As a young boy, Gerome Durham, a.k.a. “Mississippi Blues Boy,” picked cotton and plowed fields, later attending school in Lexington, Mississippi, where he was born. As a child, the church brought out his talent for soulful singing. As a young man, Gerome moved to North Carolina and worked in the tobacco fields. He later moved back to Mississippi and got a job at a chicken factory in Jackson. By this time, it was 1965, and Gerome’s years of singing in the church choir finally paid off when he entered and won a talent contest at the Blue Nose Club. The prize was $25—a pretty good premium for the time!

Several years later, Gerome moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, settling into a long-term factory job making sinks, which he did for 38 years. It was during his time in Milwaukee that he became friends with Johnny Rawls, who helped him launch a career in music. With Rawls, Tyrone Davis, Johnny Taylor, Bobby Bland and Little Milton as his influences, Gerome eagerly accepted Rawls’ offer to take him on tour with his band, and the rest is history! Gerome has since opened for Bobby Bland, B.B. King, Barbara Carr, Charles Wilson and Latimore.

Gerome’s music career spans more than 20 years that kicked off in 1993 with the single, “A Woman is a Strange Thang Part 1 and 2.” His six albums reflect his growth as a vocalist. His latest release, Gerome Durham, aka Mississippi Blues Boy, delivers original rhythm and blues tunes drawn from his Mississippi cotton-picking days and personal life.

Today, you’ll catch Mississippi Blues Boy singing and working crowds throughout the Midwest and South.

Johnny Rawls is a soul blues legend. In fact, the term “soul blues” was invented to describe his music. With a career spanning more than 50 years, he’s done it all. He’s an internationally recognized recording artist, music producer, and songwriter who tours extensively throughout North America and overseas.
The Blues Music Awards, Blues Blast Awards, Living Blues Awards, and the W. C. Handy Awards have all acknowledged Johnny with multiple awards and nominations, including Soul Blues Album of the Year and Soul Blues Artist of the Year. Living Blues Magazine described him as a “soul-blues renaissance man” when he was featured on the cover in 2002. Johnny is honored to be mentioned on two markers along the Mississippi Blues Trail – one in Hattiesburg, MS marking the Hi-Hat Club, and another in Rocklin ME marking the migration of blues from Mississippi to Maine.
Born in Columbia, Mississippi in 1951, Johnny grew up in Purvis (near Hattiesburg) and Gulfport. Johnny’s interest in music began in early childhood. He started out playing clarinet in the school band when he was in 5th grade. Over the next couple of years, he graduated to saxophone, trumpet and other instruments. Johnny became interested in guitar when he heard his grandfather playing one Christmas morning and by age 13 was playing guitar seriously. Johnny’s high school band teacher had a professional band that backed touring soul artists and asked Johnny to join his band as a saxophone player. This began Johnny’s professional career, and at age 15, he was backing artists including ZZ Hill, Little Johnny Taylor, Joe Tex, and The Sweet Inspirations on their tours in the Southeast. In the mid-1970s, Johnny became the band director for soul singer O.V. Wright, and toured with O.V. until his death in 1980. Wright’s band, under Johnny’s leadership, continued to perform as the Ace of Spades band for several years. Then, Johnny became the band director for Little Johnny Taylor.
In 1985, Johnny began touring as a solo artist and made his first solo recording. A prolific songwriter, hundreds of Johnny’s songs have been recorded. He has released more than 15 albums since his debut solo album, Here We Go, in 1996 on JSP Records. In the late 1990’s Johnny worked as an arranger and record producer for JSP. Johnny has released albums under various labels, including JSP, Catfood Records, Third Street Cigar Records, and his own label Deep South Soul, which he created in 2002.
The Blues Music Awards (and its predecessor, the W.C. Handy Awards) frequently recognize Johnny’s work. To date, ten of Johnny’s albums have been nominated for Soul Blues Album of the Year, with “I’m Still Around” winning in 2019 and “Ace of Spades” winning in 2010. Johnny has been nominated for Soul Blues Male Artist eleven times, and received one nomination for Song of the Year. Roots Music Report declared Johnny’s 2017 release, “Waiting for the Train,” one of the top 50 blues albums of the year. Johnny also has multiple nominations/awards from Blues Blast Magazine and Living Blues Magazine.
With his 2018 release, “I’m Still Around,” Johnny returned to his roots in Mississippi Soul Blues. All the songs on this album were written and arranged by Johnny, and reflect his favorite subjects – falling in and out of love, making love, and enjoying and being thankful for life. Johnny is extremely proud to have won the Soul Blues Album of the year at the 2019 BMAs for this release.
• A true “road warrior,” Johnny tours extensively throughout the US, and internationally, playing approximately 200 dates every year. He’s performed at major blues festivals, including the Chicago Blues Festival and the Waterfront Blues Festival multiple times. Whether he’s playing in a small intimate club or at a large blues festival, Johnny always delivers a high-energy show to the delight of audiences everywhere.

