017, Josh was featured as a contestant on NBC's The Voice, and the band completed their first European tour; a 27-city stint capped with a live album release from their show in Brussels, Belgium.The hard working band completed several national tours from 2015-2017, playing more than 150 shows in 32 states each year, including opening for George Clinton, Charles Bradley, Booker T Jones, and Muscle Shoals Revue. Their year-round touring schedule took them from coast to coast, including several major summer music festivals.
performance: 7 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018 CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY STAGE
Mark May Band
Music was a part of Mark May's life from an early age. A native of Ohio, the blues guitarist began learning to play the instrument when he was five years old, and during his teen years he became involved with several bands. By the time he'd turned 16, he had played the first of what would become many professional gigs. He went on to work with rock groups, but his heart always was with the blues. Thanks to a friend, he discovered an affinity for Albert Collins' brand of the blues. He soon pulled together his own blues-rock group. The band includes Mark May, Dave Absalom, Tim Keefe, Gary Jorgenson and included on the new album is Paul Ramirez, Dan Cooper, Corey Tice/Ms Rita/Geronimo Calderon, Eric Demmer, Barry Seelen, Jim Brady, Max Day & Ed Durante.
performance: 5:45 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Mary McClendon Trio
Born in Portsmouth, Ohio, and raised on Columbus’ South side, Mary McClendon grew up singing in the church choir. She fondly recalls her first solo, Ave Maria, during an Easter service. She was in the 3rd grade. Mary’s mother wanted her to become a gospel singer; often mentioning gospel artists such as Mahalia Jackson and Shirley Caesar. But Mary wanted to sing all music. She remembers the first time seeing Porgy and Bess on an old black and white television. It was then she knew this would be her life’s journey. After graduating from High School, Mary began working for Motorists Mutual Insurance Company and joined the company choir, traveling all around Central Ohio. It was then that Mary discovered she was replacing the great Ms. Nancy Wilson, who previously held the same job position prior to relocating to New York.
During her senior year at CCAD, she was asked to hire a band. That band, a trio, consisted of Jimmy Carter, Frank Hooks and Andy Smith. Mary was coaxed up on stage to sing a Roberta Flack tune. Later that year, the trio and Mary began a 3-year run performing at Clyde’s at Courthouse Square in downtown Columbus. This became the place where many national / international musicians would stop by for a jam session while visiting Columbus. Soon, Mary was singing with the greatest performers known in the jazz world. Mary has enjoyed working with many local musicians including Bobby Floyd, Don Tate Jr., Bobby Pierce, Geoff Tyus, Hank Marr, Mark Flugge, Tom Carroll, Jeanette Williams, and Michelle Horsefield. Mary performed with the Tom Carroll Group at Lindey’s ( German Village ) for 13 years. It was during this time she began an association with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra ( JAG ) and continues to be one of their featured vocalists.
performance: 5-6:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
McGuffey Lane
McGuffey Lane is a country rock band from central Ohio. In 1977 McGuffey Lane started playing at Zachariah's Red Eye Saloon and soon became the house band. At that point they added John Schwab (vocalist/ guitarist) who was opening for them as the sixth and final member of the original McGuffey Lane.
In 2010 McGuffey Lane released their 10th and latest CD "10" on Lick Records which was co-founded by John Schwab. In 2011 "Bartender" from the "10" CD was released as a single. It reached #50 on the national country charts (Music Row Magazine). The 2014 Zachariah's Reunion was held Saturday January 25th to another sold out crowd. McGuffey Lane's history mirrors one of the songs from their 2002 "Wood" album. "I've been up and down and all around my head in the clouds and my feet on the ground. Don't you worry baby don't you worry about me. Cause I've survived everything that comes and goes. I still know which way that old north wind blows. After all these years I'm "Runnin' Wild and Free". McGuffey Lane is still going strong with the three original surviving members (Steve George Reis, Terry Efaw and John Schwab) in the band. McGuffey Lane still performs 30+ concerts annually. The Journey Continues and "It's A Good Day".
performance: JUNE 17, 2018, 4 PM ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Miss Molly Winters
Miss Molly Winters is a singer/songwriter from Columbus, Ohio. She plays guitar, ukelele in an old-timey fashion. Her music is fun, upbeat, and nostalgic. She also performs cover tunes ranging from Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, Malvina Reynolds, Janis Joplin,Bob Dylan, to the Beatles. She has a strong voice, and a stage show that makes people dance, tap, and whistle along.
performance: 5:45 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
MoJo Theory
Mojo Theory is an all original music blues band fronted by a stellar vocalist, and backed by some of the best players around. Mojo Theory consists of the showmanship and provocative storytelling of gritty vocalist Mark Richards, creative compositions of guitarist Brian Beatty, the riveting stylish bass guitar of Duane Coffman, power drummer Todd Mollette, and the stimulating keyboards of Jeff Morris.
performance: 12:30 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2018 ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Nancy and the Keepers (Agent 99)
Agent 99 is a 6-piece cover band that has been entertaining Ohio for almost 20 years, delivering a high-energy show of carefully selected and masterfully performed seminal pop/rock songs of the 70’s to their audiences.
