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: 1:30-3 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 MOUNT CARMEL CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY STAGE
Bill Foley
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: 5:30-7 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 TOYOTA DIRECT ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
Blue Spectrum
Diagnosed with autism at the age of four, Zayne Harshaw taught himself to play the acoustic, electric and bass guitars at the age of 14. His scorching guitar skills has taken him to perform for audiences in San Antonio, TX; Harrisburg, PA; Bethesda, MD; Orlando, FL and music festivals and venues throughout Ohio.
Blue Spectrum was founded in January 2013. The name “Blue Spectrum” acknowledges the “wide spectrum of music” the band enjoys playing and Zayne’s favorite color. A local blues jam introduced keyboardist, Amelia Rose, to the band. The smooth vocalist, "Uncle Al" Jefferson, plays the bass. Clarence Bowles holds down the rhythmic percussion. And the Blue Spectrum family expanded to include saxophone extraordinaire, Cliff Marsh.
Together they share a deep love of performing and living the impassioned motto of Blue Spectrum:
"Life is not to be viewed through the single lens of a diagnosis but to be lived through the Spectrum of potential, promise and purpose".
ue Spectrum made the acquaintance of Amelia through the blues community as fellow performers in open jam sessions. Along with Zayne, she was also a member of the youth blues band that played in Memphis. Amelia graduated from Grandview Heights High School and is currently a student at The Ohio State University.
performance: 12-1 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 15 MOUNT CARMEL CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY 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: 12-1 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 MOUNT CARMEL CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY STAGE
Central Blues Co
We are a passionate Rock/Blues trio in Columbus, OH. Playing anything from Jimi Hendrix to Stevie Ray Vaughan, and including original music, we pride ourselves on meticulous and powerful guitar solos with a tight rhythm section. Our debut self-titled CD was recently named the 2018 “Best Self-Produced Blues CD” in Columbus by the Columbus Blues Alliance. The trio is made up of: Jason Allwood-lead guitar and vocals, Tim Hill-drums and Devon Buchanan-bass.
performance: 5-6 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 UNION BANK ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Change It Up Charlie
Change it up Charlie originated in 2008 with string bass player Thom Reed. Rounding out the band are Bob Hamilton on guitar and Holly Schmitt as their lead vocalist. In 2016, Brandon Pettiford joined the band on drums and in 2017 CIUC introduced it’s newest member Alan Stull on Sax. Since 2008, the band has played in venues and festivals throughout Columbus and has developed a wide fan base with their signature sound. Their shows are known for getting people up on their feet and singing along.
performance: 5:30-7 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 MOUNT CARMEL COMMUNITY 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 15, 2019 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
Deuce 'n a Quarter
Deuce ‘n a Quarter, the band that demands you ride and listen in style. The group's collaborative approach to music, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, transformed into an original hybrid of modern American blues. With an upbeat style they keep you grooving to a familiar sound of classic and original music. Through their performance and songs there's an authentic connection formed with the audience to create a musical experience that continues on well after the music stops. So if it's a hard driving band that can deliver a high energy show that you're looking for… take the journey, ride and listen in style with Deuce ‘n a Quarter!
performance: 5:45-7:15 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 UNION BANK ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Doug Hart Band
The Doug Hart Band has been a major force in the southwest Ohio blues scene for more than 15 years. Doug constantly strives to put forth the best product and deliver the best show possible. The band incorporates free form, yet controlled versions of many blues standards along with the blending of Doug’s blues and rock influences to form creative original compositions. He has enlisted the veteran talents of bassist Mike Hausfeld, drummer Keith Cozart, and keyboardist Mike Jordan to complete his band. Together, they never fail to amaze their audience with the soul and passion of their performance… The Doug Hart Band will definitely leave you wanting more.
performance: 2:15-3:45 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 UNION BANK ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Eric Clemens
Led by singer-songwriter Eric Clemens, Clemens & Co is guitar and riff driven rock inspired by blues, soul and R&B. With crafty lyricism, songs range from emotional heartbreak to thought provoking witticism, and always on top of a fitting groove. The band's members and instrumentation vary but always include top notch performers. This acoustic performance features Efrum Imler on bass and Will Ash on percussion.
performance: 9-10:45 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 TOYOTA DIRECT ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
Erica Blinn
“Nashville by way of Columbus, Ohio rocker Blinn settles into a steady rock groove on her latest release. The hooks that have always anchored her songs are as strong as ever, bursting with an infectious spirit. ” -Mayer Danzig, Twangville
Erica Blinn grew up with a musician father in a house where music always played. Her influences include a wide variety of rock and roll, pop, and soul music, including favorites Bonnie Raitt and Bob Seger. Her father encouraged her to begin writing songs as an outlet to deal with her parents' divorce. She fell in love with the harmonica after hearing Magic Dick play on the J. Geils Band record "Live" Full House.