LLoyd “Silky Smooth” Stephens is an incredible vocalist and performer with an amazing range capable of bringing an audience to their feet or to tears. He has serenaded his audience with music from every major recording artist such as Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, John Mayer, and more.

Lloyd is versatile and has sung all over the United States and abroad mesmerizing audiences away along the way! Lloyd’s Band prides itself to be the most “badass” band in the land ….and brings R&B…..and brings the house down with true soul.

Band Video

Ivan Singh is a 29 year old Blues Guitarist and Singer from Argentina who recently moved to Chicago with great acceptance in the blues community.

Today he is one of the Greatest Blues Guitarists in his country and becoming as Chicago Blues Artist using his “Lata de Batata” slide guitar (4 strings) to develop a distinctive sound and stand-out style. In a short period of time Ivan Singh have Sharing Stage with Blues legends as Buddy Guy- Taj Mahal- John Primer -Robert Randolph and many others. In addition to tours throughout Argentina, Ivan has also played in more than 9 countries between North America, Europe, Central and South America.

In 2023 Ivan Singh Toured to India “Mahindra Blues Fest” to Performance with Buddy Guy ,Taj Mahal and Kingfish and he was featured in Rolling Stone Magazine in February, 2023.

Ivan Singh Feature RollingStone Magazine 2023 – rollingstoneindia.com/ivan-singh-article

Ivan has shared the stage with Buddy Guy, Chris Cain, John Primer, Super Chican, Slam Allen (James Cotton), Lurrie Bell, Cedric Burnside, Linsey Alexander ,Mike Wheeler, Jimmy Burns ,Charly Garcia, Pappo Blues Band, Bota Fogo Don Vilanova ,Vitico, Chizzo, La Mona Jiménez to name a few. He plays in the Midwest and internationally. Watch for his first album expected to debut in 2023!

Tonight Only has entertained 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.

The Nu Blu Band is the designated house band for Granville because Nu Blu took the plunge and were the first performers at the Granville BID’s first Blues Fest, called Grandioso, in 2017. The band watched the small fest swell to a huge fest and continue to bring the blues, party, and fun to the festival.
.This high energy 6-member group pairs a tight rhythm section led by Mark Maddox on lead guitar, Dan Henley on drums, with powerful vocals of Carlise Guy, the dynamic daughter of the Legendary Blues eight- time Grammy award winner, Buddy Guy. They perform wide range of genres; Blues, R&B, Pop, and Motown. Their soulful sound is enough to make any audience get up and dance. It’s always a party when NuBlu is on stage. They’ve performed across the country and around the world, from huge outdoor festivals in Brazil, FL, Ohio, & IL to intimate nightclubs in Chicago.

Mandalyn hales from NW Indiana (the region). She was born with a love of music in her soul. Being classically trained, Mandalyn started competing in various competitions at a young age. In her late teens, she started performing at live venues. Mandalyn’s background includes studio work, voice overs, vocals, song writing, and solo recordings. Her experiences have prepared her to be a successful front woman in a multi genre band for over 15 years. Mandalyn has decided to take a different approach with her music, her new breakout single “WRECKED” released spring 2020. “WRECKED” is a sultry mix of powerhouse vocals, crying strats, and an overall seductive blues sound that will leave you breathless. Produced by none other than Tony TC Coleman who is also the heartbeat of the single playing the drums. The single also features a one of a kind mix of guitarists Bart Walker and Brian Allen taking it to another level. Frank Ray Jr on keys/organ adds the perfect combination of sound to the single which will take the blues world by storm. Mandalyn has much more to come with future singles releasing soon. With inspiration for her music deriving from amazing female vocalists like Beth Hart, Amy Lee, and Ann Wilson the blues world has an amazing surprise in store for them! For now, she continues to make the best of life doing the thing she loves most…….. Music.