Agent 99 is comprised of seasoned professionals, who happen to love what they’re doing. Tight musicianship and singular vocals, complete with lush harmonies, make Agent 99 predominant in their genre, and their accessibility, sense of humor and fun, keeps their loyal fans coming back for more.
performance: 5:30 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018 ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
Orion and the Constellations
Industrial blues trio Orion and the Constellations released their debut album “10 Years” on October 21, 2016 with a show at The Shrunken Head in Columbus. A steel worker by day and a self-taught blues guitarist by night, Orion DiFranco leads with fast fingers on electric guitar alongside brothers Jason and Erik Rau (bass and drums).
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: Friday, June 15, 6:15 PM Electric Blues Stage
Roadhouse Redeemed
Roadhouse Redeemed plays blues standards, contemporary blues, original blues/blues rock and brings a "bluesy" feel to other country songs! Roadhouse Redeemed was recently the top band in the 2016 River City Blues Competition earning them a spot at the 2017 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Roadhouse Redeemed specializes in playing blues standards, contemporary blues, original blues/blues rock and give other cover songs a "bluesy" feel! Roadhouse Redeemed was recently the top band in the 2016 River City Blues Competition earning them a spot at the 2017 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
performance: 12:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Safety Squad
Safety Squad is a large ensemble from Columbus, OH that embraces the music and spirit of Snarky Puppy, a Grammy-winning group whose sound blends a mixture of funk, neo-soul, modern jazz, dixieland and everything in between.
Formed by pianist Danny Bauer, the collective of both Capital University and Ohio State University students/alum is dedicated to this music and has a growing output of original material. Safety Squad has played at the Columbus music festival, the Jazz and Ribs festival, and opened for Snarky Puppy and Consider the source.
performance: 7-8:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
Sean Carney Band Featuring Sadie Johnson
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 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 Electric Blues Stage
Skip Werke and BC Hudson
Whether as a duo or as Skip, BC and the Band, the performances include a lot of original material that sounds familiar to listeners because of influences in country and Chicago blues, Americana and Rock. As a duo, the sound is acoustically oriented, with Skip on guitar or resonator, but the sound is much more "electric" as a band.
performance: 2:45 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2018 ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
Sonny Moorman
More than just a Blues-Rock artist, award-winning guitar player Sonny Moorman balances his signature smoking-hot riffs with a hard-rocking precision and feel born deep in the Blues ethos. Seeming to channel inspiration from elsewhere, his world-class playing is at once both transcendental and firmly grounded in reality, captivating audiences nationwide. The music is original, complex and never stale, with relatable lyrics and a sound that conjures up masters like Duane Allman, Lonnie Mack, and Freddy King. Still, Moorman has forged his own intoxicating style throughout his decades-long career, which firmly establishes him as one of the last great authentic roadhouse players.
performance: 7:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 ACOUSTIC ALLEY
Soul Kitch'n
Soul Kitch’n has been performing to great success in the Columbus area for over 14 years. Their style is unique, their energy is exciting, their enthusiasm is catching and their sound is incredibly funky and tight! They are a group of excellent musicians dedicated to communicating their love of music. The band’s solid rhythms, inspired solos and stunning vocals are most impressive. They love what they do and the audience can tell. Their wide range of material, covers favorite jazz standards, R&B, classic soul and funk.
performance: FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2017, 9 PM CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY STAGE
Sugar Creek Bluegrass Band
Sugar Creek Bluegrass is an energetic young band from central Ohio made up of brothers and sisters who strive to preserve Bluegrass music for many generations. The band performs traditional bluegrass, old time, and gospel music inspired by legends like Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley. Sugar Creek has shared the stage with some amazing bluegrass bands including Dailey & Vincent, Russell Moore, Rhonda Vincent, Joe Mullins and many others. The band can often be heard on bluegrass radio stations and they travel to different States for concerts and festivals. Sugar Creek has recorded three albums, including their latest album "Appalachian Summer" released in October 2015 . The band members include Emily on banjo, Cody on fiddle, Zac on mandolin, Molly on bass, Matt on guitar, and Ben on washboard. While working hard to play their best, it is their sincere desire to honor and please God with their music. After all, music is a blessing and a gift from the Lord!
performance: 1:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 Creekside Community Stage
Swing's The Thing
Swing's the Thing is a 16 piece big band based in Central Ohio. With many great tunes in our book, Swing's the Thing plays hits from a variety of new artists, while respecting the origins of big band by playing tunes from the books of such legends as Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and Woody Herman, just to name a few. "Swing's the Thing's" repertory covers a wide range of dance styles that include swing, rock, ballad, blues, cha cha, rumba, mambo, samba, waltz, disco, foxtrot and polka.
