Bluesitude
Delta Saloon 18 C Street, Virginia City, NV, United StatesBluesitude band’s genre is definitely Blues-with the style derived “one foot over Chicago and another over Austin.” Jimmy D would call that Blues subgenre, “Bluesicana!”
Bluesitude band’s genre is definitely Blues-with the style derived “one foot over Chicago and another over Austin.” Jimmy D would call that Blues subgenre, “Bluesicana!”
The word legend certainly applies to Lydia Pense and Cold Blood…and not in some past tense-make-a-living-as-an-oldies-act sort of way either. Pense can still shout like a 60’s soul diva and purr a slow blues tune with spine-tingling subtlety.
Cold Blood, as a whole, features a stellar group of musicians who have been playing together for nearly 20 years including Steve Dunne on guitar, Steve Salinas on keyboards, a gritty-growling horn section comprised of John Hablieb and Rob Zuckerman along with a stellar rhythm section featuring Evan Palmerston on bass and T Moran on drums. The band members are all veteran Bay Area musicians who have played with many great artists including Elvin Bishop, Jefferson Starship, Boz Skaggs, Albert Collins and more.
Of course there is Lydia who still has the chops with the patina of a seasoned veteran who’s done and seen it all. Together she and the band continue to twist together R&B, (both Old School and New School); into something that doesn’t have a label… On any given night, Lydia Pense and Cold Blood power through their historic essentials, like “You Got Me Hummin’,” “I Just Want To Make Love To You,” “I’m A Good Woman,” and “Down to the Bone.”
It’s been a long road, over 40 years to be exact with a break somewhere in the middle. But, Lydia and the band are living proof that a little time off can be a really good thing. With their new CD, “COLD BLUE HEART” turning heads across the country, fans are remembering just what has been missing from music in the last few decades. The 8 songs exemplify how a performer can take great strides forward, without forgetting her roots. Using “COLD BLUE HEART” as their muse there is a renewed interest in live performances, from both the band, and venue owners. Cold Blood is booking dozens of shows across the country, entertaining generations of club, theatre and festival goers.
And, of course, anything Lydia sings is sung well.
She has a list of famous admirers that includes Bonnie Raitt, Michelle Shocked, David Lee Roth, even Janis Joplin back in the day.
Jontavious Willis is resolved in his mission: to reinvigorate today’s Blues with the spirit of the past. Inspired by a time when the Blues were plentiful and rhythm reigned supreme, Jontavious leverages his unique sound—a synthesis of his Georgia heritage and reverence for traditional Blues—to get the world dancing again. A Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter, Jontavious performs original, toe-tapping tunes in the style of Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and Gospel Blues. Dynamic vocals, technical prowess, and an abundance of Southern charm keep Jontavious sending jolts of vitality through the Blues community.
Jontavious was born and raised in rural Georgia, an environment with deep cultural roots that provides the inspiration he has continuously drawn upon to create his unique sound. He spent much of his childhood singing Gospel music at the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church with his grandfather, which provided him his first setting to perform for an audience. An early phenom, his passion for the Blues was sparked at age 14 when he came across a YouTube video of Muddy Waters playing “Hoochie Coochie Man.” He achieved widespread acclaim when living legend Taj Mahal invited Jontavious to accompany him onstage in 2015, with Taj describing him as his “Wonderboy.” Jontavious was invited to open for Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ during their joint TajMo tour in 2018, giving him an opportunity to present his work on a national stage.
Blue Metamorphosis, his acoustic debut album released in 2016, garnered rave reviews in Living Blues and Blues & Rhythm and won the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge 2018 Award for Best Self-Produced CD. His Grammy-nominated sophomore album, Spectacular Class, sees Jontavious survey an array of Blues styles with lively ensemble performances.
His upcoming album, signed with Strolling Bones Records, is a testament to his love for songwriting. With solo tracks as well as duo, trio, and full band works, he articulates a totally original take on traditional Blues.
Jontavious features prominently in shows and festivals across the world, sharing his unique blend of time-honored yet modern, intellectual yet danceable Blues with all.
Mike Zito is one of the most lauded artists in the contemporary blues arena today and rightfully so, but for him, the thing that counts the most is maintaining his honesty, authenticity and integrity. Those are the qualities that have steered Zito’s career since the beginning and continue to define every effort he’s offered since.
