Artists Descriptions & Links - State Street Blues Stroll

- "Cephas' rich baritone singing and intricate, refined ragtime fingerpicking are a perfect fit with Wiggins' rural-blues harmonica stylings." - said DownBeat Magazine "Remarkable guitar and harmonica duets. Their infectious rhythms and supple melodies combine tasteful fingerpicking with impassioned harmonica solos." - remarked The Washington Post "Blues music is truth," explains Bowling Green John Cephas. "The lyrics are true-to-life experiences that people everywhere can relate to." Harmonica Phil Wiggins, agrees: "Blues is nourishment for the human spirit." Almost immediately after the two musicians joined forces in 1978, the blues community proclaimed them as the new champions of the East Coast Piedmont style of blues first popularized by artists like Blind Boy Fuller, Rev. Gary Davis, Blind Willie McTell and Blind Blake. They have performed in living rooms for only a handful of people and in front of thousands at blues festivals all over the world. They even entertained at President Clinton's inaugural party in 1997. Their style and appeal is often compared to that of an earlier Tidewater duo, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, they keep the Piedmont tradition alive by infusing it with their own originality, vitality, and, most importantly, fun. The duo celebrates the gentle, melodic blues style of the southeastern U.S. with every performance. According to Living Blues, Cephas & Wiggins "remain today's premier Piedmont blues guitar and harmonica duo." The Washington City Paper said, "The music is simultaneously intense and relaxed, and the songs have a way of getting inside your head for days on end."

Clarence Spady Band @ Main Line Today/Bud Light Main Stage (Veterans' Square & State Street) (9:30 pm)

- As one of this new generation of post-Muddy bluesmen, Clarence Spady from Scranton, PA is creating his own modern hybrid of R&B-tinged vocals, adventurous guitar work and contemporary lyrics. His blues credentials have been forged in the fire of his own experiences as a hard-living man and a hard-working musician. Spady's distinctively raspy, soulful vocals reflect not just his formative lessons from family members, but his years of 'testifying' in church choirs. His wailing, funky guitar style has been evolving ever since he got his first axe at age four. In the '80's he spent most of his time as lead guitarist and musical arranger for a band that toured the country opening for the Temptations, the Four Tops, and the Spinners. In 1996, his album “Nature of the Beast” was released on the Evidence Music label. Soon, the accolades began pouring in. “Spady’s ‘Beast’ a beauty” – Washington Post. Spady was nominated for the 1997 W.C. Handy Awards “Best New Artist” and received the 1998 France Blues Trophy as “Best New International Blues Act of the Year”. "Spady has a sly snarling vocal style that gives him street credibility and his guitar chops are no joke" - Jazz Times

Johnny B & Irving Blues Band @ Main Line Today/Bud Light Main Stage (Veterans' Square & State Street) (6:45 pm)

Mark Armstrong Band, Birch Brothers Blues, No Dog Blues & More
@ First Keystone Bank/Plum Street Mall “Local Stage” Free! (3:00 pm to 10:30 pm)

Lonnie Shields Band @ West End Saloon (9:15 pm) & @ Main Stage (8:00 pm)

- Rooster Records Artist / 1993 Living Blues Critics Award; Media's Bluesman in residence. For inspiration, Lonnie cites the season-to-season survival techniques learned first-hand growing up in the heart of the Delta, in West Helena, Arkansas. He learned the Blues firsthand from Sam Carr’s groups, Unforgettable Blues Band and Jelly Roll Kings — featuring legendary harpist Frank Frost and guitarist Big Jack Johnson—in the juke joints of the Delta. An appearance at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena led to Lonnie’s work with Rooster Blues Records. Lonnie Shields’ career has skyrocketed over the past few years and he is performing all over the world. He was the first Delta artist that Rooster Blues picked up after moving to Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1987. His CD, Portrait, was released in 1992 and reads like a who’s who of Delta Blues performers. Since then he has gone on to release more CDs and build an impressive list of songwriter credits.

Leroy Hawkes and the Hipnotics @ Joclyn's Deck Bar (9:00 pm) & @ Main Stage (7:30 pm)

- Hawkes, whose career began in the church as a gospel singer in Virginia, later moved to Philadelphia where he sang with various local acts. There he developed his musical style, reflecting the influence of singers such as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Joe Tex and Wilson Pickett. By the 1980’s, Hawkes was appearing with greats like the Temptations and the O’Jays when he became stricken with an affliction which left him temporarily blind. With his recovery comes the rebirth of an exciting vocalist with a band that can truly exemplify his talent. The nucleus of The Hipnotics is assembled around a rhythm section cast in the mold of Memphis’ MG’s and New Orleans’ Meters.

Dukes of Destiny @ Iron Hill Brewery (9:30 pm)

- It was a rambling three story house on the edge of the woods in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park. The year was 1984 and four young musicians lived in that house, spending hour upon hour jamming on old blues songs. They decided to take the act out as The Dukes of Destiny, a name they got from a matchbook cover urging the reader to “Be the Captain of Your Own Destiny.” At first they played house parties in Germantown, generating word of mouth interest. A gig at the now-defunct Taker’s Cafe in Germantown launched their public career, and 20 years later they are still playing some of the hottest, most danceable blues and R’n’B in the Philadelphia area. The Dukes of Destiny reign as one of Philadelphia’s longest lived blues act.

