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2026 WNY SUMMER CONCERT/EVENTS SCHEDULES

CONCERT NEWS & REVIEWS

by Bob Silvestri

Wayne Newton

-West Herr Riviera Theatre-North Tonawanda, NY-April 25, 2026-

Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton, returned to the West Herr Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda, NY on Saturday April 25, 2026 for his Memories & Melodies Tour a retrospective of his distinguished career. The man is an icon and legendary performer who along with Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley made Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world and where he still performs regularly at the Flamingo Hotel. The 84-year-old Newton is the consummate performer with a command of the stage and constant interaction with the audience. The nearly two hour show before an almost full house featured hits from Newton’s career, some popular song selections and a host of videos clips from his career with performances, TV shows, acting, and clips of Newton performing with such luminaries as Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Glen Campbell to name a few. The show kicked off with “Viva Las Vegas” an appropriate opener that had the crowd ready to go. Mr. Newton also features his wife Kat as a part of the show as she acts as emcee and asks questions of her husband from the audience about his life and career and adds some backing vocals on some songs. Some other highlights from the evening included “Help Me Make It Through the Night”, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, “Red Roses for a Blue Lady”, “Summerwind” and a couple of his hits “Danke Schoen” and “Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast”. Newton is also an accomplished musician able to play thirteen instruments yet he can’t read a note of music. He showed his dexterity on the guitar, took on the pedal steel guitar for “Steel Guitar Rag” and showed he can fiddle with the best on “Orange Blossom Special”. Newton also showed his dedication to our troops and first responders by asking any of them in the crowd to stand and be honored for their duty. Newton took over as USO Ambassador after Bob Hope was no longer able to perform the duties and continues to this day. He closed the evening with “You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You” and “My Way” before sending the crowd home happy. While his voice may not be as strong as it once was Wayne Newton can still put on a heck of a show. For more upcoming shows at the West Herr Riviera Theatre visit https://rivieratheatre.org

Sue Foley

-Sportsmen’s Tavern-Buffalo, NY-April 11, 2026-

Where did you spend your Saturday night? On Saturday April 11, 2026 a full house of music devotees decided the best bet was to be at the Sportsmen’s Tavern in Buffalo, NY to see tour de force blues artist Sue Foley entertain. You can always tell it’s a must see show when the house is full of local musicians on their night off and this was the case with nearly a dozen or so on hand to take in the show. And why not? Anyone who has followed the blues for any length of time is familiar with Foley and her potent form of the blues.

The Ottawa native and her band, longtime bassist Jon Penner and newly recruited drummer RJ Contreras, were a dazzling well-oiled unit and never felt the need to be flashy or over the top but instead let the music speak for itself. They seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as the crowd was as they performed over their promised ninety-minute set and stretched it to nearly two hours. Highlights from the night included “Hurricane Girl”, a slow and smoky “Say It’s Not So”, “Gaslight”, a version of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “The House is Rockin’” and a cover of Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown’s classic “Okie Dokie Stomp”. A mid show acoustic set allowed Foley to really show her guitar chops with a clinic in the art of Piedmont Style guitar playing. The Piedmont Style concept is when the guitar player plays the rhythm, bass and lead parts simultaneously, a one-man band if you will. Foley performed Memphis Minnie’s “Nothing in Rambling”, Elizabeth Cotton’s “Freight Train” that turned into an audience sing-a-long, a new unreleased song “Jack of Diamonds” and her own song “Mediterranean Breakfast”. Foley and her band mates then headed for home with “Better” and a mighty fine run through The Blasters long lost classic “Barefoot Rock”. They closed out the evening with a scintillating “Ice Queen” on which Foley did show off a little bit by performing an extended guitar solo behind her head before thanking everyone for coming to the show.

