It’s been said that the “apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” and this certainly applies to up-and-coming bluesman Nicholas Alexander. As the son of legendary musician Linsey Alexander, he honed his guitar skills at the hands of the original “Hoochie Man.”

The elder Alexander has certainly been a huge presence in his son’s life. Nick is fiercely protective of his father and preserving his legacy. Whether it’s filling in for his dad during the Delmark tribute at the 2023 Chicago Blues Festival or sitting in at one of his gigs at a northside club, Nicholas Alexander has honored his father in many ways.

One of Alexander’s early memories is hearing his dad jam on the song “Mona Lisa was a Man” from his Days are so Long album. This tune impacted the son in a big way as it was one of the first songs that Nicholas learned to play on his guitar. Now, it also stands as the first single to be released from his upcoming album.

During a recent phone interview, Alexander stressed that his dad “has some pretty awesome music and needs to be heard.” Alexander also said that he is proud that the album includes songs from his dad “who has always been my inspiration on this musical journey.”

“Lil Hoochie” Alexander said that he plays his dad’s Les Paul gold top guitar on “Mona Lisa was a Man,” so “it’s kind of a full circle thing.” Making the musical moment even sweeter is the fact that he got the guitar after winning a bet with the elder Alexander.

To get his dad’s music out to the masses, Alexander assembled an all-star band of Chicago musicians including Melvin Carlisle on drums, bass player David Forte, guitarist Brian Lupo, Roosevelt Purifoy Junior on organ, and Dan Souvigny on keys and guitar. His horn section is comprised of Derrick Tate, Ryan Nyther, and Royce Harrington-Turner. Bryant Parke was called upon for background vocals and congo duties. Connor Korte served as Alexander’s producer, and the music was mixed and mastered by Fil Kinetic at Berwyn Recording Studios.

Alexander said that he is grateful that his dad “knows a lot of people, and I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with them” on this album. He also noted that it was planned in a span of two weeks, and it was recorded in just eight hours as the creative process was in overdrive throughout.

Although he was born into the blues and has been involved in the business for a long time, Nicholas Alexander refuses to be pigeonholed. He said that “I’m not trying to stay away from the blues or change the music” but is intent on “bringing something a little bit different” to the blues table. He added that he is a big fan of the energy of sixties and seventies soul music.

The Stephen Hull Experience gives the blues community exciting evidence that the future of music is in good hands. Born in 1999, a native of Racine, Wisconsin, Stephen Hull started playing blues at age 14 and never stopped, taking cues from Albert King and B.B. King as he developed his sweet, soulful guitar sound. Balancing that with his absolutely stellar lead vocals and infectiously buoyant personality, Stephen has been rising fast in the blues clubs of Chicago and venues across southeastern Wisconsin. Appearing  in blues magazines such as Living Blues (U.S.) and Blues & Rhythm: The Gospel Truth (UK), Stephen has been interviewed by a myriad of media including Lake Effect (broadcast on Milwaukee’s NPR). From the Chicago Blues Fest to the Mississippi Valley Blues Fest, The Stephen Hull Experience is making headlines.

Tonight Only has entertaining audiences in the Milwaukee Metro area since 2014.  From Clapton, Santana and the Allman Brothers to Steely Dan and Tom Petty, their mix of blues, classic rock, and other favorites from the 60’s to the present has something for everyone.  Tonight Only has regularly performed at the Granville Blues Fest, The Wilson Center for the Arts, Wisconsin State Fair and numerous other festivals and club venues.  The band members have decades of experience and bring polish, professionalism, and fun to any musical event.

Chicago Blues All-Stars is an American blues band based in Chicago that incorporates elements of funk, soul, R&B and hip hop. Chicago Blues All-Stars is made up of musicians that have been together as friends and musicians for four decades. Chicago Blues All-Stars has received radio play on over 200 stations in 22 countries. Since the album’s release in December 2013, the band has remained at the top of ReverbNation’s Chicago and US Blues charts. Red, Hot & Blue broke Top 25 on Living Blues Radio Report, as well as reached Top 30 on the Roots Music Report. The album has been listed as number 35 on AirPlay Direct’s – All Time Top 50 APD Blues/Jazz/Reggae Album.

Carlos Johnson is a maestro of the blues whose music resonates with the raw emotions and soulful rhythms of the genre. Carlos is a virtuoso guitarist and vocalist, weaving tales of love, loss, and the human experience through his heartfelt melodies and poignant lyrics. With a style deeply rooted in the traditions of blues legends like B.B. King and Albert King, Carlos brings a contemporary flair that captivates audiences and pays homage to the rich history of the blues. Whether he’s belting out a soul-stirring ballad or tearing it up with electrifying riffs, Carlos Johnson’s performances are a testament to the enduring power and enduring relevance of the blues. Get ready to be transported on a musical journey through the heartland of America with Carlos Johnson at the helm.

Brother John Kattke has been a resident musician at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago for over 30 years.  Through his work with Chicago blues greats Buddy Guy & Otis Rush, he has jammed with Eric Clapton, Steve Miller, auditioned for the Black Crowes (in 1998, but they hired Jimmy Page instead), and acquired ringing endorsements from many other musicians of renown. For example: Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant had seen John play with Otis Rush at the Jazz Café in London. When Plant and Kattke met in person at the United Center in Chicago, Plant told Kattke: “You play a mean guitar!” George Benson came to the jam session that Kattke hosts at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago. After hearing the opening set that John played with his band, Benson told him: “You’re fearless! I thought I was fearless! You’re fearless!”
In terms of the condition of full-time musicians in Chicago, “Brother” John Kattke is a privileged witness. For more than a quarter of a century he has scoured the clubs of the city, taking turns on guitar or keyboards, when he’s not directing studio horn arrangements or playing keyboards on some albums, such as the latest Toronzo Cannon release, “The Chicago Way.” Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Matt Murphy, Junior Wells, he accompanied them all at a time or another.
“Clubs may not be as generous as the past in terms of earnings, their business has become more complicated, but the circuit is not dead, he assures. So you have to adapt, as it has always been more or less the case. As far as I am concerned, I’ll admit that I earn my living by playing with a dozen different groups or artists.”