Blinn is currently on a solo tour in which all of the emotional and energetic dynamics of her full band shine with new integrity through her soaring vocals, punctuated, solid rhythm guitar and inspiring blues harp solos.
performance: 4:45-6 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019 TOYOTA DIRECT ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
Fabulous Johnson Brothers
Energy could be this band's middle name. The Fabulous Johnson Brothers are a powerful, energetic and magnetic stage presence, 7 piece soul-rock-pop band, with influences from Prince and Michael Jackson to The Red Hot Chili Peppers and The B52's.
performance: 9:30-11 PM SATURDAY,JUNE 15, 2019 MOUNT CARMEL COMMUNITY STAGE
Flippo Performs the Music of Weather Report
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 2019 CBJF Show, FLIPPO will perform the music of Weather Report -- the American jazz fusion band (1970s-80s). Weather Report's sound embraced a funk and R&B-oriented jazz with elements of world music. Awarded the DownBeat best album award five time, the Weather Report band was a quintet of keyboards, saxophone, bass, drums and percussion. Even today, Weather Report is still considered to be one of the pre-eminent early jazz fusion bands.
performance: 7-8:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
fo/mo/deep
Best known for their sizzling live performances, the fo/mo/deep groove is rooted in the experimental school of the 70s…a time when jazz, soul and funk were one and the same. Seeking to defy the ordinary, this diverse collective of seasoned pros keeps things stirred up with unpredictable energy that moves.
Formed in 2007 by Bassist/Bandleader, Ron “Fatkat” Holmes, Jr., they are known for their intelligently energetic and unpredictable shows, their music harkens back to the days when super groups hypnotized the world with bass driven ensembles and a full-bodied sound that reigned supreme. fo/mo/deep plays music like it’s meant to be…hot, incalculable and emotionally satisfying.
Both “A Beautiful Bang” (June 2012) their sophomore release & their first release, “Eclecticism,” (August 2010) were received with rave reviews. Rob Young of The Urban Flux declared, “Their unique groove uncoils with a twist of eclectic jazz/funk rhythms that’s not heard often enough these days.” Their most recent work, “The Groovy Goodness” (released June 3, 2014) is described as a “release as deep and rich as the cover art, I’m hooked…” - Robert Young, Vertical Spin.
Amazingly, their music masterfully transfers the insatiable energy of the band’s live performances to the recording studio. The songs engrave the canvas of the record with sizzling bursts of improvisation, while also capturing the emotional essence of more delicate instrumental conversations. Tastefully varied but cohesively melded, the music lives in the moment.
performance: SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 5-6:30 PM HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
Hadden Sayers Band
Native-Texan Hadden Sayers is just as comfortable on a massive festival stage with a Stratocaster in his hands as he is strumming an acoustic guitar in your living room.....
Equal parts blue-eyed soul and red-hot guitar. This is a mesmerizing multi-dimensional live performance. Hadden and his band are masters of their instruments….but his passionate songwriting, which twists roots rock, blues and soul music into something completely fresh, is what sets him apart from the pack.
performance: 4-5:30 PM SATURDAY JUNE 15, 2019 UNION BANK ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Hurricane Jerry
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: 5:30-7 pm SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 MOUNT CARMEL CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY STAGE
Inner City Blues Band
Inner City Blues Band" This group of talented professional has an extensive resume as indiviuals , and collectively , a high energy blues, R&B group who has open for such Legends as Bobby Blue Band" the late great "Johnny Taylor" Comedian John Hiiton of " In Living Color" fame. Little Milton, Bobby Womack, and Grammy Award Winner" "Buckwheat Zydeco" expect to make a positive impression across the nation and around the world. The Inner City Blues Band is a tight unit who treats R&B as tender as a newborn baby and pound out hard blues with clarity and jackhammer strength.
performance: 12:30-2 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 UNION BANK ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
InnerVision
InnerVision is the duo of life-long friends Genene Blackwell (keyboards and vocals) and Sam Shepherd (vocals, harmonica, trombone, guitar). Since 2009 this internationally award-winning band and Nashville recording artists have brought joy and inspiration through music to thousands with both live performances as well as through their self-titled debut CD, which is currently available on iTunes.
Genene and Sam were born, exactly one month apart, as “micro-preemies” and lost their vision at birth due to their prematurity and alarmingly low birth weights. Before they were born, neither of their families knew each other even though they all lived in the same Ohio town. Genene and Sam even spent the first weeks of their lives together in the same NICU unit of the same hospital in Columbus!