Sue Foley is an extraordinary talent and a force to be reckoned with both her guitar playing and her singing. For more information about Sue Foley visit www.suefoley.com For information about upcoming shows at the Sportsmen’s Tavern check out www.sportsmensbuffalo.com

ALBUM REVIEWS

by Bob Silvestri

Carmen Ratti Band featuring Jill Dineen

-Come To Me-

After blowing up the Northern California blues scene with their high energy dynamic performances and numerous accolades along the way, the Carmen Ratti Band featuring Jill Dineen have set their sights on the national and international audiences. Their second album titled Come To Me features eleven tracks of their contemporary blues style that incorporates soul, roots, Gospel and funk. The band is comprised of Carmen Ratti who handles guitar and vocals and features the rich, sassy, sexy and soulful voice of Jill Dineen along with Tony “Macaroni” Lufrano on the organ, piano and backing vocals, Steve Hazelwood on bass, Randy Hayes on drums and special guest Lisa Leuschner Andersen on backing vocals. The highly acclaimed Kid Andersen recorded, mixed, mastered and produced the session. Good stuff off Come To Me includes the funky and smoldering intensity of “No Delusion”, the soul fried goodness of “Get in Line”, the mesmerizing blues ballad and title track “Come to Me” the driving ivory tickling blues romp “I Can See”, the instrumental “Riley” that shows off Ratti’s tasty playing and some nice organ fills from Tony “Macaroni” as well. Digging deeper we find the slow churchy blues belter “Blessing the Blues” the grinding and swirling rhythms of “Coming Down”, “About You” which finds Ratti taking over the vocal mic, the light steppin’ and Jazzy instrumental “Uncle Joe” and the put your foot down, no more B.S. declaration “Pretty Good Man”. For more information about the Carmen Ratti Band featuring Jill Dineen and their latest release Come To Me head over to their website www.carmenrattiband.com or go to www.facebook.com/BLUESCRB

Ed Alstrom

-This Idea of Humanity-

Ed Alstrom started playing his family’s Hammond B-3 at the age of five. After receiving his degree in Classical Organ Performance from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ he set out and survived the disco lounges of the day but along the way he worked the stage with Bette Midler, Chuck Berry, Leonard Bernstein, Herbie Hancock, Odetta, Dion and many others. He also has a second job as the organist at Yankee Stadium a gig he has held since 2004. But his command of the Hammond B-3 would naturally lead him to the blues and now his second release titled This Idea of Humanity. The album is basically an Alstrom one man band as he handles vocals, organs, pianos, melodica, clavinet, synthesizer, Suzuki Andes, bass, guitars, percussion and occasionally drums. Helping Alstrom out are former Conan O’Brian Show band leader and guitarist Jimmy Vivano, Ula Hedwig on backing vocals, Maxine Alstrom also on backing vocals, Meredith Greenberg ethereal vocals and Djembe and Don Guinta on drums. Highlights from This Idea of Humanity include the joyous Gospel soaked love song “”Put You First”, the chugging blues rocker about being committed to playing the blues “All I’m Gonna Do”, the philosophical paradox of the track “Humans”, the big blues romp “Nothing Good to Say”, “Bridesmaid” a song for everyone who always plays second fiddle, the percolating soul shouter “Party Planner” with Vivano and Alstrom trading vocals, the smokey blues ballad “Understanding”, the Latin flair of “Inquiring Minds”, “ The Way Back” a slow blues burner featuring Vivano on slide guitar and the dark and soulful “Worry”. For more information about Ed Alstrom and his mighty fine new album This Idea of Humanity check out his website www.edalstrom.com or you can go to www.facebook.com/ealstrom

Alex Lopez and The Xpress

-Retro Revival-

Alex Lopez and The Xpress a blues rock trio have released their latest album titled Retro Revival featuring eleven original tracks written or co-written by Lopez. The band features Lopez on guitar and vocals along with the England native Steve Roberts on bass and Kana Leimbach who hails from Japan on drums giving the outfit a distinct international flair. Highlights off Retro Revival include the revved up blues howler “One More Time”, the heavy bottom blues rocker “Your Lovin’”, the blues moaner dealing with lost love “When I Sing the Blues”, the funky blues rocker “What the World Needs Now’, the dark and heavy metal blues rock number “Angry” the spry “Loving You Gave Me the Blues” and the reflective and earnest ballad “Keep on Living”. For more information about Alex Lopez and The Xpress and their latest release Retro Revival visit their website www.alexlopezmusic.com or go to www.facebook.com/alopezmusic4u

