Annika Chambers & Paul DesLauriers

4:50 PM

Both on stage and in private life, these two internationally acclaimed artists share incredible chemistry. Their brief first introduction in the crowded lobby of the historic Orpheum Theatre during the 2018 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, left a lasting impression on both of them. A year later, at a recording session during 2019 IBC that their professional acquaintance blossomed into a love affair, culminating in marriage in August of 2019! Since that time, renowned Canadian Blues-Rocker Paul DesLauriers and acclaimed American Soul-Blues singer Annika Chambers (2022 Blues Music Award – ”Best Female Soul-Blues”) have unified their artistic destiny, much to the joy of everyone who’s had the pleasure of hearing and seeing them together.

Bobby Thompson

3:30 PM

The awe-inspiring master guitarist and vocalist is no stranger to the blues and rock world. Thompson cut his teeth learning to play in the old blues clubs of D.C. from the likes of Bobby Parker. After honing his craft as a much sought-after support man, Thompson decided to step out as a solo artist, releasing seven albums since 2011.

It’s been said that creativity takes courage, and self-expression is a way to show the world your inner soul. Always with a new group of songs and continually working on a new album, Bobby has let down his guard, and become more than the instrumentalist he gained a reputation for. He loves performing in both acoustic solo and electric band settings, and brings an authenticity and professionalism to both. As a songwriter, Thompson has expanded beyond the guitar techniques and jams he’s been known for, and built a following off of a holistic view of how a live music experience can take the listener on a journey.

Gayle Harrod Band

2:15 PM

Gayle Harrod is living proof that it’s never to late. She began her public singing career in 2011 at the age of 42 with the Soul and Blues band Triple Shot. Since then she has performed with Classic Rock and Blues band Blues Deluxe and the Blues and R&B band Shakedown before bringing together some of the best musical talent in the area to form The Gayle Harrod Band.

Gayle’s dynamic, imposing vocal performances have been described as moving, powerful, raw, emotional and expressive. She is equally at ease belting out a well-worn Blues standard or grooving on an iconic R&B classic. Gayle commands the stage with versatility and dynamic control, captivating audiences with forceful, full-powered vocals as well as showing off her softer side with a heartfelt delivery that can make a grown man cry.

With her distinctive phrasing and raucous growl that can rattle the rafters, she is reminiscent of greats like Etta James and Koko Taylor. Her gravelly vocal style makes people sit up and take notice, while her warm, soulful tone and smooth, R&B vocals get them grooving on the dance floor. She is able to connect with her audience on a personal level through her original lyrics, soft-like-a-cashmere-sweater delivery and the raw emotion of a young Bonnie Raitt, and unique delivery of covers, transforming each song into her own.

Gayle has been mentored by the likes of Gaye Adegbalola of Saffire – The Uppity Blues Women and Resa Gibbs of MSG Acoustic Blues Trio, as well as Boogie-woogie Piano man, Daryl Davis.

Spice Cake Blues

1:00 PM

Semi-finalists in the 2023 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, local blues duo Ya Ya Patterson and Miles Spicer bring their special acoustic flavor to open this year’s Festival.