2024 PERFORMERS

PERFORMER BIOS

 

WED, 18 • KICK OFF CONCERT

 

Ann Bell

6:00pm | UrbanBeat 

Dynamic singer, songwriter and pianist.

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Jeff Baldori Blues Band
7:30pm | UrbanBeat

Singer, guitarist, songwriter and pianist Jeff Baldori began his career studing classical, jazz, and boogie-woogie. He performed many times with Chuck Berry. Kickoff your BluesFest weekend with a spark from the Jeff Baldori Blues Band, including Mike Daniels, Mike Skory, and Mike Smalley.

 

THUR, 19 • THE CHAMPAGNE BLUES BENEFIT CONCERT

 

Tom Duffield
6:00pm | UrbanBeat

Duffield’s piano work has been a part of the jazz and blues scene for decades. His repertoire includes interpretations of the standards as well as some surprises. A regular at music festivals on the west side of the state, we are glad to have Tom Duffield and friends at the Michigan BluesFest.

 

Blues Lady Champagne & The Connection Blues Band

7:30pm  |  UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner

Lady Champagne is an experienced musician whose style ranges from blues to R&B and gospel. She has shared the stage with many great R&B artists, including Mr. EJ Johnson, Alyson Williams, comedian George Lopez, recording artist Regina Belle, Mitch Ryder, Dennis Coffey, Mr. James Carter, Gerard Gibbs, Ralphe Armstrong, and Alex White. Lady Champagne was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.

 

FRIDAY, 20

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School of Rock › Adult Band

5:00pm | MICA Stage

School of Rock East Lansing’s Adult Band delivers a revolutionary music program to students from Lansing and surrounding communities. Hear fresh sounds from upcoming musicians. Catch them live to experience the magic firsthand.

Freddie Cunningham and F&J Inc.

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THE EUCLID MOTEL

6:00pm | MessageMakers Stage

The Euclid Motel is a “Blues and Groove” band from Bay City, Michigan.  Review Magazine wrote that the band is “fueling fresh punches with the wisdom and experience of old souls.” The Euclid Motel strives to keep the rich history of blues music alive, while adding a fresh, modern taste. The band consists of Connor Windiate - vocals /acoustic guitar; Darrian Loehne - lead guitar; Nathan Seifferly - drums /vocals; Tim Cary - Organ/piano; and Tim Goff - bass. The Motel is known to leave their crowds impressed with both their musical prowess and their stage performance.

 

Asamu Johnson & the Associates of the Blues

7:30pm | MICA Stage

A unique and captivating blues band, Asamu Johnson & the Associates of the Blues has performed across the nation and represented west Michigan at the International Blues Festival.They have an array of original songs that can be heard on their CDs, Bow Legs and Big Feet, Got to Go, and Blues You Can Use.

 

Tom Duffield

8:00pm | UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner

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Jeff Baldori Blues Band

8:30pm | MessageMakers Stage

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Johnny D Blues Band

9:00pm  |  UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner

Well known in the community for his performances and the local blues jams he hosted for years, Johnny D is bringing straight-up blues to this year’s festival.

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Lexie Blue

9:30pm | MICA Stage

Lexie Blue is a captivating blues singer with a deep, soulful voice that resonates with raw emotion. Whether belting out a heart-wrenching ballad or delivering an upbeat and energetic performance, Lexie effortlessly connects with her audience, making them feel every note and leaving an indelible mark on their souls. 

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SATURDAY, 21

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School of Rock › Kids Band

3:00pm | UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner

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Joseph and the Velozians Guitar Edition

3:30pm | MICA Stage

Detroit blues bassist Joseph Veloz has spent decades touring and recording with great acts such as Larry McCray, Thornetta Davis, Lucky Peterson, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Eddie Kirkland, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Mississippi Heat, Sherman Robertson and many more. He produced two solo albums and has formed Joseph & the Velozians, a supergroup of Michigan’s top musicians who present a new, unique blend of modern blues in their original songs and revamped classics. At Michigan BluesFest, they will be performing a guitar-style rendition that is sure to knock your socks off.