Larin Michaels

-It’s All About Love-

Larin Michaels was born and raised in Detroit and that Motown influence struck him at the age of seven when he took up the drums. By fifteen he had hit the road and was performing in a rock band playing throughout the Midwest. He has worked with Del Shannon and Freddy Cannon and shared the stage with Bob Seger, the Four Tops, Mitch Ryder, the Spinners, Aretha Franklin and many more. His latest album titled It’s All About Love features nine tracks all penned by Michaels who also handles all the instruments including bass, guitar, keyboards, horns, drums, percussion and wooden spoons. Tracks of note from It’s All About Love include the steady rocking “Love Straight From The Heart”, the rollicking piano driven “Look At You”, the blues stroll “I Just Can’t Do It All Alone”, the Southern soul stomper “I’m On The Outside Looking In”, the four on the floor rocker “Try And Do It Jerry Lee” a couple of Cajun inflected numbers “Mardi Gras Louisiana” and “Boogie With Da Feel” and the piano and wooden spoon slapping LP closer “Wooden Spoons Boogie Woogie”. For more information about Larin Michaels and his latest album It’s All About Love visit www.larinmichaels.com or go to www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558063245443

Charles Tiner-Good Soul-

Charles Tiner aka Mr. N’Treble has released a new album titled Good Soul featuring twelve tracks of stylish soul and blues all written by Tiner sans one. Tiner who handles the majority of instruments here was raised in the Baptist church and the fire and brimstone he was taught there comes through in his music today. The tight sophisticated arrangements sparkle under Tiner’s vocal and musical prowess. Nuggets to choose from on Good Soul include the funky smooth soul number “Be a Man” with some crisp guitar and organ work, the Sax-y tune for a special lady “Bad Woman”, the mournful porch blues tune “Don’t Bau Me Nun”, the breezy “Night Rider”, the stylish mid-tempo blues ballad “Stick Around”, the Jazzy piano number “She Made a Move on Me” a couple of churchy soulful songs with “Blue Moon” and “Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right” and the unbridled optimism of the album closer “Put Your Money on Me”. For more information about Charles Tiner and his latest album Good Soul head over to www.facebook.com/charlestinermusic or visit https://www.storydoc.com/c5a13ec6dc67d3ed04406121549b159a/fb8f6f-ddbb-880-8d7a-f5174f3ef466/673f6aa79776cc320db66f4f

Stefan Hilleshesim Band

-Live at the Chicago Blues Festival-

The latest release from the Stefan Hillesheim Band titled Live at the Chicago Blues Festival is a perfect snapshot of a band at its peak and of one feeding off the energy of the crowd to enhance their performance. Recorded at the 2025 Chicago Blues Festival at Millennium Park in Chicago the eight original and two cover songs capture the excitement that only live music can bring to you. The band, Hillesheim (guitar/vocals), Darryl Wright (bass), Sumito “Ariyo” Ariyoshi (keyboards) and Dionte McMusick (drums) are a well oiled and propulsive team of musicians playing with a raw emotional intensity. Highlights off the album include the greasy Big Easy vibe of “Always Get to Hear from You”, the tight Jazzy rocker “My Poor Heart”, the blues love song “The Love I Had for You”, the soulful “You’re My Family”, “When I’m Gone” another greasy guitar work out, the slow blues scorcher “Better Man and the high energy blues rocker “Sick Of Your Love”. Also of note are two cover songs a cover of the Freddie King classic “Big Legged Woman” and the Elmore James number “It Hurts Me Too”. For more information about the Stefan Hilleshiem Band and their latest release Live at the Chicago Blues Festival go to www.shblues.com or visit www.facebook.com/groups/525983928137912

Brother John-Johnny Never & John Colgan

-Davis-Black Crow-

Philadelphia blues stalwarts Johnny Never and John Colgan-Davis have been performing together for over seven years yet had never recorded with each other in the studio. Well, that has been rectified with the release of the newly christened duo Brother John and their album Black Crow. The thirteen tracks are mostly in the Delta and Piedmont style of the blues. It’s raw and visceral and right to the roots of the blues. Abley assisting Brother John (Nevers-on guitar and vocals/Colgan-Davis on harmonica) on Black Crow are Chicago Carl Snyder(piano), Jimmy Pritchard (acoustic bass), Mark Shewchuck (percussion) Alan Lewine (bass) and Holly Hoffman, Shannon Roberts and Monica Moran (backing vocals). Highlights from Black Crow include the Gospel infected “Bread and Salt”, the stomping Resonator blues number “Svelte Man Blues”, the title cut “Black Crow’ that laments the loss of a loved one, “Wandering Eye Blues” about the hazards of having a roving eye, “No Place Like Home” which is about being the opposite of having a roving eye, “That Thing You Did Last Night” a humorous dig on when men think with the wrong head, “Sexy Baby Blues’ a Jazzy ode to a beautiful woman, “Cook It To The Bone” another tribute this time to a hot former lover and the lone cover on the album a live studio version of Charley Patton’s “Dirt Road Blues”. For more information about Brother John aka Johnny Never and John Colgan-Davis and their debut album Black Crow visit their website www.johnnynever.com or head over to www.facebook.com/Johnnynever

