THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS
“The California Honeydrops…evoke the greasy rumble of Booker T and channel the spiritual ecstasy of Sly and the Family Stone.” – Rolling Stone
Over the last 10 years, THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS has become a Winthrop favorite. Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine couldn’t have said it better when they raved that “The band’s energetic nature is captured in both their recordings and live shows. Southern blues and soul blend with New Orleans jazz and West Coast funk to create a non-stop dance party.” No one loves a non-stop dance party more than we do, so get ready to welcome back to the Winthrop stage The California Honeydrops!
SOUTHERN AVENUE
“Inquisitive and uplifting…The band’s signature whisk of roots, blues and soul stylings lean into the spirit of Memphis [and] maintain a timelessness and soul-laden delivery not unlike The Staple Singers.” – Relix
There are very few acts touring today who can match the vocal prowess, creativity, musicianship, and feel-good, mesmerizing stage show of Southern Avenue. There is hardly an award they haven’t been nominated for or won, a roots radio station in the world that doesn’t play them on repeat, or a music journalist who hasn’t sung their praises. We are excited to welcome the masters of Memphis, Southern Avenue!
SHINYRIBS
“The weather may get all the attention, but the hottest thing in Texas these days is Shinyribs.” – Glide Magazine
For many years, Shinyribs was Austin’s best kept secret. Whether working as a solo artist or fronting his smoking band, he earned the hearts of Texans with his eccentric outfits, onstage antics, and incredible sound. Says Glide Magazine, “This kind of magic is difficult to find these days,” and we are lucky to have it here in Winthrop.
SUE FOLEY
“A hot set of Texas ribs comin’ right out of the burner and on to your plate smokin’, ready to devour.” – American Highways
Sue Foley is one of blues music’s most talented writers and performers of authentic traditional blues, and is equally well-known as a phenomenal guitarist. As brilliant academically as she is artistically, she holds a PhD in musicology and this year releases her first book, Guitar Women. Yes, you heard it here, Winthrop has brought you the artist who literally wrote the book on guitar-playing women.
THE RUMBLE featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr.
“Fusing Mardi Gras Indian culture with swaggering Bayou funk in a defiant, delicious gumbo, The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. is among the more exhilarating bands to bubble up from New Orleans onto the national landscape in some time.” – Live For Live Music
Every year, this festival brings to the stage some of the best musicians of Louisiana, and this year is no different. In fact, this act will save you the cost of a plane ticket to Mardi Gras, because after you’ve seen them, you can say you’ve already been there. Built out of the traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians, this band inspired Relix Magazine to exclaim that the band “has the spirit of a parade contained within a building bursting at the seams.” Get ready to party when The Rumble hits the stage!
MIKE FARRIS & THE FORTUNATE FEW
Few vocalists can bring the sheer power and passion of Mike Farris! – Glide Magazine
GRAMMY®Award Winner Mike Farris is one of the world’s most respected and versatile songwriters and musicians. From his Southern rock roots in the legendary Screamin Cheetah Wheelies to his recent deep dive into the Muscle Shoals sound, Mike Farris blends a fabulous array of inspirations into a style all his own that has won him acclaim for decades, including a 2014 Grammy for his work in gospel music. Hearing Mike sing, according to Roots Radio News, is “a bit like being pinned to the seat of an accelerating Porsche.” So buckle your seatbelts Winthrop and welcome Mike Farris and the Fortunate Few!
JEREMIE ALBINO
Jeremie Albino proved himself a talent to be reckoned with…Albino sounds like a star! – No Depression
Jeremie Albino is known not only for his expressive tenor, but his scorching live shows. A master of Americana, roots blues, rock-n-roll, and R&B, he presents each song with conviction and character. Says live music critic Cameron Roper, Jeremie “lays himself bare on stage, giving the crowd his all in voice, facial expressions, body movements, and musical skill. Pair this with the band’s cohesion, working as one organism with rhythm as heartbeat, and you’ve got the perfect recipe.”