Swing's the Thing proudly features our vocalist/pianist, Jan Schlosser-Wise, on a variety of our great charts. Swing's the Thing has performed for private parties and receptions: Oglebay Resort in Wheeling WV, Lakeside Association on Lake Erie. Columbus area public events: Gahanna's Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival, Worthington's "Concert on the Green, Lancaster's Friday Night at the Bandstand, Grove City's Arts in the Alley and Summer Sizzle concert series, Canal Winchester's Friday evening concert series, Upper Arlington's Summer Music Series, Newark's Jazz and Rib Fest, Dawes Arboretum, The Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena, and for Columbus Clippers games at Huntington Park.
performance: 3:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY 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. In March of 2018 the band will launch the Debut of The Terry Douglas Band. Terry is currently writing songs for the first release of The Terry Douglas Band album in May 2018.
performance: 1 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2018 ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
The Colin Lazarski Quartet
Colin Lazarski began playing guitar at the age of 10, and went on to play in numerous jazz and blues bands throughout his high school and college years. An incredibly versatile guitarist, Colin is accomplished in a variety of styles including jazz, blues, rock, funk and even calypso.
His energy, passion and natural sense of rhythym made him a perfect fit for Arnett Howard's Creole Funk Band, with whom he traveled extensively, playing over 300 engagements in 1.5 years. Colin taught private guitar lessons to a myriad of students of all ages and inspired a few to pursue their own career in music.
His musical flexibility allows him to easily meld with a wide range of players. He performs both as a leader and a sideman and can be seen around town performing with other artists such as Dave Powers, Andy WOodson, Tony Monaco, Vaughn Weister's Famous Jazz Orchestra, Dick Mackey. The New Remnants Dance Orchestra and his own trio or quartet. Based in Columbus, Colin leads the Trinidaddies and is a member of the New Basics Brass Band and Jesse And The Royal Tycoons. He also maintains a busy schedule performing a wide variety of private parties, corporate events, and concerts at local clubs and festivals.
performance: 3-4:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Kim Wilson
For over 30 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up”. Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation.
performance: 7:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
The Liz Wooley Band
The Liz Woolley Band is a quintet featuring the original music of singer/songwriter Liz Woolley as well as the arranging and musical talents of guitarist Dennis Hodges, vibraphonist Dylan Bram, bassist John Allen, and drummer Brian Ellerman. The band originated as Liz Woolley’s solo project in the winter of 2012, and later evolved into The Liz Woolley Band after the recording of Liz’s second solo album, “Do Love” in the spring of 2014. In 2016, the band recorded their first album under the new name, which is set for release in April 2017.
Drawing influences from pop, neo-soul, R&B, jazz, and more, The Liz Woolley Band showcases not only Liz's remarkable voice but the extensive individual talents and musicianship of the instrumentalists behind her. With a wide-ranging repertoire of originals, jazz standards, and contemporary arrangements, the Liz Woolley Band is a powerhouse of the Columbus music scene and a compelling listening experience.
performance: 1-2:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
The Po' Ramblin' Boys
Born in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains, springing to life with all the zest and zeal you’d expect from a 1940s-style Tennessee bluegrass band, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys have rambled far from home, touring throughout the United States and Europe.
Yet, these four friends – C.J. Lewandowski (Vocals, Mandolin), Jereme Brown (Vocals, Banjo), Josh ‘Jug’ Rinkel (Vocals, Guitar) and Jasper Lorentzen (Bass) – remain close to their musical roots by cranking out some of the tightest and hardest-driving traditional bluegrass you’ll find anywhere.
“We want to be known for keeping the old music alive, and making some new music that’s still close to the roots,” says Lewandowski, a native Missourian who is the group’s eldest member as well as its lead singer and mandolin player. “A tree can’t stand without its roots. So we are just trying to keep those roots alive. We want to complement and not take away.”
“We want to take the best from all the bluegrass pioneers,” added Brown, the band’s youngest member and a fourth-generation banjo player whose own roots include a grandmother raised just a stone’s throw from Bill Monroe’s hometown of Rosine, Ky. “That’s why C.J. plays the Monroe-style mandolin, and I play a Ralph Stanley-style banjo. It all ties together. It works.”
