Skyla Burrell Band --
The Skyla Burrell Blues Band is a full time, hard working traveling blues band. The band averages 200+ shows a year. With co-founder Mark Tomlinson on lead guitar and Skyla Burrell on vocals and lead guitar, the band's live show consists of all original high energy electric blues.

"Burrell and her three cohorts find virtue in professionalism. They deliver unpretentious, self described "Hard Drivin' Blues" in which strength & understatement unite in an easy, fluid balance without sucking up to rock."
- Downbeat Magazine

"With a female vocalist whose voice jumps out and grabs you by the blues, The Skyla Burrell blues band is the real deal in a solid package that stays true to the real meaning of their genre."
- St. Croix Music Magazine
Skyla Burrell Band Website          CLICK for Skyla Burrell VIDEO

Delta Harp Blast Featuring
AL BLAKE / RANDY CHORTKOFF / MITCH KASHMAR / JIMI BOTT / WILLIE CAMPBELL / FRANK GOLDWASSER / KIRK FLETCHER / JOHNNY DYER--
An arsenal of the heaviest harmonica players Delta Groove Music and Eclecto Groove Records has to offer.  The Delta Harp Blast is sure to be an exciting addition to the Riverfront lineup.  With a backing band packed full of stellar Delta Groove musicians, the Delta Harp Blast packs heat that will leave the festival's stage smoldering and all lucky attendees drenched in the blues!
Delta Harp Blast Website          CLICK for VIDEOS of Six of the Delta Harp Blast Artists

Mark Kenneally -
"Dr. Harmonica is Mark  Kenneally from Wilmington, Delaware, USA.  His band Rocket 88 has been in the bar  band business in the Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore region for maybe 30  years. Mark is a GREAT front man/showman/singer and harp player who has more  great stories and one-liners while performing than just about anyone alive.  The band over the years has been a virtual training ground for area musicians -- guitarists Tommy Conwell and Roger Girke were once members. Mark 's roots go back to high school with George Thorogood -- he hung out with him prior to Thorogood's breakthrough. Mark is a great blues  guy.
See 'em if you can."  --Andy Vincent

Randy Lippincott -
           Randy has toured the world, visiting 17 countries on 4 continents, playing major festivals at home and abroad with such artists as Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson, Johnny "Clyde" Copeland, Shemeika Copeland, Lonnie Shields, Big Bill Morganfield, Ola Dixon and Steve Guyger. Touring is an important facet of the music profession although not a favorite activity of many.
                  In addition to his touring credits, Randy has been honored to appear on a number of recordings (see the discography page for details). His services are in demand by artists and record labels alike. Randy has even been privileged to appear on the Grammy-nominated Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson CD "Got To Find A Way."
         Whether as a single, a duo, or fronting his own band, Randy brings his years of experience to every show. Having paid his dues learning at the feet of the masters, he has stepped from the shadows out into the spotlight. While it is a new experience for him in many ways, it is the path he is compelled to take to move his career to the next level.
Randy Lippincott website          Randy Lippincott Band VIDEO

lower case blues--
lower case blues is a power trio hailing from Newark, Delaware who are one of the hardest working bands in the land.  They can be seen up and down the east coast delivering up their unique brand of hard-driving blues centered around the skillful tones emanating from guitar virtuoso Jake Banaszak's axe.  If you've never seen them, you're in for a treat.  Count on lower case to "tear the house down!"
lower case blues website          CLICK for lower case blues VIDEO

The Nouveaux Honkies with
Matt "Guitar" Murphy--
Noone argues with the fact that Blues music as a genre got a giant bump with the Blues Brothers' movie in the 1980's.  Well, it was Matt Murphy's guitar rifs that fueled that bump in popularity for the Blues.  And he's still at it, paired now with The Nouveaux Honkies from way down South. This guitar, violin, bass and drums quartet are Roots and Roll that Rocks! And with the addition of Matt Murphy they're taken all the way back to their roots! "If Johnny Cash and Freddie King had a baby it would be the Nouveaux Honkies" said the Sun Sentinel online.
Nouveaux Honkies website      Matt "Guitar" Murphy website      CLICK for Nouvaux Honkies VIDEO