Jamiah Rogers was born in the south suburbs of Chicago to a singing mother and a multi-instrumental father whose main instrument was guitar. By age 3, Jamiah started playing drums at school, church, and in his father’s band, The Tony Rogers Band. Jamiah enjoys all genres of music including Blues, Funk, Rock, Reggae, Soul and R&B. He cites many inspirations and heroes such as Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, Freddie King, B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. Like his father, Jamiah is also a multi-instrumentalist featuring drums, guitar, bass, piano and organ in his repertoire. At the age of 15, he started his first power trio band, Jamiah On Fire & The Red Machine. Jamiah was the lead vocalist and guitarist. In 2017, Jamiah recorded his first solo release, Blues Superman. To Jamiah, the concept of the “Blues Superman” is a hero who is “saving” the blues by helping to keep it alive. In 2010, Jamiah made a special appearance during the Experience Hendrix concert at the Chicago Theatre, closing the show with Billy Cox. More recently, Jamiah toured Europe and France with 2019 BMA “Soul and R&B Female of the Year” Annika Chambers on the New Blues Generation Tour. Jamiah Rogers “Blues Superman” is on a lifelong journey to spread blues and happiness wherever he goes. Currently holding regular musical services as the “Deacon Denzel “and the Dirty Church Band, this power trio will blow you away and leave you testifying to any and all who will listen! band now looks forward to expanding their travels throughout Europe and Granville!

Just about everywhere you go and anyone you talk to says the same thing…”there are so few good “Pure” singers anymore”. The likes of Nat King Cole, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye and select greats have been largely replaced with digitally altered vocals and artists with material manufactured for mass market popularity. Where did the singer go who sounds even better in person than on recordings? The artist who personifies “cool”, whose vocals epitomize “smooth” and who can connect “intimately” with any audience?
Just about when you are about to give up looking…you find Joe Jordan. One listen and Joe reminds us why Nat King, Donny and Marvin are timeless. Why the emergence of gifted “neo-soul”, R&B and Jazz artists like Maxwell, Brian McKnight, Will Downing and KEM are so embraced and beloved. Joe has been a fixture in the Milwaukee, greater Wisconsin and surrounding Midwest cities since he first took to the stage as a high school senior with his band for a local talent contest. His first two solo projects; “Can You Find Your Soul” and “Let’s Go To That Place” earned Joe Jordan three Wisconsin Area Music Award (WAMI) nominations including “Best R&B/Soul Artist”.
Joe Jordan’s recent performances include Tribute Concerts to Marvin Gaye, Maze, Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway & Teddy Pendergrass. Joe has also done backup vocals for American Idol vocalist Danny Gokey and recently opened for artists such as Anthony Hamilton, Eric Benet, David Sanborn, Morris Day and The Time, Chicago, Angie Stone, Elvis Costello and Tower of Power. Joe is in his Sixteenth season as the Lead vocalist for Streetlife ( www.StreetlifeMke.com ), a fixture in the Milwaukee Jazz scene and the house band for The Milwaukee Bucks Basketball. Joe is also featured on two renowned Streetlife CD projects; “Live at the Red Mill” and “Live at Jazz in the Park”. Joe has been featured on projects from talented greats such as Peter Mac, Cristopher’s Project, Chameleon, Edlin Jackson, and Chris Crain and in the incomparable George Braith. Joe Jordan’s commitment is to the music and the art of being a consummate performer.
Joe exhibits this same commitment to the kids that he teaches. He strives to share his passion for music, providing opportunities for young inner city boys and girls in 3rd and 4th grades to perform and grow creatively through music, as well as be a positive role model. Jordan just finished his fourth CD entitled Give Love. It is preceded by Can You Find Your Soul, Let’s Go To That Place, and Songbook Soul a CD of The American Songbook. When Joe is not teaching and coaching his students during the day, he’s working on his music, shooting new videos and singing to sold out venues at night. He’s is currently promoting the upcoming release of the new CD and Tour called, The Give Love Experience. The concept driven from his fans responses to the question, how do you give and receive Love? The welcomed responses can be summed up in one of the title tracks featuring George Braith. This CD is an expression of Love. The one feeling everyone wants. He’s extremely thankful to his family, friends and most of all fans. His new CD Give Love, a follow-up to Songbook Soul is sure to create sparks, ignite flames and reunite hearts everywhere.

