April Blues News
Sunday April 5th at 4pm is our "First Sunday" with GG & the Lightning Crew. Led by our own George Gardiner and joined by Rickey Tate, Marcus 'Juk Man" Lee with some very special guests. It promises to be a fun event and one you probably won't want to miss. $10 donation at the door.
Saturday April 18th at 6:30pm Misty Blues Band headed by Gina Coleman will be at Elysian Gardens. Based in Massachusetts this band tours south only once a year. Gina has been nominated for two Independent Blues Awards for writing songs in the Best Contemporary Blues category. Gina and the band have had the pleasure of recording with the Neville Brothers, Eric Gales, Kat Riggins, Matt Cusson, Early Times and Joe Louis Walker. They have also opened for blues staples: Tab Benoit, John Primer, Roomful Of Blues, Albert Cummings and Michael Powers. Musical influences include Koko Taylor, Bessie Smith, Big Mama Thornton, Ruth Brown, Billie Holiday, Tuck & Patti, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Gina has a powerful voice. She recently cut a CD tribute to Odetta, and her newest project is a tribute to Ida Cox. This is certainly a recommended event. Gina has many Birmingham friends so expect a good crowd. Also possibly a special guest will perform!
Saturday April 25 is the 15th Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival in DeBardeleben Park, downtown Bessemer. Gates open at 11am. Music is noon to 6pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the festival. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Bob Sykes restaurant or on the festival website. TICKETS National acts include Li'l Ed & the Blues Imperials, Selwyn Birchwood, Karen Wolfe, Dexter Allen and of course some of our areas best musicians led by Rick Harris. The MCBS will have a table near the stage. We will be selling artists merchandise, so stop by to see us.
On May 14, 2026, Alabama blues musician Debbie Bond will receive the Alabama Arts Impact Award from the Alabama State Council on the Arts. The biennial award recognizes outstanding Alabamians whose work has significantly shaped the state’s cultural landscape. A blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist, She has spent more than four decades performing internationally and preserving Alabama’s blues heritage. Debbie worked closely with legendary blues artists Johnny Shines and Willie King and founded the Alabama Blues Project, a nonprofit dedicated to blues education, performance, and archival preservation. Her contributions have earned numerous honors, including a Presidential Coming Up Taller Award, a Keeping the Blues Alive Award, and induction into the Blues Hall of Fame. She continues to perform, tour both nationally and internationally, and serve as an ambassador for Alabama blues. Debbie will receive her award at the Celebration of Alabama Arts to be held at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery on May 14. The work of the 2026 honorees will be recognized with mini-documentaries and memorable tribute performances. Birmingham's Eric Essex will also receive an award. TICKET INFO This is a free event
Our Battle of the Blues Bands is set for Saturday October 10th at the Woodlawn Theater. it's not too soon to start planning how to enter and win!
Upcoming Jam's:
1st Friday Jam at Ranelli's - April 3rd @ 7:30pm
3rd Thursday Jam at True Story Brewing - April 16th @ 7:30pm