The Donna Angelle Zydeco Posse--
Born in a southwest Louisiana farming community, Donna's love of music began at a very young age.  Her musical style which lends itself to Blues and R&B has been greatly influenced by many pop and R&B artists. As bandleader, Donna has fronted two bands, 'Chapter IV' and 'The Zydeco Posse.' She has played with the Bobby Price band, Barbara Lynn, Archie Bell and the Drells.  Donna is one of the hardest working musicians on the Zydeco circuit and one of the few females fronting a Zydeco band today. Coming straight out of Cypress Island, Louisiana, and having been voted "Female Vocalist" of the Year (2003), and recently winning the "Wilson 'Boozoo' Chavis Heritage Award (2007) by C.R.E.O.L.E. Inc., this "Zydeco Diva" is hot, hot, hot. 
Donna Angelle Zydeco Posse website     CLICK for Angelle Posse VIDEO

Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers--
From his first recordings as a leader in 1967 fronting The Dirty Blues Band, through his multiple W.C. Handy Award winning with his current band The Mighty Flyers, to his countless appearances both live and on record with legendary blues figures, Piazza has set a standard for harmonica virtuosity that has established him as one of the most influential living blues harp players. He's consistently surrounded himself with players who bring out the best he has to offer, and epitomize the very best in blues: fresh, swinging, tasteful, exciting and creative. The core of his band has been together for over three decades, and developed the kind of musical telepathy that simply cannot exist without years of experience on the bandstand and in the studio. The Mighty Flyers are a well-oiled machine, with Piazza in the driver's seat.
Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers website          CLICK for Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers VIDEO

The Shaun Murphy Band--
Shaun Murphy began her musical career singing for R&B/Soul bands; however she quickly developed an insatiable taste for the blues. She has performed alongside such greats as Eric Clapton, Bob Seger, Bruce Hornsby, Glenn Frey and Joe Walsh, and The Moody Blues. Additionally, she has sung in studio with many well-known artists including Phil Collins, John Hiatt, Leon Russell, Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, Albert Hammond and many others.  She landed the coveted spot as a lead singer in the band, Little Feat and for the next 15 years she would go on to write, record, and tour, plus being on the same bills as many of her favorites; Koko Taylor, Etta James, Bobby Blue Bland, Buddy Guy, Charlie Musselwhite, BB King, Coco Montoya, Sherman Robertson, The Muddy Waters Tribute Band, with Pine Top Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, the list just goes on and on.  Now she has gone solo and formed "The Shaun Murphy Band" and is here to delight our Riverfront Blues Festival audience.
Shaun Murphy Band website          CLICK for Shaun Murphy Band VIDEO

The Perfect Age of Rock & Roll Blues Band
featuring PINETOP PERKINS / BOB MARGOLIN / HUBERT SUMLIN / WILLIE "BIG EYES" SMITH /
MOJO BUFORD / and BOB STROGER / --

A group of legendary blues musicians were brought together to perform for the movie "The Perfect Age of Rock 'N' Roll." Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Bob Stroger, Sugar Blue and Bob Margolin became that band.  Now this band of blues legends tours for the enjoyment of blues lovers across the globe and are here to delight the Riverfront Blues Festival audience!
Perfect Age of Rock & Roll Blues Band Facebook page
CLICK for Perfect Age Blues Band VIDEO
 

Nate Myers & the Aces - 
Established in 2001, Nate Myers & The Aces performs to a variety of audiences in the Mid-Atlantic US:  private parties, college campuses, concert halls, nightclubs and outdoor festivals.  Lead by vocalist Nate Myers and his harmonica, the band creates a loose, casual atmosphere in which everyone can relax and have a good time!  Whether the audience prefers to sit back and listen or get up and "shake that thang," there is something for everyone.  On a typical evening, audiences can hear influences from many forms of American music - blues, funk, hip hop, rockabilly, country and improvisation.  Nate Myers & The Aces take all these styles they love and weave them into a tapestry of their own.  This is their first appearance in front of the Riverfront Blues Festival audience.
Nate Myers & the Aces website         Nate Meyers & the Aces VIDEO