The CD Woodbury Trio-Bulldog-

The CD Woodbury Band is a blues rock power trio hailing from the Pacific Northwest who have released their third album this one titled Bulldog an eleven song mix of roots and blues rock numbers. Led by CD Woodbury on guitar and vocals along with bassist Robert Baker and drummer Bill Ray they get help from special guests Joel Astley and Bill Davis on harmonica, Mike Marinig on the flute and Jonathan Sayre on drums. Highlights off Bulldog include the big thumper “Wicked Grin”, a fresh arrangement of the Albert King/Pat Travers classic “Born Under a Bad Sign”, a bluesy shuffle version of the Elvis Presley hit “Little Sister”, a soulful and funky cover of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “I Wouldn’t Treat a Dog (The Way You treated Me)”, the blistering original tune “Gaslight Road”, a psychedelic run through Cream’s “Politician” and the acoustic slide blues number “Dollar Store Readers”. Other tracks of note include a superb cover of the Willie Dixon classic “Spoonful”, an outstanding rework of James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good)”and the funky chugging title cut “(Call Me The) Bulldog”. For more information about The CD Woodbury Band and their latest album Bulldog head over to their website www.cdwoodbury.com or go to www.facebook.com/p/CD-Woodbury-100052878696481

Reckless and Blue-Seven Deadly Gins-

Colorado blues band Reckless and Blue have released their sophomore effort titled Seven Deadly Gins a ten-song selection of original tunes dealing with the themes of love and the blues. The band was founded by George Williams who handles guitar and vocals along with Allen Anderson on keyboards, Tom Dillard on bass, Steve Gaskin on drums and seductive vocalist Shaunda Fry. Guests helping out include Dutch Smith on bass, Annie Phillips and Ernie Martinez on backing vocals, Jeff Miguel on Saxophone and Derek Banach on the trumpet. Nuggets off Seven Deadly Gins include the greasy tub thumping goodness of “Come Back” featuring some cigar box guitar from Williams, the swinging title cut “Seven Deadly Gins”, the high energy percolating romp “Shimmy Shakin’ Blues”, the funky blues tune with Williams on vocals “Hey Pretty Baby”, the bold yet coy come on “Burnin’ Daylight” on which Fay shines and the Jazzy, lazy and blue “Stormy Night in Denver”. Three outstanding duets round out the highlights here with the slow blues moaner break up song “Trifflin’ Blues”, the barn burner “Can’t Give Me the Blues” and the low down and dirty “If the Blues Were Whiskey”. For more information about Reckless and Blue and their new album Seven Deadly Gins visit www.recklessandblue.net or you can go to www.facebook.com/recklessblues

Omar Coleman & Igor Prado

-Old, New, Funky and Blue-

Omar Coleman was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago and picked up on the soulful sounds at his aunt’s neighborhood lounge. He soon grew into a powerful vocalist and harmonica player. Igor Prado hails from Sao Paulo, Brazil where he is noted as one of contemporary blues up and coming players. A left-handed guitarist who plays a right-handed guitar upside down Prado has a rich tone and moves between blues, funk and soul styles effortlessly. Together they have formed a tight bond as musicians as evident on their new album Old, New Funky and Blue a delightful eleven track mix of raw unfiltered blues. Lots of good stuff to savor over on Old, New Funky and Blue including the funky Memphis/Stax style romp “I’m Leaving My No Good Woman”, the passionate horn soaked blues rocker “I Only Have Love”, the hard hitting “Cut You Loose” where they walk a heavy groove, the muscular break up song “Moving on to Better Days”, the driving “Answer Your Phone”, the emotional ballad “I Let a Good Girl Go”, the finger poppin’ horn blasting ode to that always despised “Brown Nosin’ Man”, the funky Boogie Woogie number “I Wanna Do the Do”, the funky-licious “Night Fishin’” and the acoustic blues LP closer “Blue Line Train in Chicago”. To find out more information about Omar Coleman and Igor Prado and their new album Old, New, Funky and Blue visit www.facebook.com/igorpradoband or www.facebook.com/omarcolemanmusic