 

Singer Mzz Reese has become a blues club favorite for her burnished alto voice, expansive blues and soul-blues repertoire, and playfully flirtatious, warm-hearted stage presence. But what really sets her apart is the professionalism of her show. Reese and her band—waggishly christened Reese’s Pieces—charge through a tightly constructed set consisting of well-known standards and too-often-neglected soul and R&B classics, which often culminates in her trademark number, “Cookies,” a swaggering demand for conjugal satisfaction that she obviously wrote in the spirit of one of her heroes, the late Denise LaSalle.
The Pieces are more than up to the task: Guitarist Joe B, whose Shotgun Band is a long-standing west-side club favorite, is best known as a straight-ahead bluesman, but at Reese’s prodding he’s proved himself equally adept with chordal, melodic, and rhythmic ideas borrowed from soul, pop, and funk. Keyboardist John Walls played with guitarist Vance Kelly for decades, in the process developing one of the most expansive repertoires of any blues sideman working in Chicago. In that respect, though, he’s met his match in bassist Avery “Abraham” Brady Jr., who currently holds down the bottom for trombonist Big James Montgomery in the funk-driven Chicago Playboys (and whose resumé includes a stint with Bobby Rush). Brady’s musical knowledge can seem bottomless: on those rare occasions when a bandleader calls a song he’s never played, his ears are astute enough (and his fingers quick enough) that he can lay down a groove so flawless that you’d think he knew the chart by heart. Drummer James Carter began his musical journey at the old Delta Fish Market at Jackson and Kedzie, playing behind such legendary figures as Sunnyland Slim, Eddie Taylor, and James Cotton. Since then he’s worked with artists as varied as Joanna Connor, Otis Clay, and Artie “Blues Boy” White; he’s got the chops and the versatility to go anywhere Reese (or anyone else) might suggest, while never losing his unerring accuracy and trademark propulsiveness.
Put all these folks on one stage, and the result is the kind of show that remains the sine qua non along what’s left of the old southern “chitlin’ circuit” of clubs and show lounges, but that too seldom makes its way up North anymore: tightly wound, impeccably timed, and buoyed by ace musicianship.

According to Ms. Weathersby, “the power of Blues music lies in its ability to relate to each and every member of the human race. People of all different backgrounds can connect with the universal concepts of love, triumph and tribulation, which are the very elements upon which Blues music is based. I consider it an honor and joy to incorporate that human element into my live performances and it is with passion and humility that I accept the honor and challenge of preserving Blues music for future generations.”
Two calibers of singers exist in today’s music industry. There are vocalists and then there are entertainers. Laretha Weathersby is both. Her dynamic, effervescent stage presence is unparalleled, and her sultry, wispy vibrato makes her a Blues natural.

Voted 2009-2010’s “Chicago Blues Diva of the Year,” she belts out traditional Blues classics with passion and poise and delivers riveting renditions of timeless R&B, Soul and Top 40 tunes, all while captivating crowds with her jovial disposition and dynamic dancing. Known for her rousing stage presence, crowd members rarely blink when Laretha hits the stage, fearing they will miss one of her signature dance moves or the chance to chant along with the charismatic chanteuse.

Reigning from the Southside of Chicago, Laretha’s mother, a former Gospel soloist, detected her daughter’s singing abilities and enrolled the toddler in piano classes and encouraged her as a teenager to be an active member of the choir at the family’s place of worship. But it was not until the 1990s that Laretha began to cultivate a personal relationship with Blues music and once she did she emerged as one of premier female blues vocalists.