Life in Westerville reunited the two in preschool and they went to school together until they graduated from The Ohio State School for the Blind, riding on the same bus all those years. Making music was always an important part of their childhood friendship, whether they were imitating their favorite singers on the bus or marching together in the world’s only blind marching band, The Ohio State School for the Blind Marching PanthersCD Baby, and Amazon Music.
While still in high school, Genene and Sam decided that they wanted to make their livings by making music. So InnerVision was born in 2009! At first, they played primarily for nursing homes, retirement centers, and Alzheimer facilities. But every time InnerVision played, more and more people started hearing about them and the phone started ringing
performance: 12:30-1:45 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019 UNION BANK ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Joe Louis Walker
Joe Louis Walker, a Blues Hall of Fame inductee and four-time Blues Music Award winner celebrates a career that exceeds a half a century. His new album Everybody Wants A Piece cements his legacy as a prolific torchbearer for the blues. Looking back on his rich history, Walker shares, “I’d like to be known for the credibility of a lifetime of being true to my music and the blues. Sometimes I feel I’ve learned more from my failures, than from my success . But that’s made me stronger and more adventurous. And helped me create my own style . I’d like to think that when someone puts on one of my records they would know from the first notes, ‘That’s Joe Louis Walker.'”
Always an artist deeply expressive lyrically, Walker continues to write and sing about themes that are universal. On “Black & Blue” he talks about a love affair that’s falling apart, but there’s an effort to keep it going. He offers, “The lyric ‘Let’s find a quiet place, A place out of town…We Need to talk this thru, Be honest & True’ says it all in trying to save the relationship.” He cites the title track as a composition that might not have a deep meaning, but in presenting the thought, “Everybody wants a piece of your love,” offers a double entendre that speaks for itself. With a deep history and background in gospel, Walker looks towards Wade in the Water” as an instant all time favorite. He reveals, “The inspirational lyric ‘The water is deep, the water is cold, it chills my body, BUT NOT MY SOUL” is expressing my belief that the spiritual will carry you through when the physical can’t.”
This time out Joe has brought on Paul Nelson to produce his album which was recorded at his famed Chop Shop studio on the east coast. Nelson is a Grammy winning guitarist/producer who was rock/blues legend Johnny Winter’s guitarist, and who also appears as guest guitarist on two tracks on Everybody Wants A Piece.
A true powerhouse guitar virtuoso, unique singer and prolific songwriter, he has toured extensively throughout his career, performed at the world’s most renowned music festivals, and earned a legion of dedicated fans. Walker’s 1986 debut album Cold Is the Night on HighTone announced his arrival in stunning fashion, and his subsequent output has only served to further establish Walker as one of the leading bluesmen on the scene.
Born on December 25, 1949 in San Francisco, at age 14, he took up the guitar. Just two years later, he was a known quantity on the Bay Area music scene, playing blues with an occasional foray into psychedelic rock. For a while, he roomed with Mike Bloomfield, who introduced him to Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead. Walker even made a brief pilgrimage to Chicago to check out the blues scene there. In 1975, burned out on blues, Walker turned to God, singing for the next decade with a gospel group, the Spiritual Corinthians. When the Corinthians played the 1985 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Walker was inspired to embrace his blues roots again. He assembled the Boss Talkers, and throughout the 1990s merged many of his gospel, jazz, soul, funk and rock influences with his trademark blues sensibilities on recordings released by Polydor/Polygram. These albums feature Walker’s collaborations with a diverse group of first-rate artists including Branford Marsalis, James Cotton, Tower of Power, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, Ike Turner and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. Walker has steadily released recordings since the turn of the millennium, and recently signed to Provogue / Mascot Label Group.
NPR Music has called Walker “a legendary boundary-pushing icon of modern blues,” and he is already being referred to within the blues world as a living legend. However, at this stage of his life, Walker profoundly shares, “I’d really like to inspire younger musicians to carry on the legacy of blues/roots music. But play, and do it your way. Don’t be afraid to mix it up. There’s no right, or wrong way. Just the way you wanna express yourself. And above all, ENJOY YOURSELF.”
performance: 7:30-9 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 UNION BANK ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
John Nemeth
Don’t try to snatch him back and hold him, he’s a man on the move. John Németh had already established himself among the very top ranks of blues musicians and modern soul singers when he decided to break the mold with his new record, FEELIN’ FREAKY. Németh fearlessly crushes all barriers of style and genre with an album of original songs that defies all the usual pigeonholes. Drawing from his strong influences in blues and R&B, as well as contemporary sounds in hip hop and rock & roll, John creates music that is personal as well as universal, and owes its origin to no one but John Németh.