“I have nothing to hide; it seems my honesty is what people relate to most,” he once told Vintage Guitar magazine. “Anders (Osborne) told me early on, ‘If you don’t believe what you’re singing, you’ll never be a good singer.’ I try not to write fluff; I try to make every word count.”
Blues and soul music fans know that the soundtrack to early rock' n' roll ran on three-minute instrumentals with sax in the lead, and was directly related to 1950s and 1960s New Orleans R&B hits, along with that deep-fried wildness that came from Memphis. With this history lesson in mind, old school rock 'n' soul saxophonist and singer Terry Hanck makes perfect sense. Clearly, Hanck has worshipped at the right Southern altars-- those of such iconic R&B brothers as Fats Domino, Ray Charles, B. B. King, Lee Allen and King Curtis. "I write songs that you think you've heard for years," says the South Florida-based Hanck, who's got suave movie-star looks and a good time presence that immutably anchors the old-style R&B he adores.
British born and now US-based, Matt Schofield continues to push the frontiers and reshape the boundaries of the British Blues tradition. A multi-award winning guitar virtuoso, singer, songwriter, producer and band leader, after more than 30 years of performing, and 20 years into his solo career, Schofield's impact as one of the most influential and distinctive guitarists of his generation is unquestionable.
Along with a storied career that has taken him and his band to nearly 30 countries worldwide comes awards, industry and critical acclaim - three time "British Blues Guitarist of the Year", "British Blues Album of the Year" and the first guitarist inducted into the "British Blues Awards Hall of Fame". Mojo Magazine "Blues Album of the Year"and Guitar & Bass Magazines "Top Ten British Blues Guitarist of All Time" alongside Eric Clapton and Peter Green.
Schofield's fluid and melodic playing and iconic tone has inspired legions of guitarists, and a sought after line of signature instruments and equipment including a Two-Rock Matt Schofield amplifier.
What remains ever impressive is Schofield live. From main stages at prestigious festivals such as Montreal and North Sea Jazz, to packed houses in legendary clubs like New York's Iridium or London's 100 Club, Schofield's ability to connect with audiences immediately and profoundly is unforgettable. His authenticity, mastery of guitar, emotive vocals, and improvisational brilliance are brought to life within his innovative original compositions.
A renowned musical educator, in 2018 Matt released “Blues Speak”, his highly acclaimed TrueFire instructional series. As a clinician he has taught from Tokyo to Texas and all points in between.
Matt’s upcoming record reunites him with his original and much loved organ trio line-up, to mark the 20th anniversary of the album and band that launched his solo career.
Wreckless Strangers is a collective of friends and musicians carrying the torch for San Francisco’s grand rock ‘n’ roll tradition. Their unique stew of “Bay Area Gumbo” melds the contemporary blues stylings of Bonnie Raitt and Boz Scaggs; the songwriting sensibilities of Sons of Champlin and Fleetwood Mac; the swashbuckling Americana of the Lost Planet Airmen and Peter Rowan; and the funk of Sly Stone and Tower of Power with a dash of Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane for flavor and unpredictability. With soaring harmony vocals and burning instrumental improvisation framed in concise and poignant original songwriting, Wreckless Strangers seek to honor and carry forth the brand of free-spirited musical fun and adventure that defines the Bay Area.
The DELTA WIRES is a big, rockin’ harmonica and horns blues band from the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area. They were Finalists in the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge held in Memphis TN, and were voted “BEST LIVE BAND” Oakland/East Bay in Oakland Magazine’s annual readers’ poll, and also by the East Bay Express. The DELTA WIRES were inducted into the California Blues Hall of Fame in December, 2012.
The DELTA WIRES have recorded 8 Albums,and just released in January their latest “if somebody told me…”, which is receiving rave reviews and national and international airplay. They have appeared at the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia Italy, the San Francisco Blues Festival, the Russian River Blues Festival, the Monterey Bay Blues Festival 8 times, headlined the Shasta Blues Society’s Redding Blues by the River Festival, have played Crescent City Blues Festival, Central Valley Blues Festival, Oakland Blues and Heritage Festival, Sacramento Jazz Festival and Jubilee, and many others.