Her debut album – Dance the Blues Away – is an eclectic mix of traditional Blues infused with remnants of contemporary R&B and Soul. The album reveals Laretha’s reverence for conventional Blues music while flaunting her fluent transition into contemporary R & B and Soul.

New Orleans Beau, Lead Vocalist (Robert LeBeau Jr.) was born on March 4, 1967 and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, the oldest of three sons. BEAU’S talent was inherited and root founded by his grandfather Alvin Thomas and mother Lucy LeBeau, both long time professional singers who passed on the “Mardi Gras of flavors” in singing to BEAU during his childhood days. Beginning at the age of five BEAU was exposed to talent shows, city competitions, back yard galas and of course, those family and friends singing spin offs on the front porch, singing the blues and harmonizing on the good times. Those good old fashioned hometown memories will always play a part in BEAU’S performances.

Most artists find other renowned artists to be their inspiration to music; but during BEAU’S four years in music class at Walter L. Cohen High School in New Orleans he found his inspiration. “After hearing my vocal teacher Ms. Barbara Murray sing she became such a big inspiration and mentor to me.” While digging deeper, BEAU acknowledges R&B legend Luther Vandross also as being an inspiration to him.

Throughout BEAU’S national and international touring schedule he has performed with numerous entertainers and legends, most notably: The Chi-Lites, The Neville Brothers, Irma Thomas, Charmaine Neville, Melba Moore, Aaron Neville, Denise LaSalle, Bobby Rush, The Whispers, Willie Clayton, Little Milton and Buddy Guy. BEAU has also performed at many venues including: New Orleans House of Blues, The National Black Expo, New Orleans Jazz Fest, numerous clubs on the legendary Bourbon Street, Illinois Governor George Ryan’s Inaugural Ball, and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s Inaugural Reception. BEAU has also made guest appearances on the Angela Hill Show and WGN Channel 9 Sound Stage.

BEAU’S talent goes beyond singing the Blues, R&B, Jazz, Gospel, Pop, and even Opera. He is also an accomplished bass guitarist and drummer. BEAU is a registered songwriter and producer to most of his music. BEAU is currently working on his sophomore blues album coming to you soon. You can get a preview of his original hits during his shows. You’re going to love it.

Beau’s performance on stage is like eating GUMBO; it contains a mixture of ingredients in it like Louie Armstrong, Stevie Wonder, BB King, Marvin Gaye and much more. The ingredients are STEWED into one person and comes out “Spicy” and “Hot”… BEAU will season his shows the way you want it for any occasion.

When you hear BEAU utter his favorite phrase “My Medication Is Kicken In,” it’s like turning up the FIRE… the show is going to get HOTTER!

Seeing BEAU and his band performing is an exhibition of precision and an explosion of energy. It’s unlike anything you will ever see on stage, it’s incredible! An all time performance and dramatic show! You will be back for MORE.