John’s songs are groove and melody-driven, laced with thoughtful lyrics and nuanced humor, and cover themes from social issues of gun violence and class values to the pure hedonistic joy of dancing, sexuality and marijuana. He creates his songs from melodies and phrases he draws from the sounds of life, from early-morning Memphis songbirds to the din of the city. For this album John brought his new songs to his great touring band, the Blue Dreamers – Danny Banks on drums, Matthew Wilson on bass and guitar, and Johnny Rhodes on guitar – so they could hone the groove and finish building the album as a group. Under the simpatico guidance of Grammy-nominated producer Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), FEELIN’ FREAKY emerges as a modern personal masterpiece.
As a Boise, Idaho teenager in the early ‘90s, John Németh was drawn to the hard-edged hip hop sounds and rock bands of the day – but when a friend exposed him to Buddy Guy and Junior Wells’s classic “Hoodoo Man Blues,” he was hooked. John played harp and sang in local bands, often opening the show for nationally touring blues acts. John soon caught the ear of established blues musicians, and before long he was releasing his own CDs – THE JACK OF HARPS (2002) and COME AND GET IT (2004), featuring Junior Watson – and performing in Junior Watson’s band. John relocated to San Francisco in 2004, where he wound up doing a two-year stint with Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets, filling in for the ailing Sam Myers.
Németh immersed himself in the deep musical waters of the Bay area, absorbing more of the soul and funk grooves of what he calls “the early East Bay Grease sound” of San Francisco and Oakland bands. John’s reputation continued to grow, and he soon signed a recording contract with Blind Pig Records. His national debut for that label – MAGIC TOUCH (2007), produced by Anson Funderburgh and featuring Junior Watson on guitar – received an ecstatic response from fans and the media, and he was hailed as the new voice of the Blues. Living Blues Magazine enthused, “Magic Touch gives hope that the blues will survive.” In 2008 Németh was recruited by Elvin Bishop to do some performances and contribute four vocal tracks to his Grammy-nominated album THE BLUES ROLLS ON.
performance: 9:30-11 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 UNION BANK ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
John Scofield's Combo 66
Aside from being one of the principal innovators of modern jazz guitar, JOHN SCOFIELD is a creative artist of an even rarer sort: a stylistic chameleon who has forged a consistent, rock-solid aesthetic identity. Looking to commemorate his 66th year, Scofield penned twelve original compositions and formed a swinging new group to record and tour the music. Rising star Gerald Clayton was an obvious choice on piano, an instrument central to the new tunes. The connection between Scofield and drummer Bill Stewart strengthens as the decades pass. It was Stewart who introduced bassist Vicente Archer to the project, having worked with him on a Nicholas Payton recording. Scofield is thrilled with the group and in addition to the musical combustion, especially enjoys the inter-generational quality - sixties, fifties, forties and thirties represented! Scofield is touring with the following group through 2019, his Verve recording COMBO 66 released in September 2018.
A triple Grammy award winning artist with fan bases in many camps and 40 plus recordings to his credit, SCOFIELD has expressed himself in the vernacular of bebop, blues, jazz-funk, organ jazz, acoustic chamber jazz, electronically tinged groove music, jam band style and orchestral ensembles with ease and enthusiasm. With multiple Grammy nominations and named an Officier dans L’Ordre des Arts and Lettres by France, Scofield tours the world approximately 200 days per year with his own groups. He has shared stage and studio in the company of Miles Davis, Tony Williams, Jim Hall, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland, Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Brad Mehldau, Eddie Harris, John Mayer, Phil Lesh, Aaron Neville, Mavis Staples and MMW among many music legends.
John will be joined onstage by his Combo 66 band: Drummer and Composer BILL STEWART; Pianist Gerald Clayton; and Bassist VICENTE ARCHER.
performance: 9-10:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
Josh Krajcik
A soulful singer with a huge, often gravelly voice, Josh Krajcik is best known as the runner-up on the 2011 season of Fox's reality singing competition The X Factor.
Long before YouTube and singing competitions ever existed, a 16 year old Krajcik was honing his craft in the smoky bars of his hometown of Wooster, Ohio. As a teenager Krajcik performed with a regular group of musicians as the Josh Krajcik Band. With this outfit he released two albums, 2005's Ghosts and 2011's Atavistic.
The Josh Krajcik Band also found work opening for such artists as the Fray, Brandi Carlile, and others. In 2011, Krajcik was accepted onto Fox's The X Factor with his audition performance of Etta James' "At Last." During his time on the show, Krajcik was mentored by former Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, and ultimately finished in second place behind winner Melanie Amaro.
