FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY

The entire month of music | Musicians & Venues - join the calendar

 

Just a few shows in the calendar - 

• May 10: Chasing The Milky Way at Lake Creek Winery
• May 17:  Ivas John Band at Grafton Winery & Brewhaus
• May 24:  Rich McDonough at Hammerstone's Soulard

Ivas John Band

• You'll find lots more music in the STLBlues calendar!

Artists & venues: promote your music at STLBlues!

          

• The St. Louis music community turned out for a Celebration of life to celebrate Jerome “Popcorn” Louden. Held on on March 2nd at the Tin Roof in Downtown STL, it was an amazing show of love for this beloved musician. I'm thankful that earlier in 2025 I was fortunate enough to sit down with Popcorn, and capture his story to share with you.



• The Celebration of Life for Gus Thornton was held on Nov. 24th at the Tin Roof in Downtown STL. It was an amazing show of love for this beloved musician, and this web page will honor him in perpetuity. 

• The Second Annual Soulard Blues and Roots festival was a huge success, and the St. Louis Blues Society archive project was rockin' all festival long, capturing oral histories from the world class musical talent that call St. Louis home. 

 
• A benefit was held for Brian Massey on 7.28

We are all in for our brother Brian Massey. We're trying to raise funds for his lengthy and costly medical treatment. Along with these costs, he has lost work too. We’re looking to reduce some burden, and you can still help -

DONATE ON VENMO!



• KEITH ROBINSON'S CELEBRATED 60TH AT THE SHELDON

From the St. Louis Blues Society 'Bluesletter'- Anybody who is familiar with the St. Louis blues music scene must surely be familiar with Keith Robinson. Whether they know him by name or not, Keith is everywhere. He can frequently be found drumming behind major area acts such as Albert King, Arthur Williams, Barbara Carr, Boo Boo Davis, and oh yeah, Chuck Berry. Robinson was a regular member of Berry’s band for well over a decade.


> Keith Robinson photo credit Kathy Goldstein Acre

• You already know that St. Louis Blues is world class, and has a deep Blues heritage, just like the King Biscuit Blues Festival! The name of the festival comes from King Biscuit Time, which was the longest running radio show. Sonny Boy Williamson II, Robert Lockwood Jr. and other musicians played live on KFFA every weekday, pausing for King Biscuit flour commercials and announcements of their next night time performances (meet Sonny Boy Williamson 1).

That world class St. Louis sound was at the 2023 King Biscuit, as Boo Boo Davis band, the Renee Smith band, the DT Triplett band, and Skeet Rodgers and the Inner City Band showed up and brought some of the finest STL Blues to the stage!

• KDHX fires 10 more volunteer DJs as leaders try to assert control over station in turmoil. Read the entire STLNPR article here.

“This is a situation where a nonprofit has morphed into a creature that is 180 degrees opposite of the intentions, desires and profile that the founders of this radio station wanted,” said Tom “Papa” Ray, whose show “Soul Selector” was a staple of KDHX programing for decades. The St. Louis Media Hall of Fame inducted Ray in 2022.

“They want to cast the people that built [KDHX] aside to find a new audience,” said Andrea “Drea” Stein, who was removed from her show in August after criticizing the station on social media and declaring that she would stop donating until she saw big changes. “And when they keep talking about diversity, equity and inclusion — I feel like I've earned my equity. And I also don't feel very included,” Stein added.

Visit and join 'Save Our Station KDHX' to learm more about what's happening, and what you can do to help.

• Lady J Huston wins a 2023 Blues Blast Award! "I won the "New Artist Debut Album" award for "#GrooveMeBaby". The road trip to Peoria, IL with a 12-member entourage was a lot of fun with some very memorable moments. The 8-piece band was on fire!"



• Dylan 'DT' Triplett wins a BMA!
Best Emerging Artist Album, 2023 Blues Music Awards Performances in Memphis, TN 5/11/23.

The 10 song album features a mixture of songs written or co-written by Triplett and producer Fulcher, plus additional gems by Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye and closing with Dylan singing and scatting on Miles Davis' classic "All Blues". Dylan Triplett's debut album answers the question "Who Is He?" * Photo credit: Marilyn Stringer

• Dylan Triplett’s St. Louis Blues
Written By Bob Baugh | September 2022

• The Soulard B3 Festival is behind us, but it won't soon be fogotten! It was an amazing event filled with the world class musicians of STL, along with great food and brews. 2023 kicked off with the Normandy Vikings leading a Second Line through Soulard, honoring Soulard musician Tom Hall.


So many activities filled the day, like the Plein Air Art contest, the craft beer tasting, the Kids Zone events, art vendor village, and Brushes and Blues. The Plaza stage started when the Bud Light stage took a break, so the music went all day long. The 2023 Soulard B3 Festival was in honor of, and in remembrance of beloved St. Louis musicians Tom Hall, Roland Johnson, David Dee and Arthur Williams.

• Jeremiah Johnson - An award winning Singer, Songwriter, and Guitarist, riding the charts!

Born and raised in St. Louis, Jeremiah Johnson is known for writing songs with meaning, a powerfully persuasive voice and master class musicianship.

The official JJB site | Follow Jeremiah on Facebook

• W.C. Handy, the 'Father of the Blues'
W.C. Handy, often referred to as the Father of the Blues, first published "St. Louis Blues," his most famous composition, in 1914. The song was allegedly inspired by his chance meeting with a woman who walked the streets of St. Louis tormented by her husband's absence, wailing "my man's got a heartlike a rock cast in the sea'....read more.

• Lady J Huston: Coming Home to Comeback
Written By Bob Baugh | July 2022

•"Expression of the Blues", by St. Louisian Carol Boss!

It features a thematic collection of portraitures of various blues musicians painted by Carol Boss.

These likenesses are painted on vintage ceiling tiles and include King Biscuit Blues Festival regulars like James "SuperChikan" Johnson and Larry McCrary. Boss paints them as emotive of their distinct spirit when performing and situates each piece as reflective of the era the musicians came to prominence with their talents.

• Check out the latest CD
review from Michael Higgins - 'Carryout or Delivery', by Ben Levin.

• The St. Louis Blues Society produces annual compilation CDs featuring St. Louis acts performing original material. With the release of 19 IN 19, the STLBS has produced 85 St. Louis bands performing original music! Members receive the CD each year and you can purchase the CDs on the The St. Louis Blues Society website or at any of the STLBS events.

• The STL music community mourns the recent loss of Jimmy Hinds, a St. Louis musical legend. A stellar arranger & musician, all who knew him have fond memories to help ease the sorrow.

The heavenly Blues Band will never sound better.

Learn more about Jimmy in this great article - Jimmy Hinds: The Sound of St. Louis - written by Bob Baugh.

• St. Louis Blues Treasures
Written by Bob Baugh and Dave Beardsley

You could hear it in April winds off the Big Muddy as they swirled and moaned past BBs Jazz Blues and Soups, “Big George has left the building.” One of St. Louis’s last living and touring Delta born blues masters, Big George Brock, at 87, had passed. He and other Delta musicians are the treasures that shaped the St. Louis sound.....read the entire article right here!

• The St. Louis Sound Rebound
Written by Bob Baugh

There is nothing that makes a blues club owner happier than a full house. BB’s Jazz Blues and Soups sold out fundraisers in early May for David Dee and drummer Chuck “Popcorn” Louden made John May smile. After a yearlong covid winter, it was a sign of changing times....read more here.

• Cadillac Baby's Bea & Baby Records, the definitive collection four CD box set from Michael Frank of Earwig Music company.

Not only was Michael the longtime harmonica player and side men of the legendary Honeyboy Edwards, Michael also started Earwig music in 1978 by recording the Jelly Roll Kings and he's never really looked back.

While it's an incredibly comprehensive 4 CD box set featuring a wealth of great Blues talent, the equally fascinating book reveals the story behind Narvel Eaton, better known as Cadillac Baby, Owner of the Bea & Baby Records label....continued here.


• Music writer Michael Higgins latest 2019 CD review features BEN LEVIN - "BEFORE ME", on the Vizztone label

• Hy-C & the Fresh Start Show Band won the 35th International Blues Challenge which represents the worldwide search for those Blues Bands and Solo/Duo Blues Acts ready to perform on the international stage, yet just needing that extra big break

• St. Louis' Shane Presley hosts Rock Paper Podcasts that feature St. Louis artists and the whats what in STL music scene. He sat down with Pail Niehaus and Jeremy Segel-Moss to talk about the new STLBS Compilation CD....check it out right here!

• The National Blues Museum honored some of St. Louis finest, Kim Massie and Jim McClaren.



• From Doug at Odds Lane – ‘We are thrilled to announce our new album is currently being mixed by Grammy Awards winning producer and all around musical genius David ‘Z’ Rivkin from Minneapolis and currently residing in Los Angeles. He is most well known for his long-standing work with Prince, but has also contributed to award winning albums by Etta James, Billy Idol, BoDeans, Buddy Guy and Neneh Cherry.

We are excited to be once again be working with David and can’t wait to have the David Z magic touch on an album that was already filled with great performances captured by Mike Zito at MARZ Studio in Texas. Mike also will appear on several tracks of the album. More details to come on the eventual release date later this year."

• TORREY CASEY & THE SOUTHSIDE HUSTLE -- CAN'T KNOCK THE HUSTLE
By Michael Higgins

• The National Blues Museum honored musicians Barbara Carr and Marcel Strong at the Jan. 12th 'Howlin' Friday' concert.

• PAUL BONN .: 50 YEARS
By MichaelHiggins

• The Rum Drum Ramblers just celebrated 10 years together at the Off Broadway!

• Mat Wilson of Rum Drum Ramblers is one busy musician. Catch him with guitarist Elliot Sowell as 'Devils Elbow'.

• St. Louis Blues & Soul icons Uvee Hayes and Renee Smith were honored down at the National Blues Museum!

• It is aways an amazing adventure at the King Biscuit, a deep blues experience. This years journey included visits to the Stax Museum and Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis! See more on our Facebook page!!

• Two St. Louis bluesmen were honored on Oct. 7th, 2017 down at the National Blues Museum - Kenny Rice and John May!

• Visit STLBluesTALENT.net, it's all about showcasing the great musicians of the St. Louis region.• Chuck Berry's final album was made on his own terms. Click here for more on 'Chuck' - "A fitting finale from the guitar master who melded blues, R&B and country music into a sound that took over the 1950s, forever changing the cultural landscape."

• The music world lost Gregg Allman, internationally known rock pioneer, and Mark O'Shaugnessey, owner of BB's Jazz, Blues and Soups. Their spirit lives strong, as does the legacy they leave us. R.I.P, may your music be eternal.



• The St. Louis Blues Society keeps spreading the word, and promoting the Blues!

• NATURAL REMEDIES - BY AL HOLLIDAY
By Michael Higgins

AL HOLLIDAY'S remedy is natural. Brewed with soulful conviction, his latest mix not only goes down smooth, it lifts the spirit with a tasty dose of East-side blues, soul and R&B.

-- Read more here
• "OLD SKOOL, James 'Boo Boo' Davis ninth and latest CD, surges straight at you with gut-bucket fervor".......here's the review, by Michael Higgins!! "Whether it's the heavy but funky back-beat, the shrill and classy harp, or Boo'ssoul-worn voice, this trance-like train of sound openly cries "Thank you DAVE."
(FYI: For the uninitiated, DAVE refers to Boo Boo's all-knowing and guiding higher spirit.)"

• Joe Metzka's new CD is titled 'Live at BB's'! Here's the review by Michael Higgins!

• The St. Louis Blues Society is proud to present 17 IN 17 all original performances by 17 St. Louis acts performing in St. Louis. Big thanks to Paul Niehaus at Blue Lotus Studios for all the production work! Couldn't have done it without him! Get this CD & Join the St. Louis Blues Society!!

• On November 28th, 2016, Johnnie 'B. Goode' Johnson was posthumously honored with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor, at a ceremony held at the National Blues Museum. There was a full room of family and friends on hand to share in this occasion.



Presenting the medal was Senator McCaskill, and accepting the honor, his widow Frances Johnson. You see, in addition to being a Blues pioneer, Johnnie was also a Montford Point Marine, the African-American Marine unit that endured racism and inspired social change while integrating the previously all-white Marine Corps during World War II.

• Eleven years after their last studio album, the forever Rolling Stones are back once again with "Blue and Lonesome", a tribute to the blues legends who forged the band's soul.



"This album is a homage to our favourites, people that kicked us off in playing music, that was the reason we started a band," charismatic frontman Mick Jagger recently told The New York Times newspaper. "We were proselytisers of blues music; that's what we're still doing."

• "Local musician plays his way onto the Billboard Top Ten" - scroll through the Billboard top 10 Blues Albums and his name appears on the same page as Eric Clapton and Bonnie Raitt. "Yeah it made it all the way to number five on the Billboard Blues charts," Jeremiah Johnson says.....read more here (below at the Big Muddy Fest) • The 2016 Big Muddy Blues Festival on Laclede's Landing - with 100% local bands - was an amazing success! Not surprising, as St. Louis talent is 100% international talent!

• Kim Welsh - longtime Street Teamer here at STLBlues - has been capturing the culture of Louisiana in her photography for a long time, along with her work in Blues music.

Her work is featured in the book "The Way I See It", as Kim and fellow photographers join together to share their love for New Orleans. Available on Amazon / See Kims work on her Facebook

• The St. Louis Blues Patriarch Big George Brock was born in Grenada, Mississippi! http://www.last.fm/music/Big+George+Brock/+wiki

• The world, not just Blues music, lost a great woman with the passing of Candye Kane. She gifted so many with the magic she could bring to a room, and the friends she made along her journey. It went far beyond her music, it was also her indominitable, brave spirit. She'll be missed by so many, may her music be eternal.....

