2018 Performers
Eddie Money
Dave Mason
Devon Allman Project with Duane Betts
Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band
Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band is undeniably “The World’s Premier Zydeco Showman.” Born on July 1, 1967 in Churchpoint, Louisiana, Chubby is the third generation of zydeco artists with such famous relatives as Roy Carrier (father), Warren Carrier (grandfather), and cousins Bebe and Calvin Carrier who are presently considered legends in zydeco history.
Chubby began his musical career at the age of 12 by playing drums with his father’s band. He began playing the accordion at the age of 15. By age 17, Chubby had begun to play with Terrance Siemien and toured the world for 2 1/2 years, before forming his own band in 1989.
Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band have recorded ten CDs over the past 22 years of Chubby’s professional career. His band has traveled all over the world, performing to audiences in all parts of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada. North Africa and Europe. Chubby and the band travel 150-175 days a year, taking his act to big festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz Fest, the Chicago Blues Fest. Summerfest (Milwaukee), Memphis in May, and several festivals in Europe. Chubby has also done guest appearances on recordings for Tab Benoit, 6Was9, and Jimmy Thackery. Ann Wilson of the group Heart encourages Chubby to “continue the great sound that you have. This sound will take you places.”
The Chambers Brothers
Lisa Haley & The Zydekats
Dennis G and the Zydeco Trail Riderz
Lightnin' Willie
3 Sista Blues
2016 and 2017 Grammy Ballot for Best Contemporary Blues Album and Blues Blast Music Award Nominee – Sean Costello Rising Star Award Born just outside Chicago, Deb began appearing on stage at an early age at her step father’s famous nightclub the Topanga Corral, opening for such legends as Etta James, Big Joe Turner and Taj Mahal. Deb’s vocals have been described as powerful, whiskey soaked, a force of nature, reminiscent of her major influences, Koko Taylor and Etta James. Her stage presence is captivating! She takes you on a sonic journey of pure energy, serving up a savory blend of R&B, soul, and roots based blues that have garnered rave reviews and sustained chart topping acclaim throughout the U.S, Canada and Europe. Deb writes all her own material with lyrics that paint a personal and gritty picture of life and love that lead you from the very heights to the depths of the blues With her signature arrangements and impeccable songwriting, you can expect her to continue to imprint her indelible mark on the blues world now and in the future. “Her vocal ability puts her among those great female blues singers that preceded her. There is no reason why she shouldn’t ascend to the higher ranks of the blues elite!” GREG ” BLUESDOG” SZALONY – BLUES BLAST MAGAZINE “Glorious vocals from Deb Ryder, her performance an amazing treat from start to finish, and well worthy of your attention” GRAHAM RHODES – BLUES IN THE NORTHWEST “This is an artist that deftly combines polished musicianship with a deep respect for blues tradition. Deb Ryder deserves a spot on every blues fans radar.” – JON KLIENMAN – LIVING BLUES MAGAZINE “Turn her all the way up and have some oxygen or an ambulance at the ready. Whew!” – MIDWEST RECORD Shari Puorto
Shari Puorto is an award-winning singer/songwriter, who has been Pre-nominated by the Grammy committee in 3 categories and up for nomination for the 59th (2017) Grammy’s, Winner for her song ‘Free’ in the Americana Blues, Roots song of the year category @ the 2011 L.A. Music Awards, & won Best Female vocalist at the 2010 South Bay Music Awards. You would think Shari’s been doing this forever. She has the sensibility of an old soul reborn and is undeniably passionate. She possesses a deeply expressive and soulful voice; one that catches you off guard. She is a powerful and dynamic live performer who quickly and quite naturally connects with her audience. She has been compared to the likes of Janis Joplin (due to her performances), Bonnie Raitt, and Bonnie Bramlet, due to vocal tone / ability and control. Her infectious enthusiasm overcomes you, you have no choice but to get pulled in. (She’s likely to steal your heart if you get too close!) “Shari has always provided an honest and powerful musical experience that strikes at the core of what music is all about. Great energy, original material, a true group performance, and a talent that reaches off the stage to touch the audience.” Joe Wagoner AKG/Harmon. “It’s my belief that women singers will be compared to her. Her chops are silky smooth, or gritty depending on the song; but they are always filled with soul. Her emotion is flat out in your face and there may be precious few that can do it better.” John Porter, Time for the Blues Kelly Z
Kelly Z is the lead singer and songwriter for the band Kelly’s Lot. Her music weaves a variety of Americana styles on a Blues and Rhythm foundation. In 21 years Kelly and her band have released 13 CDs including a live album recorded in Brussels, Belgium. Since 1995 this Los Angeles based band has toured nationally and internationally, played and hosted countless charity events and had their music featured in television and film. The energy Kelly brings to the stage is contagious and energizes any audience. Her songs shoot straight to the heart of anyone who has ever cared about life or love and will bring a smile to anyone with a sense of humor. Kelly’s Lot has played at The Simi Cajun Blues Festival the last 2 years and returns this time with a couple friends to serve it up HOT! “What do Taylor Swift, Adele, Madonna, and Southern California native Kelly Zirbes, of the band Kelly’s Lot, have in common? They’re all female dynamo singers who are the main showcases of their respective bands. In time, these first three have ascended the pop charts to become some of the country’s best household names. Hopefully the fourth will as well, in the dual arenas of R&B and straight blues.” – Blues Blast Magazine “Lead by the gloriously rough and ready vocals of Kelly Z, the band performs sizzling and stomping originals, coming across like the best alternative to Tedeschi-Trucks with a dash of Bonnie Raitt, with Kelly Z using delivery, power and timing like Mariano Rivera as she belted out the blues served on a dry rub platter. YUM!…” – Jazz Weekly 3 Sista Blues will be performing on the blues stage on Sunday, May 27th.
Bo Dollis, Jr. & The Wild Magnolias
Alex Nester
Lost Bayou Ramblers
Kevin Naquin & Ossun Playboys
Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys have arrived! This time, the swamps of Southwest Louisiana have given birth to a young, Cajun band that’s definitely the “Real Deal”. These guys play Cajun music the way it’s supposed to be played, keeping true to their traditional heritage, yet pushing the limits of groove with a mature experimentation that’s guaranteed to keep you dancing. Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys pack the dance floor every time with his pumping accordion rising like steam from the hot gumbo he calls the Ossun Playboys.
The Ossun Playboys have released multiple award winning albums and their live shows have also earned them numerous prestigious awards from the Cajun French Music Association. Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys and their pulsing two-steps and historical waltez are bound to keep your dancing shoes workin’ and sweat on your brow!
Arthur Adams Band
La Recolte
Chris Lafleur- Drums & Percussion
Learlin Bellard- Guitar & Vocals
Paul Borel- Bass Guitar & Vocals
Joel Breaux- Fiddle & Vocals