Johnny Max Band

-Johnny Max and His So Called Friends-

The Johnny Max Band has returned with their eighth album titled Johnny Max and His So Called Friends a twelve-song swinging delight of their infectious style of music. Lead by vocalist Johnny Max along with a host of fellow band mates and friends including Jim Casson, Bill Evans, Mitch Lewis, Dylan Wickens, Wayne DeAdder, Neil Chapman, Steve Goldberger, Russ Boswell, N. Jay Burr, Dave Dunlop, Suzie Vinnick, Quisha Wint, Sabine Casson and Nan McAneney. Highlights from Johnny Max and His So Called Friends include the greasy laid back groove of “You Can Do Better Than Him”, the percolating tale of the blue collar man with “How the Other half Lives”, the country tinged break up song “I’ve Said All The Sorrys I’m Gonna Say”, the Southern fried mid-tempo blues rocker “Might As Well Be On Mars”, the country blues with a carnival vibe and tuba solo on “I’ve Never Met A Bridge”, the piano tinkling love song “These Are The Things That Make Me Think Of You”, the funky strutting “Memphis Women & Fried Chicken”, they Bon Ton Roule on “Kiss From Joanne”, the top down rocking tale of infidelity “What’s Good For The Goose”, the churchy “When You Love Somebody”, the rocking good advice of “Be Good To Yourself” and the porch blues LP closer “Plastic Jesus”. To find out more about the Johnny Max Band and their latest release Johnny Max and His So Called Friends go to www.johnnymaxband.com or visit www.facebook.com/johnny.max.109650

Pontchartrain Shakers

-Love, Peace & Chicken Grease-

This is the real deal! This band should be headlining or opening every blues festival there is in North America. The Pontchartrain Shakers have released their second album titled Love, Peace & Chicken Grease and it is a doozy. The band is comprised of Amedee “A5” Frederick on guitar and vocals, Jojjo Wight on vocals and guitar, Red DeVecca on bass and Earl Smith Jr. on the drum kit. Special guests include Amedee “The Creole Blues Man” Frederick IV, A5’s Dad, on vocals and guitar, Jamie Wight on Coronet and Heidi Wight on trombone, both of them Jojjo parents and Mike Loupe on Alto Saxophone a friend and mentor to Jojjo making this a multi-generational record. The album is a snapshot of life in Southern Louisiana and is mostly a one take live recording with minimal overdubs. Highlights include “Sunshine” that celebrates a Creole family gathering, the introspective heart breaker ”Don’t Ask Me How I’m Doing”, the traditional “St. James Infirmary”, “Lucy Mae” an acoustic blues number about Amadee “The Creole Blues Man” Frederick IV’s Dad’s lover, “You Amaze Me” a soulful serenade and marriage proposal all in one, the greasy tale of a family vacation “Going to Kentucky” and “Christmas in New Orleans” about when the locals enjoy the city without the tourists. Also of note are three outstanding cover songs including the Elizabeth Cotton classic “Freight Train”, William Bell’s soulful ballad “You Don’t Miss Your Water” and an infectious run through R.L. Burnside’s “Jumper on the Line”. The latest from Pontchartrain Shakers, Love, Peace & Chicken Grease is a winner from beginning to end. To find out more about Pontchartrain Shakers and their newest album Love, Peace & Chicken Grease go to their website www.pontchartrainshakers.com or visit www.facebook.com/realpontchartrainshakers

Charlie Barath

-Issaquena Getaway-

Harmonica virtuoso Charlie Barath has released a new album titled Issaquena Getaway a twelve- song selection recorded deep in the heart of the blues Clarksdale, Mississippi. His command of the instrument has led him across the country as a performer and educator of the harmonica. He is an official Hohner Harmonica artist and has earned the praise of legendary blues harp master Charlie Musslewhite. Assisting Barath (harmonica/vocals/percussion) for these sessions is special guest Johnny Burgin (guitars) along with Andrew Sherer (guitars), Mark Yacovone (piano/organ), Mike Law (Bass), Danny Banks (drums) and Shari Richards (vocals). Highlights off Issaquena Getaway include the snappy and swinging “I Gets You”, the revved up ode to the best days of the week with “The Weekend Song”, the shimmering and funky “Waitin’ For The Queen”, the laid back coy come on “I Might Fall In Love”, the bluesy tale of mistaken identity “That Wasn’t Me”, the jaunty story of lost love “Renee”, the smoldering and soulful “I’m Gonna Let You” and the Jazzy “Honey I Got No Money” with Richards on lead vocals. Two cover tracks stand out also with the Ike Turner penned instrumental “Cuban Getaway” and Stanley Turrentine’s “Sugar”. For more information about Charlie Barath and his latest album Issaquena getaway visit his website at www.charliebarathharmonica.com or go to www.facebook.com/charlie.barath

Steve Howell & Fats Kaplin-Know You From Old-

For decades now Steve Howell has been keeping alive the Early American style of blues, Jazz and folk music. Fats Kaplin is a multi-instrumentalist who has shared the stage and studio with the top names in the game. Together the duo has released an outstanding collection of these early era songs on their new album titled Know You From Old. The thirteen tracks are beautiful in their simplicity. No over production or unnecessary instrumentation just impeccable musicianship and interplay between the two artists. The album was recorded by Jason Weinheimer at Fellowship Hall Sound in Little Rock, Arkansas and has a live playing for you in the living room vibe and sound. Tracks of note off Know You From Old include the 1930’s Kentucky rag “Black Dog”, Jesse Fuller’s “San Francisco Bay Blues” which has been recorded by everyone from Woody Guthrie to Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, John Lennon, Janis Joplin and Paul McCartney, the traditional “Buffalo Skinners” about an 1873 plains buffalo hunt, the true story of “Bugger Burns” a crooked cop who finally met his rightful demise, the traditional African American spiritual “Gospel Plow”, “Blue Ridge Mountain Blues” written by under rated Country music pioneer Riley Puckett that was a staple of Doc Watson’s repertoire, Blind Lemon Jefferson’s “One Kind Favor” this one was also recorded by Bob Dylan on his debut album and again with The Band on The Basement Tapes, George and Ira Gershwin’s “But For Me” that won Ella Fitzgerald a Grammy and has been covered by Ahmad Jamel, Mile Davis, Chet Atkins, Joe Pass and many others and the Duke Ellington classic “Mood Indigo”. To find out more about Steve Howell and Fats Kaplin and their album Know You From Old head over to www.facebook.com/steve.howell1 or www.facebook.com/p/KRISTI-ROSE-and-FATS-KAPLIN-100063727801004

Duwayne Burnside

-Red Rooster-

Duwayne Burnside was born in Mississippi’s Hill Country. The son of legendary bluesman R.L. Burnside, he cut his teeth early playing with the family band and later with his father’s band. Later he played in his likewise legendary neighbor Junior Kimbrough’s band before joining the North Mississippi All-Stars for a stint. During those times he has been working on his own music and has released a new album with the title Red Rooster a ten-song selection of Hill Country style blues. Burnside recruited former North Mississippi All-Star band mates Cody and Luther Dickinson along with the Squirrel Nut Zippers Jimbo Mathus to lend a hand on the album. Highlights from Red Rooster include a scorching cover of R.L. Burnside’s “Nightmare”, a raw and visceral cover of the North Mississippi All-Stars’ “Circle in the Sky”, the funky “Somebody Done Stole My Girl’, the blues lament “Things Ain’t Going My Way”, a slow burning run through the Mathus penned “Talk Sweet to Me”, an ode to Kimbrough on “Tribute”, the greasy and dirty riff that propels “Crazy ‘Bout You”, “King” featuring the late Cody Burnside (R.L.’s grandson) on a mid-song rap, a nice cover of Bobby Womack’s “Down and Out” and the porch blues jam “Mississippi Here I Come”. For more information about Duwayne Burnside and his latest album Red Rooster go to www.facebook.com/duwayneburnsidemusic or head over to www.lucky13records.com