After wrapping up his time on The X Factor, Krajcik toured and began work on his major-label debut. In 2013, Krajcik released the album Blindly, Lonely, Lovely (Sony), featuring production and songwriting collaborations with Adele producer Eg White and others. Krajcik’s 2017 independent release, Oblivion, pushed away from TOP 40 to comfortably seat him in the company of contemporaries such as Ray LaMontagne, Jason Isbell and Ryan Adams - all but abandoning the influence of the TV show’s aim for pop stardom in favor of a raw, melancholic, troubadour style of songwriting and storytelling. Returning to his roots wearing his heart on his sleeve and demons on his shoulder, Krajcik still paints with a voice that sounds both bold and broken.
Josh has returned to both the road and the studio in 2018. Revisiting his favorite venues across the country, performing select house concerts for close groups of friends and fans, and planning a new release of originals along with some of his most popular covers. Josh released his version of At Last in December 2018 – much to the delight of his X Factor fans.
performance: 1:30-2:45 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019 MOUNT CARMEL COMMUNITY STAGE
Keith Colbert
Artist Bio - Keith “T-Bone” Colbert was born in the village of Heath, Ohio and grew up in Columbus, Ohio. One of Keith’s earliest memories was sneaking out of bed to hear his first Ray Charles song blasting through his Grandfather’s speakers at one of his popular parties. Keith’s musical style is an evolution of modern blues with a firm foundation inspired by the blues styles from Texas, Chicago and the Delta. Influenced by artists like Robert Johnson, Howling Wolf, BB King, Freddy King, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Keith’s music is a slow rev mixing traditional riffs with a modern flair.
performance: 5:45-7:15 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 TOYOTA DIRECT ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
MojoFlo
Neo funk group, MojoFlo, is as known for their captivating stage performance as their infectious rhythms and catchy lyrics. Named “Best Band” (2016) by both Columbus Monthly and (614) Magazine for their dynamic live shows featuring vivacious vocalist Amber Knicole. From aerial performances and Soul Train lines to hula hoop choreography and near-cringe-inducing leaps off the drum riser in 6-inch heels this lady has a knack for leaving audiences enthralled.
In combining hard hitting horns, seductive melodies and a meticulously crafted stage show, MojoFlo has built a fiercely loyal fanbase. This self supported band tours routinely to bring their show to a national audience.
MojoFlo has shared the stage with Rebirth Brass Band, Trombone Shorty, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Joan Jett, KC and the Sunshine Band and the Dynamites featuring Charlie Walker. They’ve played festivals such as Nelsonville Music Festival (2016), Tribal Connection (2015), All Good (2013), Mad Tea Party (2015), Be Kind Gathering (2016) Independent's Day (Columbus 2016).
MojoFlo released their debut EP 'Waiting' in 2009 followed in 2010 by “Whatcha Think About That”. Since 2011 they have released a series of singles including “Home to You” (on vinyl), “Music Makes It Alright (MMIA)”, and “Crazy 4 U”. Their much anticipated next single “Any Other Girl” and accompanying music video are due early 2017 to be followed by a new album Summer 2017.
performance: 4:30-6 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019 MOUNT CARMEL CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY 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: 12:30-1:30 SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019 TOYOTA DIRECT ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
Paul Whitt
Paul Whitt is a 5-star rated acoustic Jazz-Fingerstyle guitarist. He performs
Jazz/Classical/Flamenco and Bossa Nova themed guitar instrumental music. He's been playing guitar for 30+ years and performing gigs for various events since 2012.
performance: 2:30-4 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 TOYOTA DIRECT ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
Rachel Sepulveda Quartet
Rachel Sepulveda is a singer, songwriter, pianist, and arranger inspired by jazz, Latin, and R&B grooves. She is a dynamic and captivating performer with a sound that at times is light and vulnerable, yet can also be commanding and powerful. Her genuine presence engages listeners to share the experience of the music and reflect. Her solo project features a quintet of some of Columbus Ohio’s finest jazz musicians, performing her original arrangements and compositions, while also incorporating standard cover material.
Rachel has performed abroad singing for international audiences at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy, and also MusicFest Canada. She has shared the stage with other great artists and groups like Randy Brecker, Chico Pinheiro, Deborah Brown, Peter Eldridge of the New York Voices, Sunny Wilkinson, Cedric Dent, Rob Parton, Aaron Scott, Phil Clark, Mark Flugge, Reggie Jackson, Bobby Floyd, and the Battle Creek Symphony.
