SAMANTHA FISH
“Samantha Fish can take you for a ride in the country, blow your blues away, or body slam you with some raucous rawk from her oil-can guitar,” — No Depression
In the 15 years since Samantha Fish’s first album, Live Bait, dropped, this guitar-singing queen of blues rock has carved out a spot for herself at the top of the world of contemporary blues music. She has toured the world relentlessly, appeared at every blues major blues festival imaginable, and worked with the world’s greatest artists. Her most recent album was nominated for a Grammy, and this summer she visits us on her worldwide “Fading Flowers” tour. Please welcome back to Winthrop Samantha Fish!
ROBERT RANDOLPH
Robert Randolph has been consistently releasing high-energy, genre-fusing albums for nearly two decades, and they continue to craft them with the utmost care… impressive instrumentation, lyrics rife with imagery, and the passion that gets fans out of their seats euphorically dancing. — Blues Rock Review
Robert Randolph galvanized the world of roots music when he brought his brand of sacred steel music of of the church and onto stages and radio stations everywhere. Robert’s innovative approach to the pedal steel guitar has earned him four Grammy nominations, multiple Blues Music Awards, and a BMI award, and Rolling Stone named Randolph one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time”. His work can be heard on numerous TV and film broadcasts, including his long-standing theme song for the New York Knicks “Get There,” and “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That,” the current theme song for NFL Thursday Night Football.
TAB BENOIT
He wields that beat-up Telecaster like a machine gun, shooting out scorching solos with a dense, meaty attack evoking the mosquito and alligator-infested humidity and dark, somewhat ominous nuances of his home turf.” — Rock & Blues Muse
MC BLURB: Tab Benoit (Ben-wah) has been called one of Louisiana’s top musical exports for a good reason. Although his work as a musician and a songwriter is creative, he has also remained deeply committed to his Cajun roots. In more than 30 years, Tab has become part of the backbone of the Louisiana blues scene, leading the way for other artists as he seamlessly joins the gritty, bayou-born sounds of Louisiana with rock and roll, country, and traditional R&B.
SUGARAY RAYFORD
“Vocal magic and a killer band.” — Soul Tracks
Sugaray Rayford has it all. As a young child in Texas, he absorbed all the skills and performance mastery of the best singers in the church. As a professional artist, he developed a unique and powerful combination of souk, funk, R&B, and blues all his own. Today, he has a handsome collection of awards that recognize his unparalleled artistry, including Blues Music Awards for “B.B. King Entertainer of the Year” in 2020, “Soul Blues Artist of the Year” in 2019 and 2020, and “Soul Blues Album of the Year” award in 2023. His 2019 album Somebody Save Me earned a Grammy nomination as well, and his newest album Human Decency is earning critical acclaim around the world.
DIGGIN DIRT
Diggin Dirt is an undeniable force in the West Coast funk scene. With a deeply original sound and a reputation for high energy performance, this premier ensemble is a captivating scene.
Hailing form Humboldt County in California, Diggin’ Dirt is one of the freshest, finest funk acts to light up the West Coast in many years. With a deeply original sound and a reputation for high energy performance, this premier ensemble is a captivating crew. Get ready to shake it to the hottest horn section and grooviest rhythms you may ever hear.
CJ CHENIER & THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND
“C.J. Chenier attacks the accordion with the tension and drive of James Brown…creating contemporary, turbo-charged dance music.” — The Boston Globe
CJ Chenier (shen-ear) is one of the top zydeco artists of all time. Raised by the legendary zydeco innovator Clifton Chenier, CJ Chenier has appeared on stages the world over, and has worked with legends including Paul Simon, John Mayall, and Jimmie Vaughn. CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band are a well-loved staple of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and they bring New Orleans with them to Winthrop today. Please welcome CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band!
THE HEAVY HEAVY
Turner and Fuller’s voices melted into each other like some combed-out, tightened-up, modern-day rendering of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.” — Paste Magazine
All the way from the UK, The Heavy is a band so unique and powerful that they were headlining shows in New York and Chicago before they ever recorded a full-length album. Their retro grooves and intricate harmonies have won them a devoted legion of fans who have pushed their music into the top five on radio charts. Today you will see why they were signed to a recording deal after having done only a handful of shows, and why they have a fanbase on both sides of the Atlantic less than a year after releasing their debut album.
ANGELIQUE FRANCIS
“…The best word I can use to sum up the performance I witnessed was WOW. Francis and her band put on an energetic show that transformed the Claridge Homes tent into a scene straight out of New Orleans.” — Sound Check Entertainment
This act comes to us from the North. Canadian powerhouse Angelique Francis is a soulful, searing, creative, and brilliant artist with an equally talented band. Angelique plays guitar, bass, harmonica, and piano, and is one of the most innovative and original songwriters in blues music today. She has also won many top awards, including a Canadian JUNO award and multiple Canadian Blues Music awards. This will be unforgettable performance!
LACHY DOLEY
“Lachy Doley is the greatest living keyboard player in the world today” — Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple)
Lachy (LAH-Key) Doley is comding a long way to perform at Winthrop. He started his career in Australia as a child, and developed such impressive skills that his career took him all over the world. He has worked with Bootsy Collins, Joe Bonamassa, and many other greats, and he puts on an incredible show.
LUKE WINSLOW-KING & ROBERTO LUTI
“Seamlessly melds Delta blues, gospel and jazz themes with personal, simplified lyrics that speak to his personal and artistic evolution.” –– New York Times
Acclaimed folk-blues singer/songwriter Luke Winslow-King has toured with guitar maestro Roberto Luti of Tuscany for more than 15 years. Known for his soulful voice, unique slide guitar work, and honest songs, Luke Winslow-King is a guitarist, singer, producer, songwriter, and voting member of the Grammy Recording Academy. He has released eight solo albums. Roberto Luti discovered blues as a kid in Italy and as soon as he was old enough, he took his National Steel guitar to Louisiana and studied blues. Together, Luke and Roberto work with the Playing for Change Band, bringing musicians from around the world together to spread a message of love and hope. Please welcome Luke Winslow King and Roberto Luti!
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.
BEN RICE & THE PDX HUSTLE
“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!
CAITLIN KRISKO & THE BROADCAST
“Her voice is one of the best in the business, soulful yet raw with that raspy ragged edge that just gets you: simply sublime.” — B24/7
Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast come to us today from Asheville, North Carolina, leading Rolling Stone magazine to call Caitlin “arguably the best kept vocal secret of the Southeast.” In just a few short years, the band has developed a devoted following across the US and Europe, and Caitlin has gained the support of the best in the business, including mentors from David Bowie’s Blackstar band and from the Tedeschi Trucks band. Please give a warm Winthrop welcome to Caitlin Krisko and the Broadcast!
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.
JOEL ASTLEY
“The human connection here is Astley’s creative songwriting, his swinging harp work, and the genuine musical joy from the entire cast. You should make that connection, and enjoy the excellent music of Joel Astley. — Blues Roadhouse
They say every overnight sensation has 10 years of hard work behind them. That is certainly true of Joel Astley. The Seattle harmonica player started his band in 2014 and played steadily for the next decade, writing music and developing skill as an entertainer, and gaining a huge regional following. Then, last year, his album “Seattle to Greaseland,” launched him to national attention. Now he is one of the brightest new stars in blues and he’s just getting started.
Schedule, artists subject to change.