Carlise Guy and the Nu Blu Band are a dynamic force in the contemporary blues scene, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances and soulful interpretations of classic blues tunes. Led by the exceptionally talented Carlise Guy, daughter of the legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy, this band brings a fresh and modern twist to the genre while honoring its rich heritage.
With Carlise at the helm, the Nu Blu Band delivers powerhouse vocals, blistering guitar solos, and tight-knit rhythms that command attention and stir the soul. Their sound seamlessly blends traditional blues with elements of funk, soul, and rock, creating a high-energy experience that leaves listeners mesmerized.
But it’s not just about the music with Carlise Guy and the Nu Blu Band; it’s about the passion and emotion they infuse into every note they play. Whether they’re belting out heartfelt ballads or igniting the stage with infectious grooves, their genuine love for the music shines through, connecting with audiences on a profound level.
Beyond their musical prowess, Carlise Guy and her bandmates exude charisma and charisma on stage, engaging crowds with their magnetic presence and infectious enthusiasm. They create an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie, inviting fans to join them on a journey through the heart and soul of the blues.
For fans of electrifying live music and authentic blues experiences, Carlise Guy and the Nu Blu Band are a must-see act, guaranteed to leave you exhilarated, inspired, and longing for more.

Ivan Singh is a Latino Blues Guitarist and Singer from Argentina, recently moved to Chicago with great acceptance in the Blues community and a growing FanBase of all ages and ethnicities.


A Rising Blues Sensation in Chicago with his Unique Style “LatinBlues” developed from his Spanglish lyrics, Homemade 4 string Guitar “Lata de Batata”, and 6 Piece Band which includes a Horn Section.
 

In addition to concerts around the States, Singh also tours in more than 9 Different countries between America, Europe, and Asia, where in 2023, he performed in “Mahindra Blues Fest India” alongside Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, and Kingfish Ingram.
 

As a “Gibson Guitars Artist”, Ivan Singh’s 2024 Tour includes “Chicago Blues Festival”, “Telluride Blues and Brews Fest”, Millenium Park SummerSeries and many other lineup’s with some of the biggest names in the industry today.
YOUNGBLOOD

The Mike Wheeler Blues Band
A Granville Blues Fest favorite, Mike Wheeler has a vast knowledge of music and a voice that’s reminiscent of the late Sam Cooke. He can sing and play everything so well that you may forget what the original record even sounds like. From Jazz to Rock, from popular music to Top 40, he slides in and out of musical genres with sophistication, ease and indulgence. Mike Wheeler is a brilliant staple in the Chicago blues community, playing and writing songs for a variety of Chicago artists including, Nellie Tiger Travis, Peaches Staten, Sam Cockrell, Demetria Taylor, Big Ray & Cadillac Dave. Mike was a well known member of Big James &The Chicago Playboys, a notable band in Chicago and recorded five albums with the group. He has travelled the world as an ambassador for Chicago blues music. He’s been to Monaco, France, Switzerland, Spain and Belgium, just to name a few. He’s also shared the stage with the most elite musicians the world has known, including Willie Kent, Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, George Benson, Jimmy Johnson and Shemekia Copeland. Mike was inducted in the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2014.
Mike uses Elixir Strings.
Larry Williams is a Bass Extraordinaire with unmatched stage presence and charisma. Influenced by artists such as Bennie Williams, Jerome Scott, Sam Cockrell, Larry Graham, James Jamerson, Willie Dixon, Stanley Clarke and Verdine White just to name a few. Larry’s style is clean and driving, reminiscent of the late greats yet modern, enabling him to play with the best in the business. From Gospel to Alternative, Larry can play it all. He has played on national and international stages. He has performed with Albertina Walker, Tyrone Davis, James Cotton, Jimmy Johnson, Buddy Guy, Vicki Winans, Koko Taylor, B.B. King and George Benson along with countless others. He has recorded on three major blues labels: Alligator, Blind Pig and Delmark Records. He is a true example of someone who knows what he was born to do!!
Larry uses Elixir Strings.
Cleo Cole began playing drums at the age of 10. He was influenced by his older brother Jethero Cole. Cleo played in his grammar and high school bands and also attended the Conservatory of Music where he was taught by Peter Romalis. He then began playing around town with various artists such as Doug McDonald, Alvin Cash, Floyd Taylor, Zora Young, Maurice John Vaughn, Shirley King, Big James, Nellie Travis, Peaches Staten, Sam Cockrell and Pistol Pete. His influences are Omar Hakim, Dennis Chambers, Billy Cobham, Bernard”Pretty”Purdie, Killer Ray Allison, Willie “Big Eyes”Smith and Willie “The Touch” Hayes. He has traveled all over the world. He was part of the Legendary Blues Cruise 2011 where he bonded with his fellow drummers. Cleo plays Yamaha Maple Customs and has a stick endorsement with Vic Firth. He has recorded on Blind Pig and Delmark Records. Cleo Cole is a drummer that you must see and hear for yourself!!