BYWATER CALL
“You get everything with Ben Rice: old-school blues recorded in a quality studio… a band that brings the old-school blues to life right before your very eyes (and ears) and a fun live show that will have you dancing!” — Music Connection
Sometimes you don’t have to look too far from home to find some of the best blues music in the modern era. Joining us today from Portland, Oregon, is a man who has been playing Pacific Northwest venues since before he was old enough to drink in them. This good-hearted, talented fellow has racked up plenty of recognition, including being an International Blues Challenge finalist and Blues Guitarist Award for best guitar. He also has received three Blues Music Award nods, for Acoustic Blues Album, Acoustic Blues Artist, and Best Emerging Artist Album. Finally, he has received a whole slew of awards from the Cascade Blues Association. He is was last here performing with Vanessa Collier. We are excited to welcome this smokin’ hot band Rice and the PDX Hustle to Winthrop!
SEAN MCDONALD
One of those young new artists, who, when you close your eyes, sounds like he’s been aging in a cask of blues for decades.” – Blues Roadhouse
This young guitarist first made waves when someone recorded him singing Robert Johnson’s classic “Dust My Broom” in an Augusta, Georgia music store. The Little Village Foundation calls him “an old man in a young man’s body who’s fused the essence of the past into a sound that’s totally his own but faithful to his heritage.”
GOSPEL HOUR
Mike Farris has a “supersized voice filled with the electricity of Saturday night and the godly grace of Sunday mornings.” — Rolling Stone Country
“Southern Avenue is jaw-dropping. They are not to be missed.” — Jambase.com
GRAMMY®Award Winner Mike Farris and Southern Avenue come together for a soul-deep Sunday morning Gospel Hour celebrating the shared roots of blues, gospel, and Southern soul.
A Grammy-winning vocalist known for his raw power and emotional depth, Mike Farris channels decades of Southern rock, R&B, and Muscle Shoals–inspired soul into performances that are both moving and electrifying. He’s joined by Southern Avenue, the twice Grammy-nominated, Blues Music Award–winning Memphis family band whose soaring harmonies, driving grooves, and message-driven songs radiate connection and joy.
Together, these artists draw from the rich traditions that link blues, gospel, and soul—creating an uplifting, communal experience that invites everyone in.
Special guests Lady A and Sean McDonald join in for a song or two, adding their distinctive voices and blues-rooted styles to the gathering.
TOO SLIM & THE TAILDRAGGERS
“When a guy who has been grinding up the road for three decades tells you that life is a tough battle but still, and always, worth fighting with everything you’ve got, you best believe him. If the vocals aren’t enough to convince you then the unstoppable rhythm section will give you something to hold on to until you’re rested and ready for your next battle.” –Rock and Blues Muse
Too Slim and the Taildraggers’ high-voltage blues-rock has been thrilling audiences for years. The band’s ever evolving musical direction cannot easily be classified into any box or category. Tim “Too Slim” Langford has received Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame awards by three Northwest blues societies, as well as more than 40 regional and national music awards. After more than 30 years of knocking it out of the park on recordings and stages across the world, Too Slim and the Taildraggers show no sign of slowing down.
ARIEL POSEN
Ariel Posen brings the electric guitar back to its glory days, especially in concert! – Goldmine Magazine
Ariel Posen is one of the busiest artists going today, and for good reason. The Canadian artist caught the world’s eye while touring with The Bros. Landreth, and since then, he’s also built a solo career that has earned him top spots at festivals and on radio around the world. We are excited to welcome the artist Rolling Stone called “a modern-day guitar hero”.
GARRET T. WILLIE
A rock and blues virtuoso, unleashing a sonic revolution that’s impossible to not fall in love with! – Wonderland Magazine
Garret T. Willie is living proof that the future of blues and blues rock is in good hands. This young Canadian artist opened for Kenny Wayne Shepherd, John Fogerty, Kingfish, and Joe Bonamassa all before he was 25 years old. He has released two albums that appeared on the music charts in the US, the UK and Canada, so be sure you see him after the show about those. We are excited to welcome a legend in the making, Garret T. Willie.
METHOW JUKE JOINT ALLSTARS
“Standing on the shoulders of giants, Lady A delivers a thunderously powerful new single,” – American Blues Scene
“Polly O’Keary is a powerhouse blues/rock singer whose voice has the resonance and attitude that permeates her impressive bass playing” – Blues in Britain
The Methow Juke Joint Allstars are once again hosting jam sessions for mainstage performers in the beer garden after the main stage closes each night. This long-standing tradition is for many a highlight of the festival, with surprise appearances from main stage musicians and several complete sets from some of the festival’s best bands. The Juke Joint Allstars include Lady A, Peter Dammann, Polly O’Keary, David Miller, and Tommy Cook.
Schedule, artists subject to change.