It works, all right. It works like a Missouri mule. Just ask the band’s fast-growing legion of fans. Whether they’re playing a standard by bluegrass giants Bill Monroe or Ralph Stanley or a new heartbreaker penned by rhythm guitarist Rinkel, there’s an unmistakable energy to it. The hard-driving bass pounds like a jackhammer as it keeps time; the melodic rhythm hooks you deep with the first note and doesn’t let go until the last playful note of the banjo.
“We are all on the same musical footing,” says Lewandowski. “We’re all big into rhythm and timing, so we build off of that.”
performance: 7:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY STAGE
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Southern Indiana-bred singer-guitarist Reverend Peyton is the bigger-than-life frontman of Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band. He has earned a reputation as both a singularly compelling performer and a persuasive evangelist for the rootsy country blues styles that captured his imagination early in life and inspired him and his band to make pilgrimages to Clarksdale, Mississippi to study under such blues masters as T-Model Ford, Robert Belfour and David “Honeyboy” Edwards.
The lifelong pursuit of musical authenticity was instilled in his musical consciousness while Peyton was growing up in rural Indiana, where his early love for blues, ragtime, folk, country and other traditional styles gave him a sense of direction that would soon manifest itself in his own music. He and the Big Damn Band won a large and loyal fan base, thanks to their tireless touring efforts and high-energy showmanship, along with such acclaimed albums as Big Damn Nation, The Gospel Album, The Whole Fam Damnily, The Wages, Between the Ditches, So Delicious and the Charlie Patton tribute disc Peyton on Patton.
performance: 9:30 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018
The Whirlybirds
The Whirlybirds is a modern swing/pop group formed after the untimely demise of the good ol' DewDroppers.
The group is made up of: Joe Gilliland - vox, guitar; Brenny Brenneman - clarinet, saxes, vox; Trent Sampson - double bass, vox; Nick Simko - Trumpet; Jacob Campbell - Keys and Max Marsillo - Drums.
performance: 5 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018 CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY STAGE
Tim Cummiskey Fusion Syndicate
The Tim Cummiskey Fusion Syndicate is a dynamic assembly of some of the finest musicians in Central Ohio. Traditional and contemporary music styles are presented with skill and passion.
This jazz/fusion group based in Columbus, Ohio is led by guitarist Tim Cummiskey. The other members of this dynamic group are Jon Eshelman on keyboards, Andy Woodson on bass and Reggie Jackson on drums. These four extraordinary musicians can be found playing anything from shier own creative arrangements of jazz standards to the driving force fusion artists the likes of Allan Holdsworth or Pat Metheny just name a few. A unique and powerful music ensemble to witness live. Energetic, sophisticated music and improvisations that are refreshing and entertaining.
Central Ohio guitarist and Educator Tim Cummiskey performs as both a leader and a sideman throughout the Midwest. Tim currently leads several groups ranging from solo jazz and classical guitar to larger group configurations.
Tim served for 18 years as a member of the jazz studies faculty of the Ohio State University School of Music and served on the music faculty of Kenyon College for 6 years.
He currently serves on the Jazz Academy Faculty/The Lincoln Theatre/Jazz Arts Group.Tim currently also serves on the music ministry team of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church under the direction and apprenticeship of renowned church and liturgical composer Mike Martin. Tim is also a contribution writer to Downbeat Magazine, Jazz Improv and Just Jazz Guitar Magazine.
performance: 5-6:30 pm Friday, June 15, 2018
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: 12-1:30 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2018 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
Urban Jazz Coalition Featuring Lin Rountree
Lin Rountree (aka The Soul-Trumpeter), is an accomplished recording artist, producer and live performer. With 6 solo projects, 12 Top-20 Billboard singles, and numerous collaborations with some of the industry’s top R&B/ Contemporary Jazz artists to his credit, he is poised to become one of the most renowned artists of his generation. His latest single, "Pass the Groove," just hit #1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart.
____________
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 16, 2018 JAZZ STAGE
Who Dat Trio
Who Dat Trio is a three piece Blues and Jazz group that consists of Tom Carroll on guitar, Jim Biersdorf on harp, and Mark Kreis on the keys!
performance: Friday, June 15 5-6 pm Electric Blues Stage
Will Freed Band
Will is a 28-year-old singer/songwriter who grew up in West Virginia, making his way to the Kansas City music circuit. Will began playing for a living at an early age. With the release of his debut album with the band, Will has developed his own style, pleasing voice, and skillful harmonica and guitar playing.
The Will Freed Band has played all over The East Coast and Mid-west doing Solo, Duo & Trio work/ Songs from John Popper, CNSY, Allman Brothers Band, Jackson Browne, Dave Matthews, Gov't Mule, Tim O'Brien, Monte Montgomery, Blues Traveler, Amos Lee, Beatles, Pink Floyd and Lots of WFT Originals.
performance: 7:45 PM Friday, June 15, 2018 ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE