2018 Performers
Heather Gillis Band
North Florida’s own, Heather Gillis, is the complete package as a guitarist, lap steel player, songwriter, singer and arranger. She and her band have the stage presence and confidence to appeal to a variety of musical tastes be it rock, soul, jazz, roots or gospel.
At 21 years old, Heather has not only formed a following at a local level, but has played alongside and befriended members of the Allman Brothers, Col Bruce Hampton, Matt Schofield, North Mississippi All-Stars, Aquarium Rescue Unit, The Word, The Lee Boys and many more. In addition to the performances with her band, Heather is a fulltime member of (Allman Brothers drummer) Butch Trucks’ current band “Butch Trucks and the Freight Train Band”.
Heather’s live shows are energetic and consist of her original music as well as unique covers of rock, soul, and roots music.
Shemekia Copeland
Whether she’s belting out a raucous blues-rocker, firing up a blistering soul-shouter, bringing the spirit to a gospel-fueled R&B rave-up or digging deep down into a subtle, country-tinged ballad, Shemekia Copeland sounds like no one else. With a voice that is alternately sultry, assertive and roaring, Shemekia’s wide-open vision of contemporary blues, roots and soul music showcases the evolution of a passionate artist with modern musical and lyrical approach. The Chicago Tribune says Copeland delivers “gale force singing and power” with a “unique, gutsy style, vibrant emotional palette and intuitive grasp of the music.” NPR Music calls her “fiercely expressive.”
Jonathon “Boogie” Long
From Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jonathon “Boogie” Long was born with the blues coursing through his veins. Brought up in a Southern Baptist community, he first picked up the guitar at the age of six, teaching himself old gospel songs. Years later, a teenage Long found himself playing weekly gigs at blues clubs and events around town. At fourteen, he left school to lay down his roots touring with local legend Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor from 2003 to 2005, as well as putting in time with Louisiana legends such as Larry Garner, Kenny Neal, and James Johnson at local Blues jams. Boogie has shared the stage with standout musicians such as Warren Haynes and Govt Mule, Jimmy Vaughn, Greg Allman, ZZ Top, Dr. John, Rockin’ Dopsie, 3 Doors Down, Ellis Hall, Ann Wilson, Henry Gray, Lil Ray Neal, and Lou Marini of the Blues Brothers Band.
Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues
Mac Arnold’s first band included James Brown on piano. Mac moved to Chicago and Muddy Waters hired him on the spot. He toured and recorded with the Muddy Waters Band and recorded LPs with Otis Spann and John Lee Hooker. Mac moved to Los Angeles and produced Soul Train with his friend Don Cornelius. He even played bass on the Sanford & Son television show when he wasn’t playing bass for Otis Redding and B.B. King. He retired from show business to be an organic farmer. Mac is back with his own band and a “plate full” of CDs, building a new foundation in blues, soul and funk.
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Dangerous Gentlemans w/ Special Guest Anson Funderburgh
House Rockin’ Good Time Jump Rhythm & Blues!!
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There’s a yin and a yang to Anson Funderburgh. His electric guitar burns with Texas fire that Guitar Player Magazine compared to Otis Rush and Magic Sam. But his guitar can also soothe as the subtle support for Delta blues vocalists who have included Sam Myers, Nick Nixon, and Alabama Mike. Anson has that Austin strut, but his Delta creds are highlighted by being the only artist to have played all 31 of Arkansas’ King Biscuit Blues Festivals and is scheduled to make four appearances at the 32nd annual edition of that iconic Delta showcase on the banks of the Mississippi River the first week in October.
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Mojo Brothers Blues Band
The Mojo Brothers Blues Band is WNC’s Premier Blues Show Band that brings high energy performances to EVERY stage and will transport you to a place that will leave you on your feet cheering and wanting more! The Mojo Brothers bring new life to Mississippi Delta, Chicago Jump, Electric and Country.
Schnoz Mahal & an Evening in BBQ Minor
Schnoz Mahal & the Somethings are a local band born of 185 King Street’s open mic nights. It consists of 6 members all of local residency who have played together and in separate bands for over 10 years. Their sets are ever changing and encompass all different styles and genres. The second part of their names changes with each show, but their high energy, infectious groove, and great playing is always consistent.
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Howie Johnson Trio
Jerry Sapp