Lily Sazz

-What Just Happened-

The debut album from Lily Sazz titled What Just Happened finds the longtime bandleader and keyboardist stepping out on her own with a deeply personal album. After suffering through some traumatic times in 2023 Sazz turned her entire focus on this record and as cathartic way to deal with the trauma in her life. So, what was Sazz dealing with that so upset her life’s apple cart? How about two heart surgeries mere weeks apart as her mother lay dying but then came the knockout punch with a diagnosis of breast cancer during a routine exam. After regrouping she said now was the time to make that record she always wanted to do but never got around to making. The result is a deeply personal but highly accessible to all ears record filled with failure, hope, new beginnings, laughter, irony and a skewed view of all the weirdness life has to offer us. Sazz also brings a guest musician to each song on the record including Colin Linden, Trombone Charlotte, Harry Manx, the vocal group Boreal, Suzie Vinnick, Steve Marriner and Darcy Hepner among others. Tracks of note off What Just Happened include the heartbreakingly beautiful “Goodnight, Sweetheart” which uses the last words her mother spoke to her before passing away, the whimsical tale of our harried life’s on “In A Hurry”, a tale of moving on with “This Train is Rollin’”, the self-depreciating humor of “Knack For That”, the semiserious love song to her husband ”Future Me”, a cover of Jesse Winchester’s nugget “Isn’t That So”, a slow solo performance of Alan Parson’s “Don’t Let It Show”, an awesome cover of Sue Foley’s “Gaslight”, the socially conscious message of “Better Stop” and a slice of “spontaneous imperfection”, her words, not mine, on the LP closer “I Can’t Jam”. To find out more about Lily Sazz and her wonderful debut album What Just happened visit her website at www.lilysazz.com or you can go to www.facebook.com/lilysazzmusic

Crystal Shawanda

-Sing Pretty Blues-

Crystal Shawanda was born and raised on the Wikwemikong First Nation in Northern Ontario. Her love of music was instilled in her at a young age by both her parents (country music) and oldest brother (the blues). Her first excursion into music was in the country genre but Shawanda soon found herself limited in how country music restricted her powerful singing voice. She soon realized her sandpaper smooth voice was meant for her other love the blues. Her latest album titled Sing Pretty Blues went through a few starts and stops as her longtime manager/agent Rob Pattee passed away. The album is dedicated to him. Some of the fellow musicians helping out Shawanda on Sing Pretty Blues include longtime musical accomplise Dewayne Strobel, Steve Marriner, Zhaawande Strobel, Austin Stobel, Nioshi Jackson and Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Peter Keys. Highlights from Sing Pretty Blues include the harp howling heavy groove of “Preachin’ Blues”, the mid-tempo blues number “Stop Funkin’ Me Around” on which Shawanda lays down the law, the celebratory blues romp “Everything ‘Cept The Blues”, the funky title track “Sing Pretty Blues”, the pop gem and sixties girl group vibe of “If That’s All It Takes”, the melancholy slow blues number “Changes (For Snowflakes)”, the pulsating grinder “Honey Bee”, the Southern fried blues of “Too Far To Turn Around” and the acoustic blues number “Dirty (For JC)”. A couple of showcase songs round out the album with the achingly beautiful churchy blues ballad “Would You Know Me’ and the reflective “Don’t Let Me Be lonely”. For more information about Crystal Shawanda and her stellar new album Sing Pretty Blues visit www.crystalshawanda3.bandzoogle.com/home or you can go to www.facebook.com/crystalshawandaofficial

The Lewis & Klark Guitar Duo is a premier jazz‑influenced instrumental guitar act specializing in wedding and corporate event entertainment throughout Western New York. Known for their warm, melodic interplay and refined musicianship, they create an atmosphere that elevates any occasion—whether it’s an intimate wedding ceremony, an elegant cocktail hour, or a sophisticated corporate gathering. Their sound blends elements of jazz, Latin, pop, and contemporary acoustic styles, resulting in a musical experience that is both versatile and deeply engaging.

With an extensive repertoire that includes classic love songs, contemporary favorites, and a strong catalog of original compositions, Lewis & Klark tailor each performance to the unique mood and flow of the event. Their arrangements are thoughtful and expressive, often adding a fresh creative spin to familiar songs. Clients consistently praise their professionalism, musicality, and ability to read the room—qualities that make them a standout choice for live event entertainment. Reviews highlight their enchanting sound, seamless performance style, and the memorable ambiance they bring to every setting.

Beyond their live performances, the duo showcases a rich collection of original music that reflects their signature blend of genres and artistic chemistry. Their compositions range from smooth, lyrical pieces to lively Latin‑inspired tracks, demonstrating both technical skill and emotional depth. Whether performing covers or originals, Lewis & Klark deliver a polished, immersive musical experience that leaves a lasting impression on audiences and event hosts alike. Find out more at https://www.lewisandklark.com/