Randy Lippincott Band @ Sligo (9:15 pm)

- 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. In addition to his touring credits, Randy has been honored to have played on a number of recordings 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'. His discography reads like a 'Who's Who of the Blues' and demonstrates his vast experience on the road and in the studio. 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.

Mark Baker & the Barbreakers featuring Pucci @ Stephen's Prime (9:00 pm)

- Pucci Talbert has a special talent to sing the Blues. In her appearance at this year's Blues Stroll, she will be fronting the much experienced local trio of Mark Baker on guitar, Sam Chicks on bass, and drummer Dave Indevero. Pucci hails from nearby Sharon Hill and, over the years, has given some legendary performances with the likes of The Hipnotics, Roger Girke & the Funky Twisters, and the late great Red Shank and his Shakin’ Souls. She and the Barbreakers entertain frequently at CJ’s Blues Bar in Glenolden.

Deb Callahan Band @ Pinocchio's Bar & Restaurant (8:15 pm - All Ages)

- Blues and soul drenched vocalist and songwriter, Deb Callahan has been fronting her Philadelphia based band with passion and conviction since 1997. During that time she and her band have gained a reputation in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Washington DC area for an exciting live show featuring a mixture of blues, soul, rock, folk and jazz music. Deb hails from Boston, MA but has been living in Philadelphia for the past 12 years. She is most often compared to singers such as Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Susan Tedeschi and Lydia Pense from the late 60’s San Francisco group Cold Blood. She cites her biggest vocal influences as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, Rickie Lee Jones, Bessie Smith, Joan Osborne, Ray Charles, Al Green and Mavis Staples. During the past few years, Deb has focused on writing original material that retains the flavor of the music she loves, while mixing in contemporary experiences and sounds. Her newly released CD “If the Blues had Wings” is the result of this effort.

Blues Mercenaries w/ Craig Tillman @ Picasso Bar & Restaurant (9:00 pm)

- Purveyors of great new and traditional blues. Tillman's Blues Mercenaries consist of Craig Tillman, Don Evans, Greg Taylor and Kenny Brooks. They are a seasoned band of many talents but prefer to play the blues. Tillman's Blues Mercenaries are the hosts of the new Rusty Nail Thursday night blues jam. Proud to be performing with: LeRoy Foster (One Show Only, Come Early!)

- At six feet four inches tall and 300 pounds, LeRoy Foster is a commanding physical presence. Put a guitar in his hands and he becomes "300 pounds of blues with an attitude." "He's got a demeanor that says, 'This is me; This is it,'" says Sharon Jackson, Foster's spokeswoman. "When he gets into his groove, he's just gone. His music comes straight from the heart."

Blues Brothers plus a Sister @ John's Grille (8:00 pm)

- They have been on the scene for over 35 years. Starting as a three-piece band: the late Mr. Leroy Christy, male vocalist, lead guitarist, a legend in his time; George St. John, Sr., bass guitarist; and Joseph St. John, lead vocalist and drummer. The Blues Brothers traveled for many years as a three-piece band then later added another vocalist, George St. John, Jr. Then came lead and rhythm guitarist and vocalist Ricky Johnson, who was 16 years of age when he started. After seven years of being a Blues Brother, Miss Donna decided to rename the band the Blues Brothers plus a Sister. From South Jersey, the Blues Brothers plus a Sister has performed in many places throughout the region, Zanzibar Blue, Penn’s Landing, River Blues Fest, Billy Holiday’s Club, Fat Jack’s and Ferbees Lounge, just to name a few.

Wanamaker Lewis Band w/Seth Holzman @ Quotations Bar & Restaurant (8:30 pm)

- Blues guitar (Lewis) and harp (Holzman, aka Zep Harpo)

Mojo Stu @ Plumstead Inn (8:00 pm & 9:30 pm)

- Contemporary solo acoustic blues artist, whose influences are deep in the country blues tradition. Masterful slide guitar and fingerpicking combined with impassioned vocals have made Mojo Stu one of the foremost artists in the new generation.

Fitzgerald and Beach @ Towne House Stag Bar (8:00 pm)

- DC Fitzgerald is a veteran of blues and folk venues for over 20 years and has performed everywhere from Rome to Kerrville. In 1995 he toured for three months with the musical 'Woody Guthrie, An American Song' after performing in City Theater's Pittsburgh production.... Bob Beach's flute, harmonica, and vocal talents have been part of the classic rock band American Music and the Bob Beach Blues Band since the early 1980s. He also played harmonica on Bob Corbin and Dave Hanner's hit "Oklahoma Crude," on their second album. Performing together on and off since the early 1970s, Fitzgerald & Beach truly appreciate and complement each others musical talents. In 1996, they released the critically acclaimed CD, 'Blues--New & Used.' -- program notes from Calliope's 97-98 Folk Masters Series.