The DELTA WIRES have shared the stage with many noted artists including Van Morrison, John Lee Hooker, Freddie King, The Neville Bros, Dr. John, The Doobie Brothers, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, John Mayall, Charlie Musselwhite, Boz Scaggs, Bad Company, The James Gang, Elvin Bishop, and numerous others…
Rory Block – A Blues Legend Pays Tribute to Bob Dylan 🎶
7-time Blues Music Award winner and Gold-recording artist Rory Block is one of the most celebrated voices in American roots music. Widely regarded as the top female performer of traditional country blues, her 36 albums have honored the legends who shaped the genre—many of whom she met and learned from firsthand.
Now, in a powerful new direction, Rory steps away from her Power Women of the Blues series to pay tribute to another musical giant—Bob Dylan. 💫 Raised in the heart of Greenwich Village during the 1960s folk revival, Rory remembers the surreal normalcy of seeing Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and John Lennon strolling down West 4th Street. Her father’s sandal shop was a hub for local musicians, and the soundtrack of her youth became the foundation for her life's work.
🪕 For this special tribute, Rory performs all the instruments herself—fingerpicked acoustic and slide guitar, bass, and drums—creating raw, intimate, one-of-a-kind renditions of Dylan’s most beloved songs. With her signature raspy vocals, deep blues soul, and emotional authenticity, she reimagines his music with reverence and originality.
✨ “Probably the most persistent and enthusiastic requests from my fans has been to record a Bob Dylan tribute… it had to start by just plugging in the mics and pressing record.” – Rory Block
Come witness a truly special performance by an artist who lives and breathes music. This is not just a show—it’s a heartfelt connection to the past, told through the hands and voice of a living legend
Founded in 2019 by the legendary Gary Coppola (RIP), WILD NIGHT brings the house down with electrifying performances that leave audiences speechless every single time! 🌟 Get ready to be WOWED at every show, every venue! 🎤🎶
MEET OUR WORLD-CLASS MUSICIANS 🎵
Jason Feddy - Lead Vocals 🎙️
This UK-born singer/songwriter has shared stages with icons like Neil Young, Tears for Fears, The Cranberries, Joe Cocker, and Christie Moore. From The London Palladium to Albert Hall, Jason’s voice is pure magic! 🌍✨
Magic Kramer - Guitar & Background Vocals 🎸
A true legend, Magic has jammed with Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, The Knack, Norah Jones, B.B. King, Diana Krall, Michael MacDonald, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Bramlett, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), and Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind & Fire)—just to name a few! 🎵🔥
Bobby Pickett - Bass & Background Vocals 🎸
Bobby’s grooves have powered hits with Sugarloaf, Etta James, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Big Joe Turner, The Drifters, The Coasters, Martha Reeves, Bobby Freeman, Greg Allman, and the iconic band Detective. 🎶💪
Chris Ross - Drums 🥁
Chris keeps the beat for legends like Maria Muldaur, Coco Montoya, Lyle Lovett, Mark Chestnutt, Kenny Loggins, John Waite, Three Dog Night, Grammy-winner Pete Anderson, and Hall of Fame singer Sam Moore. 🥁⚡️
Chris Rhyne - Keyboards 🎹
A keyboard maestro, Chris has performed with Santana, Whitney Houston, Jean Luc Ponty, Gino Vannelli, Dianne Reeves, Dave Koz, B.B. King, Buddy Rich, Burt Bacharach, George Benson, and countless others! 🎹🌟
Mel Steinberg - Sax & Flute 🎷
Mel’s soulful sounds have backed Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, The Beach Boys, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Lesley Gore, Sam "The Sham", Joe Williams, and more! 🎷😎
Chris Jennings - Bari Sax 🎷
Chris has played with Martha Reeves, Freddy Cannon, Brian Wilson, José Feliciano, John Entwistle, Carla Olson, Doug Fieger, and even Bob Hope! 🎶🎉
Gary Bivona - Trumpet 🎺
Gary’s trumpet has soared with Tom Jones, The Four Tops, Mel Tormé, and Phil Hartman. He’s also produced tracks for Survivor, Seinfeld, 2½ Men, Hill St. Blues, Frasier, Murphy Brown, Everybody Loves Raymond, and The Tonight Show! 🎺✨
WILD NIGHT is more than a tribute—it’s a soul-shaking experience! Come see us and feel the Van Morrison vibe like never before! 🎸🎤