Just about everywhere you go and anyone you talk to says the same thing…”there are so few good “Pure” singers anymore”. The likes of Nat King Cole, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye and select greats have been largely replaced with digitally altered vocals and artists with material manufactured for mass market popularity. Where did the singer go who sounds even better in person than on recordings? The artist who personifies “cool”, whose vocals epitomize “smooth” and who can connect “intimately” with any audience?
Just about when you are about to give up looking…you find Joe Jordan. One listen and Joe reminds us why Nat King, Donny and Marvin are timeless. Why the emergence of gifted “neo-soul”, R&B and Jazz artists like Maxwell, Brian McKnight, Will Downing and KEM are so embraced and beloved. Joe has been a fixture in the Milwaukee, greater Wisconsin and surrounding Midwest cities since he first took to the stage as a high school senior with his band for a local talent contest. His first two solo projects; “Can You Find Your Soul” and “Let’s Go To That Place” earned Joe Jordan three Wisconsin Area Music Award (WAMI) nominations including “Best R&B/Soul Artist”.
Joe Jordan’s recent performances include Tribute Concerts to Marvin Gaye, Maze, Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway & Teddy Pendergrass. Joe has also done backup vocals for American Idol vocalist Danny Gokey and recently opened for artists such as Anthony Hamilton, Eric Benet, David Sanborn, Morris Day and The Time, Chicago, Angie Stone, Elvis Costello and Tower of Power. Joe is in his Sixteenth season as the Lead vocalist for Streetlife ( www.StreetlifeMke.com ), a fixture in the Milwaukee Jazz scene and the house band for The Milwaukee Bucks Basketball. Joe is also featured on two renowned Streetlife CD projects; “Live at the Red Mill” and “Live at Jazz in the Park”. Joe has been featured on projects from talented greats such as Peter Mac, Cristopher’s Project, Chameleon, Edlin Jackson, and Chris Crain and in the incomparable George Braith. Joe Jordan’s commitment is to the music and the art of being a consummate performer.
Joe exhibits this same commitment to the kids that he teaches. He strives to share his passion for music, providing opportunities for young inner city boys and girls in 3rd and 4th grades to perform and grow creatively through music, as well as be a positive role model. Jordan just finished his fourth CD entitled Give Love. It is preceded by Can You Find Your Soul, Let’s Go To That Place, and Songbook Soul a CD of The American Songbook. When Joe is not teaching and coaching his students during the day, he’s working on his music, shooting new videos and singing to sold out venues at night. He’s is currently promoting the upcoming release of the new CD and Tour called, The Give Love Experience. The concept driven from his fans responses to the question, how do you give and receive Love? The welcomed responses can be summed up in one of the title tracks featuring George Braith. This CD is an expression of Love. The one feeling everyone wants. He’s extremely thankful to his family, friends and most of all fans. His new CD Give Love, a follow-up to Songbook Soul is sure to create sparks, ignite flames and reunite hearts everywhere.

 

The Smiley Tillmon Band is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. There’s an obvious reason why the veteran guitarist’s booking schedule is so jam-packed: Smiley knows how to have a good time and makes sure his audience does too. After 55 years on the blues scene, Tillmon serves up the blues and soul standards that people never seem to stop craving, his rich vocals and fluid guitar backed by a band that keeps his grooves tight and right.

Born Moses Tillmon in rural Jefferson County, Georgia, Smiley grew up on a hearty musical diet of gospel, country, and a little blues. His mother moved to Fort Lauderdale when he was ten; there he was exposed to calypso music, adding to a singular list of influences. Tillmon took up guitar and was good enough by the dawn of the ‘60s to back Miami R&B singer Billy Miranda in the studio. He joined Sammy Ambrose & the Afro-Beats, a calypso-oriented band, touring from Canada to New York. Smiley bid the Afro-Beats adieu in 1962 and moved to Chicago. There he established himself on the blues circuit, playing with Billy “The Kid” Emerson, Denise LaSalle, and other South Side luminaries until he opted for a day job in 1977.

Upon his 2007 retirement, Smiley reverted to full-time musical status. He joined forces with bassist Tom Rezetko, and they’ve been inseparable onstage ever since. Kate Moss shares guitar duties with Tillmon; married to another blues guitar standout, Nick Moss, Kate’s sound is heavily influenced by Freddie King and Magic Sam (she fell in love with the blues at age 21 when she met Buddy Guy, and she’s shared stages with Buddy, Jimmy Johnson, Eddie Shaw, and Lurrie Bell, to name just a few). Drummer George Baumann completes one of the Windy City’s toughest blues combos, one that’ll keep you smiling from ear to ear.

The Nu Blu Band is the designated house band for Granville because Nu Blu took the plunge and were the first performers at the Granville BID’s first Blues Fest, called Grandioso, in 2017. The band watched the small fest swell to a huge fest and continue to bring the blues, party, and fun to the festival.
.This high energy 6-member group pairs a tight rhythm section led by Mark Maddox on lead guitar, Dan Henley on drums, with powerful vocals of Carlise Guy, the dynamic daughter of the Legendary Blues eight- time Grammy award winner, Buddy Guy. They perform wide range of genres; Blues, R&B, Pop, and Motown. Their soulful sound is enough to make any audience get up and dance. It’s always a party when NuBlu is on stage. They’ve performed across the country and around the world, from huge outdoor festivals in Brazil, FL, Ohio, & IL to intimate nightclubs in Chicago.

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.

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!!!