Musicians

	Janiva Magness Los Angeles based Janiva Magness is one of today’s most talented and recognized blues and roots vocalists. A three-decade darling of the blues genre, Janiva currently resides at the top of the genre. In May 2007, Janiva won her second consecutive Blues Music Award for Contemporary Female Artist of the Year beating out contemporaries Susan Tedeschi, Shemekia Copeland and Marcia Ball. Janiva is nominated for the 2008 Blues Music Award for the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award. Billboard writes “Magness carves out a niche by singing the blues with maturity and sophistication." Singer Magazine writes “Her voice is sultry, smoky and strong with jazz, blues, and soul textures enveloping it.” Although her vocals are at times beautiful, this 49 year-old grandmother is best known for her sauciness and the bold, brazen beauty of her recordings and performances. In the liner notes of the new record Janiva pays homage to controversial and rule breaking women before her like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith for fearlessly embracing their age, their sexuality, and truth. Larry McCray Larry McCray is one of a handful of talented young blues performers leading the genre across boundaries and into the new century. McCray's savage blues-rock guitar and warm, soulful vocals have drawn attention worldwide. McCray's hard work paid off when he became the first artist signed by Virgin Records' blues division - Pointblank Records. In 1990, they released his debut, "Ambition," which was well received by the U.S. and European press. The Holmes Brothers The spine-tingling harmonies, boundless energy and telepathic musicianship of The Holmes Brothers (bassist/vocalist Sherman Holmes, guitarist/pianist/ vocalist Wendell Holmes, drummer/vocalist Popsy Dixon) mix Saturday night's roadhouse rock with the gospel fervor and harmonies of Sunday's church service. As Wendell says about their blend of the secular and the sacred, "Jesus turned water into wine, not wine into water." USA Today calls The Holmes Brothers' vision of American roots music "masterful and convincing." Entertainment Weekly says, "The Holmes Brothers are juke-joint vets with a brazenly borderless view of American music." Their chilling harmonies resonate with a passion and conviction matched only by their inspired musicianship and their ability to perform sanctified gospel, low-down roadhouse blues, deep soul, Americana/country and pure pop - all in one set. Teeny Tucker Although Teeny was born into Blues royalty, (Daughter of Tommy 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. It may be an understatement to declare that Teeny possesses that rare vocal quality which can effectively “deliver” most any type of music style. Teeny’s personal choice is to inject her music with that “bluesy” feel. Sit back, relax and enjoy the Teeny Tucker experience. Teeny is most definitely one of America’s most gifted and finest musical resources. Alvin Jett & the Phat noiZ Blues Band When Alvin Jett and the Phat noiZ Blues Band cuts loose, they mean it. Whether at a slow simmer or a rapid boil, the sound of this rockin' blues quartet is always Phat – Powerful, Hot And Tight…PHAT, baby. The Alvin Jett & the Phat noiZ Blues Band Song "Angels Sing The Blues" off of the "MILK AND COOKIES" CD was selected as the Winner of the Blues Song category in the 6th Annual Independent Music Awards! Milk and Cookies continues Alvin Jett & the Phat noiZ Blues Band's commitment to in-your-face hard driving blues with 10 new songs written by the members of the band. Mike Wheeler Band Mike Wheeler is one of the biggest music fans that you will ever meet and his diverse knowledge of the music that he loves reflects in his music that he performs. For the past decade Mike has been making a serious mark in Chicago and the International Blues Scene. Whether he's playing in Chicago, on television or in Europe, Mike plays his heart felt music to the crowd with raw enthusiasm. This is why he is one of the most saught after musicians in Chicago. If you are looking for music that moves your soul as well as your feet - look no further than the Mike Wheeler Band. Mike's voice is truly soulful and his ripping guitar work will amaze the biggest guitar critic. Check out the Mike Wheeler Band TODAY! Thornetta Davis For over fifteen years this multi-talented native Detroiter has graced and dominated Michigan's most attended events. She has performed over two hundred shows a year with grace and stamina. Her voice is strong, commanding, melodic and smooth. She tells her stories with incredible delivery and leaves her audiences wanting more. She first gained attention in 1987 when she became back up singer for the Detroit soul band "Lamont Zodiac and The Love Signs". Shortly after, the lead singer left the band and the name changed to "The Chisel Brothers featuring Thornetta Davis". In 1996 Thornetta recorded her first solo album "Sunday Morning Music" on the Seattle based label "Sub Pop" which received a rave revue in the national Entertainment Weekly magazine. The song "Cry" from that album was featured on the HBO hit cable drama "The Sopranos". Daryl Coutts You almost have to see him, as well as hear him as he coaxes extra blues from his keys using his facial muscles. Daryl gigs with his two sets of keys and a monster leslie speaker cabinet that is one big fat mama. Daryl is proficient bringing out either the blues piano or the famous big Hammond B3 sound. Daryl’s drummer is Michael Brown. Mike brought some interesting snare-based riffs that stepped out of the Chicago shuffle mode. He showed some Texas influence, which worked very well in the trio configuration. I especially enjoyed his “train” rhythms. Bringing up the bottom to the ensemble was Chicagobass ace E.G. McDaniel. I truly enjoyed listening to this rhythm section volley yet maintain the groove. Both Coutts and Brown sing, and they included Sam Cooke’s Bring it on Home to Me, and funked up a set with Bill Whither’s Use Me Up. Steve "The Harp" Blues Band What we have here folks, is proof that the Blues is kickin’ hard in Central Illinois. Nobody, let me make that a little clearer, nobody plays the blues any better than the Steve “The Harp” Blues Band. Every aspect of the music is Blues and every part of it is right on target. Steve is a Master Harmonica Instructor with over 30 years experience. Free harmonicas are presented by Steve “The Harp” on behalf of the Blues Blowtorch Society Educational Fund to every student 17 or younger. Blessed with a deep love of the Blues, Steve “The Harp” continues to teach his free Harmonica Workshops to new students at Schools, festivals and performances around Illinois. Steve "The Harp", says," come on out to see us, you'll hear many of your old and new Blues favorites."