Renowned for his songwriting, riveting performances, and versatile technique, Allegretto has earned respect as Bluesman on thousands of stages worldwide. In addition, he has taught harmonica in prestigious workshops including the Augusta Heritage Center's Blues Week, Telluride Blues Camp, Riverfront Blues Festival, California Traditional Music Society's Folk Festival, & John Gindick's Harmonica Jam Camp, the Folk Alliance Conference and Stax Music Academy in Memphis. He is supported as a Blues educator by the Blues Foundation's "Blues in The Schools" program, and was invited to teach students in Memphis area schools as part of the 2008 International Blues Challenge.
          Among the many Blues legends Allegretto has had the honor to meet and perform with, he recorded with 2005 Grammy Life-time Acheivement Award winner and Blues legend Pinetop Perkins on Rich Del Grosso's Blues Music Award nominated CD release. At the conclusion of the CD release gig Pinetop gave Gary the ultimate personal endorsement exclaiming that he "can really blow that harp!", and then as he left the stage he turned and deliberately pointed directly to Gary saying "You keep the business going." In Gary's words, "This was from an idol of mine, a legendary man who played with Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, Little Walter, and many other ultimate legends of the Blues. My heart stopped and I just said...yes sir."
Gary Allegretto website          Gary Allegretto VIDEO        

Midnight Shift - “Midnight Shift … plays a rollicking mix of Chicago-style blues and rockabilly.”
   “‘Bullet Proof’… displays Midnight Shift’s versatility in the blues idiom.” – Morning Call
   “Mettalia’s harp plays a dominant role on blues tracks such as … the saucy    
   “Built for Speed,” where Mettalia’s smooth vocals roll along like a 50’s Cadillac looking for action.”
   “‘Bullet Proof’ is a testament to the Lehigh Valley’s ongoing love affair with the blues and sure to keep the local scene jumping.” – Morning Call
    “Midnight Shift blends Chicago blues with rockabilly while maintaining a keen country swagger in the mix.  Midnight Shift plays blues and they play it well. They make music that is danceable and fun.” -- Pulse Weekly
Midnight Shift website

Gretchen Emery & Dirty Boots -
Dirty Boots, a Newark, Delaware Blues band fronted by Gretchen Emery, creates a musical collage of Blues, Rock, and Soul while blending Memphis power blues with passion and an incredible vitality. Whether you get up and dance or find yourself lost in a sultry oasis, Dirty Boots is sure to leave you wanting more, More, MORE!!  We are pleased to present them for the first time to our Riverfront Blues Festival audience and know that, like us, you will soon be fans of this great local band!
Dirty Boots website          Dirty Boots VIDEO   

Scoville Blues - In the last two years Scoville Blues has made a strong impression in the Blues marketplace. Performing with the likes of Rock Hall of Famer Dave Mason, Chris Cain, CC Bronson and, on April 23rd, opened for blues great Walter Trout. This five piece band has developed its own style of blues with an "edge." Well arranged and tight,  a Scoville Blues show is exciting and passionate in its presentation.  Writing their own brand of originals, and soon to release its first CD, the path for "Scoville" is on an upward trajectory. From the powerful expressive vocals, crying harp, red hot guitar and driving rhythm section, the sound is "Scovillized". FEEL THE HEAT and become a part of the Scoville Blues experience.  It's Blues Music that BURNS from one of Pennsylvania's finest Blues bands!!
Scoville Blues website          Scoville Blues VIDEO

Mike Zito--
After years of tirelessly touring and four independently released projects under his belt, 2008 heralded the national debut of Zito's album "Today" on Eclecto Groove Records.  Now Zito returns with his follow up effort "Pearl River," accompanied by the skillfully adept David Z. sitting in once again at the helm of the producer's chair, along with label CEO Randy Chortkoff. With his guitar back to the forefront Zito revisits his musical roots while still maintaining an emphasis on his affective songwriting. "Pearl River" stands as another solid achievement by Mike Zito who is joined this time out by a handful of special guests including Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, Reese Wynans (Double Trouble), Susan Cowsill, Lynwood Slim and Jumpin' Johnny Sansone. The result is a rollicking slice of Americana served up with heaping slabs of greasy New Orleans funk, gritty blues and good old fashioned rock 'n' roll.
Mike Zito website          CLICK for Mike Zito VIDEO