Rachel makes her home in Columbus, Ohio singing at clubs, restaurants, and festivals throughout the city and the Midwest. She was most recently featured with her Salsa/Latin project at Festival Latino 2018. She also played for Columbus Jazz and Ribs Festival, 2015 and in 2010 opened there for Lou Donaldson singing with Saxophonist, Wes “Warmdaddy” Anderson of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. She has performed on stages at the McConnell Arts Center, the Columbus Library Jazz Series, The Columbus Marathon, Red White and Boom, The Columbus Arts Festival, ComFest, and The Gahanna Creekside Jazz Festival. You may also be able to catch her at smaller venues like Black Point Restaurant, Barcelona Restaurant, The Refectory, Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza, Copius Notes, Brother’s Drake, and Dick’s Den.
Ms. Sepulveda recently completed her Masters of Music in jazz performance at Western Michigan University 2017, where she directed the student vocal ensemble, GCII and sang with the award winning jazz ensemble, Gold Company. While there, the group won the 2017 Downbeat student award for best large vocal jazz ensemble performance.
Rachel is a passionate supporter of music education and offers private piano and voice lessons. She also leads workshop classes through The Jazz Arts Group Jazz Academy. Previous academic appointments include director of the vocal jazz activities at Capital University and also director of the choral activities at The Arts & College Preparatory Academy in Columbus, OH.
performance: 3-4:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ 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: 7:45-9:15 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 UNION BANK ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Sadie Johnson
Sadie Johnson is an established blues guitarist/vocalist and a senior at Marietta College in Marietta, OH. Sadie has been performing since 13 years-old, touring the US with The Sad Sam Blues Jam and performing in Europe with Ruf Records Blues Caravan: Girls With Guitars. While performing will always be her passion, Sadie’s heart is in music therapy. Sadie has helped pioneer a music therapy program at Marietta College and continues involvement with Blue Star Connection – a non-profit organization that gives music instruments to kids with life-threatening illnesses. Sadie has shared the stage with blues artists such as Samantha Fish, Eric Gales, Mike Zito, Sean Carney, John Popper and Blues Traveler, Bob Corratore, Deanna Bogart, and Matt O'Ree (Bon Jovi's guitarist).
performance: 3:15-4:30 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019 TOYOTA DIRECT ACOUSTIC ALLEY 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 15, 2019 Union Bank 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: 1:45-3 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019 TOYOTA DIRECT ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
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: 9:30-11 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 MOUNT CARMEL 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 15, 2019 MOUNT CARMEL CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY STAGE
Swinging With Sinatra: Brian Michael Smith + The John Vermeulen Octet
Columbus native Brian Michael Smith is well known as the area’s premier performer of the great American Standard. He has earned his incomparable reputation both here and on the New York scene where he performed for thirteen years in Off-Broadway productions, Manhattan nightclubs and most notably, at the world famous Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center.
Since returning to Columbus, Brian has not only established the Brian Michael Smith Quartet, he has continued to wow audiences as the featured vocalist with the John Vermeulen Octet, Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra and Rick Brunetto’s Big Band. Brian has performed at the Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest, Newark’s Midland Theatre, La Scala Italian Bistro, the Hollywood Casino and the renowned Valley Dale Ballroom as well as countless corporate, philanthropic and social events, including wedding celebrations. His unsurpassed “Frankly Speaking…” show presents the songs of Frank Sinatra as only Brian can sing them – with a pure voice and his own impeccable style.
performance: 4-5:30 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
Teeny Tucker Band
Although Teeny was born into blues royalty, (daughter of Tommy “Hi-Heel Sneakers” Tucker), one need only to hear Teeny to know that she has cultivated and developed her “gifts” into her very own uniquely compelling world-class package. As a child, this Dayton Ohio native began singing in the church choir. This experience, like so many other soulful success stories, undoubtedly began to chart the course of Teeny’s music career. The paths which would lead to her abilities to interpret with soulful, bluesy, and uniquely stylistic renderings was set.
Teeny Tucker, and her Band, are featured performers at some of the most prestigious music festivals in the USA, such as; the Chicago Blues Festival, B. B. King Homecoming Festival, White Mountain Boogie and Blues Festival, Cincinnati Blues Festival, PA Folk/Blues Festival, Summer Series In The Air, and now a return to the Gahanna Creekside Blues and Jazz
performance: 4-6 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019 UNION BANK 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: 9-10:45 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 TOYOTA DIRECT ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
The Groove Trio
With 6 years and 250+ shows under our belts bringing you some of the areas best 60's & 70's Classic Rock, Rhythm & Blues, Funk & Soul Music around delivering it to you in a "Groove" like fashion!! We are a high energy, 5 piece main band (including 2 Guitarist & Saxophone!) with the availability to perform as a 6-7 piece band adding a additional horn player, a piano, B-3 organ, Clavenet & Harmonica player as well!!! Featured in our main 5 piece band...Matt Goble on vocals & guitar, Jeremy Ormeroid on guitar & vocals, Max Prime on bass, Matt Stuber on saxophone, trumpet & vocals and Doug Bryant on drums. Additional rotating members in our 5 to 7 piece band are Annual "AC" Collins on Saxophone and Dave Gastel on Piano, B-3 Organ, Clavenet & Harmonica!!