• St. Louis harmonica master Jim McClaren contributed every harmonica in this National Blues Museum exhibit, but only after he wore all of them out. Visit the NBM and see for yourself! Stay 'In the Groove' at the NBM for all the latest news, and visit the NBM on Facebook.

• Where does the ‘Blues Boss’ Kenny Wayne go to find some world class talent to join him on his Brazil tour? St. Louis, that’s where! He pulled in the amazing talents of Rich McDonough, Sharon Bear and Keith Robinson to join him.

• Check out STLive, and live music every Friday night on Washington Ave.

• Film producer Joanne Fish is finished working on her latest project - Mr. Handy's Blues: A Musical Documentary. It's brought her to St. Louis to film some St. Louis artists such as John Covelli, Vince Martin, Matt Lesch and Kim Massie, Jeremiah Johnson, performing what else...Handy's song 'St. Louis Blues'!! Here's some history on W.C. Handy, known as 'The Father of the Blues.

• A new review from East Side Slim - "T And A – (“Untitled, but referred to as the Kitchen Album”).

Blues music education
Blues is an American art form, and part of what we do at STLBlues is share Blues music in a variety of ways. From reaching countries like Chile & Nigeria through 'America's Corners', to our festival & instrument workshops, lectures and performances! Blues in the Schools (BITS) is one of our favorite events, as it holds our record attendance -- 1,800 kids on one day!

Blues education crosses the disciplines of history, geography, social studies, and of course, music. Who knows...beyond creating the next generation of Blues music fans & helping to keep the Blues alive, we may even spark the next Etta James or B.B. King!

No matter what your event, contact us today at stlouisblues@swbell.net to add some Blues power! We work with the finest performers and educators in St. Louis, and across the nation.

'The Blues Highway', featuring St. Louis Blues - and the Fab Foehners



"The Blues in the Schools program conducted by Dave Beardsley was a 'Train the Trainer' workshop for our Southern CORE Conference. Dave encompassed several disciplines in his presentation, from history to geography, and used Blues music to take the viewer on a timeline from the late 1800's up to today. Educational and entertaining!" - Debi Klausing :: ECSE Teacher, Region 4 Chair Illinois Education Association.

Enjoy all our CD reviews, we have hundreds!
Have a CD you'd like reviewed? Drop us a line!

• East Side Slim reviews the new project from Tom Hall and Alice Spencer ("T And A). Untitled, but referred to as the "Kitchen Album"

• East Side Slim reviews 'Damon Fowler – Sounds Of Home'

• East Side Slim reviews John Primer & Bob Corritore – Knockin' Around These Blues. Earns a 5 of 5 on the STLBluesometer!!

• East Side Slim reviews Roomful of Blues - 45 Live

• East Side Slim reviews James Cotton - Cotton Mouth Man

• East Side Slim reviews Andy T – Nick Nixon Band - Drink Drank Drunk

• East Side Slim reviews The Mannish Boys – Double Dynamite

•Stringbean Pete reviews Dan Liston - God Used Mississippi

• Eric Steiner reviews The Big Payback

• East Side Slim reviews :: Levee Town

• East Side Slims latest CD review :: Bob Corritore and Friends – Harmonica Blues
12.28.11

• East Side Slim reviews Magic Slim and the Teardrops - Bad Boy
12.16.12

• East Side Slims latest CD review :: Little Joe McLerran – Believe I'll Make A Change
11.13.11

All music reviews are ran through the STLBluesometer to meet industry standards & insure complete accuracy! Find more reviews right here!

BLUES IS A HEALER
Of all the things music does, and it does many things, it's a means to help others.
At STLBlues we are community focused, socially minded blues lovin' folks....

STLBlues is involved with:
Siteman Cancer Center
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Play It Forward
New Orleans fundraiser & instrument drive
Lindenwood University
The Grammy's
The Blues Foundation
St. Louis CVC (Convention and Visitors Commission)

From artist booking to event & festival production, STLBluesTALENT has worked with many of the finest musicians and events of St. Louis, and beyond!

A FEW STLBluesTALENT EVENTS......

- BLUESWEEK
- FAIR ST. LOUIS
- ST. LOUIS ART FAIR
- TASTE OF ST. LOUIS
- THE GO! MARATHON
- CELEBRATE ST. LOUIS
- SPARTA BLUES FESTIVAL
- BLUES, CRUISE AND BBQ FEST
- GATEWAY RIVERBOAT BLUES CRUISES
- OLD WEBSTER GROVES JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL
- WHITE MOUNTAIN BOOGIE AND BLUES FESTIVAL
- AND COUNTLESS CORPORATE & PRIVATE EVENTS!

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