John Lee Hooker, Jr.--
His first album, Blues with a Vengeance (Kent Records), is what he called his "celebratory redemption." After struggling through years of extreme hardship and nearly losing himself to the streets, the remarkable John Lee Hooker Jr. overcame the adversity to begin a rapid emergence into the blues spotlight. Released in April 2004, Blues with a Vengeance certainly lived up to its name by wrapping up 2004 with a Grammy nomination in the Traditional Blues Album category and a nomination for a distinguished W.C. Handy Award as Best New Artist Debut. The California Music Awards (formerly the BAMMYS) named Blues with a Vengeance 2004's Outstanding Blues Album of the Year, and the Bay Area Blues Society presented John Lee Hooker Jr. with the 2004 Comeback Artist of the Year award, as he performed alongside world-class musicians Jimmy Reed, BB King, Bo Diddley, Lenny Kravitz, Taj Mahal, Koko Taylor, Charlie Musslewhite, Etta James, and John Lee Hooker.
John Lee Hooker, Jr. website          CLICK for John Lee Hooker, Jr. VIDEO

The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue COMMAND PERFORMANCE!
featuring THE TOMMY CASTRO BAND with DEANNA BOGART,
MAGIC DICK & JOE LOUIS WALKER
 

At the core of THE LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES REVUE is renowned guitar slinger and vocalist TOMMY CASTRO and his band.  A native of San Jose, CA, Castro has become a Bay Area legend over the last two decades, garnering countless awards for his infectiously rocking brand of blues, and earning a national spotlight leading the house band on NBC-TV’s “Comedy Showcase” for three seasons. 

Blues and boogie-woogie pianist and vocalist DEANNA BOGART has been leading her own band since the late 1980s, playing thousands of shows and establishing herself as an unforgettable live performer.  Along the way she has shared the stage with widely diverse range of artists, including Ray Charles, Spyro Gyra, Buddy Guy, Leon Russell, Robert Cray, James Brown, They Might Be Giants, Little Feat, Brian Setzer, and many others in venues across North America and Europe.  Bogart has released seven CDs, and appeared on numerous compilations, highlighting an impressive musical range that includes jazz, western swing, roots rock and more, in addition to her deep blues roots.

MAGIC DICK (a/k/a Richard Salwitz) is best known for his many years as the harmonica man in legendary blues/rock band The J. GEILS BAND, which he co-founded in 1968.  As a member of that group, he toured the world extensively for over 15 years, headlining stadiums and festivals and releasing 14 successful major label albums on Warner Bros. and EMI,

In many ways, JOE LOUIS WALKER’s story is unusual. Born in San Francisco (on Christmas Day 1949 and now based in Westchester, New York, he was part of the Bay area blues scene in his early teens, and by the time he was 16 he had soaked up the sounds of the likes of T-Bone Walker, Amos Milburn, and boogie woogie pioneers Meade Lux Lewis and Pete Johnson. As he grew up, he found himself on stage with such disparate tutors as John Lee Hooker, Thelonius Monk, the Soul Stirrers, Steve Miller and Jimi Hendrix. And by the time he was 19 he had built a close friendship — they were roommates for many years — with Mike Bloomfield.
          Bloomfield’s tragic early death persuaded the young Walker to change his life. He enrolled at San Francisco State University, earning music and English degrees — and performing regularly with a gospel group, The Spiritual Corinthians.
          In 1985, he came back to the blues, fronting a new band he called The Bosstalkers, ands making the first of five albums for the Hightone label, before signing to PolyGram’s Verve/Gitanes label, for who he recorded another six albums
Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue website          Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue VIDEOS.