 

Clique Vocals

4:30pm | UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner

Dan Templin and Kelly Sandula-Gruner met as members of Singers on the Grand, and their similar approach to performing and a shared love of singing led to the formation of Clique in 2016. The duo will perform blues songs arranged in a unique style with tight harmonies. Their mesmerizing performances are a must-listen.

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The Rusty Wright Band

4:30pm | MessageMakers Stage

Rusty is a masterful lyrical storyteller, guitarist, vocalist, and producer with a singular take on improvisation-heavy blues rock. This Billboard Top 5 artist’s sound is a hot fusing of Texas-style blues, driving boogie and Southern guitar rock. The band’s lineup includes Rusty on guitar and lead vocals, wife Laurie LaCross-Wright on guitar and lead /harmony vocals, Billy Agner on bass /harmony vocals, and Vail Hayes on drums.

 

Lansing Blues All-Stars

5:30pm | UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner

This is a rare treat to hear these formidable veterans of the area rock, soul, jazz and blues scene — S.J. “Frog” Forgey on guitar, Mike Skory on keyboards, Mike Daniels on drums, and Michael “Cheech” Swartwood on bass — trading licks and pushing the musical envelope all on one stage.

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Brendon Linsley BLUES Band
5:30pm | MICA Stage

Brendon Linsley has graced the stage with legends like Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters, Jim McCarty from the Rockets, Bobby Murray from the Etta James band, the late, great saxophone player Alto Reed from the Bob Seger band, Johnny “Bee” Badanjek, and Chicago Blues Hall of Fame inductee John Watkins. He began playing guitar at 8, turned professional at 13, and has been dedicated to crafting his unique sound ever since.

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Clique Vocals

6:30pm | UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner

 

Lady Sunshine & the X Band

6:30pm | MessageMakers Stage

Formed in 1994, Lady Sunshine and the X-Band is a reflection of the very essence of Detroit — emotion, fire, pride, and soul. Among her many awards are: Detroit Blues Challenge, 1st place; voted Best Blues Band in Washtenaw County by Current Magazine; International Blues Challenge, 2nd place; and Detroit Music Award, Best Rhythm & Blues /Soul Band.

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Ralph McKee Blues Band

7:30pm | UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner

The Ralph McKee Blues Band comprises veterans of the southeast Michigan music scene, playing an eclectic repertoire of blues grooves and styles. Bandmates include harmonica standout Tim Douthit, guitarist extraordinaire Randy Lear, ace keyboard man Brian Mangino, groovemaster Greg Lytle on drums, and for extra spice, harmony singers Jill Baker and Lynne Frederickson. The band just won the Capital Area Blues Society contest, qualifying for the national competition in Memphis, Tennessee, next January.

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Jim McCarty & Mystery Train with Pat Smillie

7:30pm | MICA Stage

Legendary Detroit guitarist Jim McCarty first broke onto the national stage with his searing guitar solo on Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels’ chart-topping debut hit, “Jenny Take a Ride”. Vocalist /songwriter Pat Smillie has been performing with Jim McCarty & Mystery Train since 2010. Their high-energy performances are sure to thrill.

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Jake Kershaw

8:30pm | MessageMakers Stage

Jake Kershaw is a fresh, young, and exciting guitar player/singer/songwriter out of lower Michigan with many accolades. Jake has won two Jamie Awards from West Michigan’s WYCE radio for “Listener’s Choice: Best Album by a New Artist” and “2018 Emerging Artist of the Year”, as well as a nomination for a Detroit Blues Award. He was honored with his first “Young Artist” endorsement by Heritage Guitars. 

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MIKE ESPY GROUP

8:30pm | UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner

Michigan musicians extraordinaire, the Mike Espy Group features top-notch talent with Mike Espy on guitar and vocals, Jeff Thompson on harp, Michael Vincent Espy on bass and rhythm guitar, and Kenney Hampton on drums. The Mike Espy Group shares their love of classic electric blues.

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Rhett Yocom Blues Band

9:30pm | MICA Stage

The Rhett Yocom Blues Band is a soulful blues ensemble that brings together the rich heritage of traditional blues with a vintage yet high-energy sound. Amber Yocom, “Papa” Kiszka, Denny Fisk, Anthony Hill, and Jeffrey Grassl bring a level of musicianship, passion, and dedication that is sure to leave audiences mesmerized.