Artists

Performing Saturday, July 13th

  • The Robby King Trio is a band deeply rooted in the rich traditions of blues, funk and soul music. Led by the charismatic Robby King the band draws inspiration from the legendary "Three Kings of Blues" - Freddie King, Albert King, and BB King - crafting a unique and electric sound that pays homage to these iconic influences.

  • Solomon Hicks is a 26-year-old guitar phenom from Harlem, New York, Hicks is an American guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and composer who started playing guitar at just six years old. Solomon won the 2021 Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist for his 2020 CD release, Harlem, on Provogue Records.

  • Holiday has been at the center of a soul blues revival in Memphis, anchored by a contingent of young, savvy well-schooled musicians with a family-like attitude and a strong belief in one another. Mentored by past legends, Holiday and this loose Memphis collective are building on the city's rich traditions and carrying them forward.

  • Larry continues to help define blues rock with every show he performs. His collaboration with Albert Collins made the musical world pay attention. He latest release, Blues Without You, was recorded on famed blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive Label with producer Josh Smith.

  • Pat Travers is a Canadian rock guitarist, singer and songwriter who began his recording career in the mid-1970s. Born and raised in Toronto. Travers began playing in bands early in his teens. He musical style caters to both rock and blues fans alike.

Performing Sunday, July 14th

  • Eden Brent is much more than her signature boogie-woogie piano and juke-joint blues holler. Brent is a celebrated songwriter and dynamic performer, with numerous nominations and awards including thirteen Blues Music Award nominations and three BMA trophies.

  • A remarkable 26-year career, the Boneshakers, marries the sounds and spirits of Memphis, Detroit, and Mussel Shoals. The band and members have toured and recorded with Bonnie Raitt, BB King, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Bootsy Collins, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Gov’t Mule, and many more! Now lead by Blues Hall of Fame artist and IBC winner (Best Self-Produced CD) Jenny Langer.

  • The New Jersey songwriter might have started out banging on doors, braving New York's blues clubs, playing piano until her fingers bled, and winning over the city one show at a time. But lately, the multi-instrumentalist has raced through career milestones at a rocket pace. With fiery guitar chops and natural charisma, she will soon win the world over.

  • Texas blues-rock singer/songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire, Ally Venable, entertains wherever she goes. With her signature glitter dresses and black knee-high boots, Venable comes off of the ropes swinging dazzling crowds on tour or throughout the festival circuit.

on Sunday We celebrate Women in Blues

Gender equality is real, and it is found in almost every industry. In our attempts to break the barriers, Ballroom Bluesfest celebrates the women who have found their path and reached success. We recognize these women for being goal oriented and all of their numerous accomplishments. 

Gender inequality is nothing more than gender bias and social norms, which have restricted women’s rights and opportunities for centuries. We celebrate the women in blues for breaking free from these gender gaps. Sunday, Ballroom Bluesfest welcomes a line-up of women leaders, free thinkers, and go getters who have created their own sounds, stood by their written words and have a message to give the world! They know they are more than their age, weight, beauty or income, and – more importantly – they prove women can overcome societal expectations. 

We celebrate each of them for all that they are today and all that they will become as they continue to fight the good fight against gender inequality. Join us in admiration of these "Women in Blues" as they dazzle us onstage Sunday, July 14th.

*Artist line-up subject to change without notice