performance: 1-2:15 pm SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 TOYOTA DIRECT ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
The Kells
The Kells play primarily traditional Irish music. With a genuine passion and a sincere sense of purpose, the Kells pour their hearts into playing lively gigs, spirited reels and haunting airs with songs that reach deep into the moral and emotional part of man’s nature. Instruments such as the Irish uilleann (prounounced “il-yun”) pipes, tin whistle and flute provide intricate layering, heart-beat and drive. It’s music for all ages and for the ages!
performance: 7:15-8:45 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 TOYOTA DIRECT ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
The Ken Weaver Quartet
Guitarist Ken Weaver has been a mainstay in the local jazz scene since 1974. At the time, he had already been performing for 10 years with local bands and musicians in the Xenia, Dayton and Cincinnati areas.
The first musical group he hooked-up with in Columbus was with organist Alvin Valentine and his group which featured Bobby Alston (trumpet), Gene Walker (sax) and Joe Ong (drums). During that time, many national acts would come to town and set-in with the group as they played weekly gigs at the Club Faces, the Jazz Living Room and Stardust Lounge. He played at the Kahiki restaurant with organist Hank Marr for two years, following that as the lead guitarist for the blues-based Wiley Pooch Band.
Ken also performed as with local and national artists such as Bobby Floyd, Rusty Bryant, Hank Marr, Tony Manaco, Jeanette Williams, Mary McClendon, Dave Powers and Grover Washington, Jr., and guitarist Wilbert Longmire, as well as locally with groups such as 30 East, Jazz Patrol, Urban Jazz Coalition and Fo/Mo/Deep.
In 1992, he formed his own group (the Ken Weaver Trio) with Neal Cobb (drums) and Otis Davenport (Keyboards) and played weekly gigs over the next twelve years at several Columbus restaurants including The Clock and Courthouse Square, Olivia’s of New Albany, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
The Ken Weaver Quartet can be seen and heard throughout Central Ohio playing at numerous festivals, at the premier jazz clubs in Columbus, Ohio; and has performed at venues such as Vonn Jazz, Zydeco on High, The Venue and other clubs, restaurants, festivals, and private functions throughout central Ohio.
performance: 12-1:30 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
The Mighty Troubadors
The Mighty Troubadours are a vocally-oriented string-band that offers an eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary bluegrass music.
The band is a collaboration of local performers Joey Gardina, Aaron Snyder, Chris Swanson, Isaiah Sparling, Kevin Hagan, and Glenn Reinhart. With a combination of original music and covers, they play a few different styles of bluegrass music. This eclectic mix of styles is unified by the common threads of acoustic settings on mandolin, banjo, guitar, violin, and bass. Their soulful harmonies and "grassy" instrumentation encompass a true Americana style.
performance: 4:15-5:30 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 TOYOTA DIRECT ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
The Sidewinders
The Sidewinders are Columbus based jazz group that is dedicated to playing the music of The Hard Bop-Soul Jazz Movement of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. The band features the talents of Colin Lazarski on guitar, Kevin O’Neill on saxophone, Dave DeWitt on organ and Louis Tsamous on drums. They enjoy playing the music of Lee Morgan, Jimmy Smith, Stanley Turrentine, Hank Mobley, Art Blakey as well as compositions from many other jazz greats
performance: 7-8:30 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ STAGE
The Spikedrivers
The Spikedrivers is led by Jesse Henry, who was raised Mennonite in rural Northwest Ohio and who spent his early years working on grain elevators and learning songs of the great American Troubadours. He brings his electrifying stage presence and musicianship wherever he roams. Megan Palmer, a registered nurse by day, turns fiddle-playing super hero by night; serenading the audience with her sultry voice and ravishing them with white-hot fiddle leads. Steve Sweney, best known for his cosmic guitar work with the band Ekoostik Hookah, gets to showcase a different side of his playing. He strips down to just amp and guitar and listeners get to relish the raw tone and intensity. John Boestler the guitar wizard is the newest member bringing 40-plus years of experience as well as being Sweney’s early mentor. The rhythm section and backbone holding it all together are Nate Anders and Steven Fox. A vibraphonist and college educator, Nate beats the skins like a pack of hounds is on his tail all the while booming baritone harmony. Fox brings his lightning-fast bow acrobatics and hard-thumping sound on the upright bass to adventurous levels as well as singing his sideburns off.
