New Blues Festival Artists

Ann the Raven – Event MC

Ann ‘the Raven” has been on air with KCSN 88.5FM since the late eighties. Her cool and refreshing take on what the blues is and its reverence in today’s market mimics worldwide concern over rhetorical sounds and all too often ripped off cultural main stays. With the sounds of yore some now reformed and regurgitated on internet-based platforms like Tik-Tok, without being repetitive one would think that one of America’s oldest music forms would be our most beloved. Known as the mother of the blues to most, “Ma Rainey” did a lot to give women with big belting voices a non-threatening and visible platform to express themselves.

BIGLLOU – Event MC

You’ve probably heard Big Llou Johnson’s dulcet tones before. His deep resonant voice booms out on Sirius XM as he announces your favorite blues tunes on the B.B. King Bluesville show. He’s also a much sought-after voiceover talent for national advertisers ranging from White Castle and McDonald’s to Philip’s 66, Kraft Foods and more.
This modern-day Renaissance Man has also worked as a talent agent, appeared in the movie, Barbershop and read the news on WVON while still a high-school student on Chicago’s West Side. He’s utilized his golden voice to sing with Phava, a 4-piece gospel group as well as Oak Park’s Concert Chorale.

Ana Popovic

The award-winning, hard-touring, guitar slinger blends smoking electric funk and slide guitar, jazzy instrumentals and a tight blues groove with soulful, feminine vocals. Add to the mix her incredible stage presence, all of which makes her an irresistible force in the world of contemporary blues music.
Called ‘one helluva a guitar-player’ by Bruce Springsteen and nominated for seven Blues Music Awards, Ana was added as the only female guitar-player to the 2014 -’18 all star Experience Hendrix lineup; a nationwide tour celebrating the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix with Buddy Guy, Eric Johnson, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and many more world renown artists.

Andrew Alvarez

Introducing The Alvarez Band, a Los Angeles-based power trio led by the charismatic Andrew Alvarez, whose commanding stage presence and extraordinary guitar skills pay homage to blues legends like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Johnny Winter. Specializing in BLUESROCK and original compositions, this talented group delivers performances that captivate audiences, backed by a gutsy rhythm section that adds depth and power to their sound.

Bill Grisolia

Bill leads the vanguard of the new blues movement in the U.S. (think Black Keys, White Stripes, Joe Bonamassa and John Mayer). He plays festivals, concerts and top night clubs in the US and internationally. In 2020, he sold out a NYE show with Los Lobos and the first-ever music concert at the new Aquarium of the Pacific concert hall (Bill co-produced the show).

The Blue Henrys

The Blue Henrys were formed in 2003 by guitarist-vocalist, Henry Merenda. Known for putting their own spin on Chicago-style blues, they’ve been a fixture on the High Desert blues scene, performing at numerous festivals including the New Blues Festival in both Long Beach and Adelanto. The long list of greats The Blue Henrys have shared the stage with include Rod Piazza And The Mighty Fliers; Junior Watson, Rick Holmstrom, Philip Sayce, Canned Heat, Taj Mahal, and countless others.

Bubba and the Big Bad Blues

Bubba and the Big Bad Blues is a SoCal-based original Blues Rock band influenced by Freddie King, SRV, Allman Bros, Meters & Gov’t Mule. Bubba’s powerful vocals, impressive guitar work, and veteran rhythm section forge an electrifying hybrid of smokin’ Texas Blues, SoCal Blues Rock, and New Orleans R&B funk.

Darnell Cole

Darnell “Big D” Cole is an American Rock and Soul artist. Born in the blues, the soulful music is centered around his electric and captivating guitar playing, often taking you on a journey, emotionally and spiritually.

For 9 years, he fronted the international rock band Porcelain Hill, performing small local backyard gigs, to sharing stages with the likes of Iron Butterfly and Walter Trout. This unsigned, independent Blues King is on a mission to spread his gospel of rock, soul, and positivity.

Dennis Jones

Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, George Thorogood and Tinsley Ellis… after opening for these greats, and touring the US, Canada, and Europe for years, Dennis Jones and his band are now HEADLINING! Sizzling hot guitar solos. Smooth and soulful vocals. High-energy stage performance. Backed by a rhythm section that is second to none, this IS Dennis Jones. Check out a live show, and you’ll instantly agree, this band ROCKS the blues like NO other!

Familiar Faces

Familiar Faces is an alt-rock band from Long Beach, CA, blending psychedelic textures, laid back, funky, or high energy grooves, tight harmonies, soulful vocals, and soaring guitar solos. Led by identical twins Chad and Sean Bierman (both guitar and vocals) and bassist/vocalist/keyboardist Nonso Ikeji, the trio draws from a wide palette — think Tame Impala, The Black Keys, The Killers, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Marvin Gaye.

JazzZon Ensemble

At JazzZone, our mission is to promote and celebrate the rich history and culture of Jazz and Blues music. We aim to provide a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talents to a wider audience.

Jessica Kaczmarek

Jessica started her professional music career at the age of 17, playing in bands & performing in recording studios as a teenager. She is a multi instrumentalist & singer who’s main instrument is guitar, but also plays piano, bass, ukulele, and mandolin. She is also a music composer on movie soundtracks for films in Brazil, and most recently a documentary in the U.S. about a Hollywood golden age public relations agent entitled “David Mirisch- The Man Behind The Golden Stars”, that has won several awards on the Film Festival circuit here in America.

Lester Lands Gospel Brunch

Lester Lands, a maestro of the blues, is a luminary whose soulful melodies and gritty lyrics resonate with audiences worldwide. Born and bred in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Lester’s journey through the blues began at an early age, soaking in the rich musical heritage of his surroundings. With his weathered guitar in hand and a voice that carries the weight of generations, Lester embodies the very essence of authentic blues.

Patricia Manion

Patricia Manion is an American Blues/Rock artist. She is an accomplished guitarist/vocalist and has performed professionally in a variety of bands across the U.S., as well as in Europe and the Caribbean. She has appeared on recordings for Kid Rock and Hi Five, and has opened for diverse acts such as A Flock of Seagulls, Living Colour, and Black Oak Arkansas. Her influences include guitar greats Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Johnson and Freddie King, to name a few. Patricia’s vocal style has been compared to Bonnie Raitt and Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders)

Redd House

Redd House captivates audiences with their raw energy and soulful melodies, seamlessly blending classic blues with modern influences to create a sound that resonates deeply with fans. Known for their electrifying performances, the band draws listeners into a world where every note tells a story, and every rhythm invites you to dance along. 

Shy but Flyy (Stoney Gurrola)

Shy But Flyy is a Blues, Jazz, and spoken- word artist currently located in Long Beach CA. Shy But Flyy leads her own blues band that plays locally at venues and festivals. Along with her band Shy has graced the stage with artist, like Andre Cymone, singing backup at Paisley Park. With Wild Records Shy has performed internationally at the Rhythm Riot Festival in England and Viva Las Vegas festival.