performance: 7:30-9 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 MOUNT CARMEL CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY STAGE
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: 7:30-9 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 MOUNT CARMEL COMMUNITY STAGE
Tia Harris and Her Trio
Singing jazz standards, big band swing, or R & B--Tia Harris Roseboro is a versatile vocalist. Everyday her love and passion for music continues to grow. Tia enjoys singing many different genres of music along with writing her own songs. She has been in the music business entertaining all type of audiences.
performance: 5 pm Friday, June 14, 2019 Heartland Bank Jazz Stage
Tom Carroll and Friends
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.
The group expands it’s repertoire into Latin and modern Blues music. It’s members bring a wide experience of music to the band. Blues, Gypsy Swing, Latin, Bluegrass and modern acoustic music.
performance: 7:30-8:45 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 TOYOTA DIRECT ACOUSTIC ALLEY STAGE
Trutone Band
Trutone is a modern music quintet featuring seasoned veteran musicians from all over Ohio. Keyboardist Bo Dixon is from Columbus having played with Stone City Band. Bo brings a finely tuned ear keeping Trutone true to the music. Guitarist Tony Cooper has been playing in and around Columbus for many years with Priscilla Woodson and Hosea Hooks. His unique guitar sound is a perfect blend to the Trutone sound. Drummer Fred Dulaney is a multi-talented musician. Fred has regular appearances with John Henry. His drumming combined with his experience on bass guitar gives Trutone it’s soul. Bassist Duane Gaskins is from Canton. Ohio. Duane has played extensively throughout Ohio with the Inner City Blues Band, SaFire, Ninni Love, Full Count. His Canton roots has given him a solid background with a keen ear for style and musical taste. Trumpeter Bob Bowers began his musical journey in Minnesota playing trumpet in 4th grade. Bob has played in many jazz, blues and soul bands since the 1968. Duane and Bob met each other in Canton, Ohio in 1976 playing in SaFire. Bob led the Blues-in-Schools program for 10 years at Kent State University.
performance: 3-4 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019 MOUNT CARMEL COMMUNITY STAGE
Urban Jazz Coalition Featuring Sarah Morrow
Discovered by Ray Charles, trombonist Sarah Morrow is the first female instrumentalist to become a member of his orchestra. She toured with the legend from November 1995 through May 1997 and left the group to tour and perform with Foley (lead bassist for Miles Davis) and later with Dee Dee Bridgewater, David Murray, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, organist Rhoda Scott, funk legend Pee Wee Ellis, the American All-Stars in Paris, and the Tribute to Mingus band featuring Mingus alumni Ted Curson and Ricky Ford. With the release of her first album “Greenlight” in 1999, Sarah launched her solo career and has gone on to win critical acclaim as a prominent soloist, bandleader, and composer /arranger. Winner of the 2005 Cork Jazz Festival “Rising Star” award, Sarah continues to tour as a leader and guest artist throughout Western and Eastern Europe, USA, Africa, United Arab Emirates and Asia.
As a trombonist, composer and bandleader, headlining under her own name, Sarah has performed all over the world, at top festivals and venues such as the Newport Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center (Washington DC), Philips Dubai Jazz Festival, Nice Jazz Festival, JVC Festivals worldwide, Freihoffer's Jazz Fest (Saratoga), Budapest, Brno, Newport Japan, Croatia, etc!!! Her 2006 performance at the Kennedy Center erupted the hall into a standing ovation just 20 minutes into her group’s set; this recorded concert was chosen to represent live jazz music in America in the NPR World Special “Washington DC: A City of Music”
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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 FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 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: 2-3:45 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019 UNION BANK ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE
Waves de Ache
Waves de Aché blends Cuban jazz with American hip-hop, rock and funk, creating an exciting and energetic modern sound still rooted in tradition. Whether performing as a piano/bass/drum trio or a six-piece band with horns, Waved de Ache takes the listener on a journey filled with sophisticated harmonies, deep grooves and raw energy.
Led by Will Strickler and Max Marsillo, Waves do Ache features a variety of the Midwest’s top musicians, including Ben Maloney (piano), Nate Parker (drums), Zach Compston (drums), Eric Paton (percussion), Micheal Cox (saxophones), Kevin O’Neill (saxophones), Ben Crowder (trombone) and Anthony Stanco (trumpet).
performance: 2-3:30 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019 HEARTLAND BANK JAZZ 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: 6:15-7:30 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 UNION BANK ELECTRIC BLUES STAGE