Antoinette Montague hails from the Great City of Newark, is loved and highly respected as a great crowd-pleasing Jazz, Blues, and more performer. Antoinette is an international entertainer, educator, producer and promoter of events. She hosts a Saturday morning Jazz radio talk show on WHCR 90.3fm celebrating multi-generational Jazz artists and legends!

B started out copping Hendrix and Clapton licks. After winning a pair of tickets to see Muddy Waters in 1982 he became immersed in Blues. While attending the University of Wisconsin, Madison, he was brought on as a member of the house band of the legendary and long-running “Tate’s Blues Jam.” Now B has taken a new turn; choosing to focus on studying jazz guitar and vocals in an endless quest to round out, break new ground and challenge himself, band members and audiences to experience something a little different.

Whether Billy Hector is teasing you with his sultry slidework, picking through delta blues or flat-out cranking it up and crunching out the electric blues/rock on his beloved vintage Fender Stratocaster, his music reflects the true soul and origins ofthe blues; always passionate, engaging and dedicated to making the audience move and sweat. Having honed his chops and style through three decades of performances, Hector is critically recognized as one of the hottest and most interesting guitarist/songwriters on the original circuit and has even been called “A New Jersey state treasure” by music writers.

“New York Blues” can be described like the global phenomenon that it is: edgy, honest and one-of-a-kind. From Lionel Hampton to Ruth Brown …from Michael Hill to King Solomon Hicks. Blues People is a NY/NJ blues band featuring...Kelton Cooper (vocals/guitar), Mike Griot (bass), Ron Thompson (keys) and Gene Lake (drums). Early comparisons to the Meters, Luther Allison, Keb Mo' and Buddy Guy are starting to roll in! Having released two promotional singles in 2022, the band is busy in the studio finishing up their much-anticipated 2023 debut album "Troubled Times". These seasoned veterans have certainly paid their dues; as individual side men, they have supported a who’s-who of touring “A-listers”, including Sue Foley, Josh Smith, Kool & the Gang, Ruf’s Blues Caravan and Michael Hill’s Blues Mob… just to name a few. Blues People musically explores the effects of the blues on modern American culture on many universal levels... and is a modern chronicle of four "real-life blues brothers" living in THIS time in America... while surviving the NY/NJ-Metro urban landscape.

There is only one way to play the blues: From the heart with ferocity as if your life depends on it. Singer, songwriter and guitarist Bob Lanza from the wilds of north New Jersey leaves no doubt as to motivation with the four scorching releases following his debut Things Ain’t So Bad. Years with Floyd Phillips and the Mudflaps and backing legends like James Cotton prepared his audition as a new blues guitar hero.

Brad Vickers learned on the job playing, touring, and recording with America’s blues and roots masters: Jimmy Rogers, Hubert Sumlin, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Odetta, Sleepy LaBeef, Rosco Gordon, and Pinetop Perkins—with whom Brad had the good fortune to play on the Grammy-nominated discs, “Born in the Delta” (Telarc) and “Ladies’ Man” (MC)—to name just a few. Now his own group, The Vestapolitans, offers a good-time mix of originals and covers spanning blues, ragtime, hill country breakdowns, and more great American roots ’n’ roll.

Cee Songbird and the Sound Travelers are a group of experienced musicians with a mission. The mission is to present real R&B and blues as it should be...with integrity, knowledge and soul. All of the members of the band have played in a variety of different bands and other genres,. This project is the culmination of our experiences and the realization that there is something missing from the live music scene that people want to hear. The Sound Travelers reflects our dedication to the stay true to the roots of real R&B/blues and to play that music with honesty and soul.

Charlie and his band Iron City are world renowned for keeping the grooving, blues-drenched legacy alive! Charlie Apicella was voted onto the 84th and 86th DownBeat Readers Poll for Guitar. The musical DNA of Charlie’s sound is blues and they have teamed up with the soulful Madame Pat Tandy, the First Lady of New Jersey Jazz to deliver dynamic performances around the NYC area and beyond.

Veterans of the Tri-state Blues scene, Bob Lanza and Al Gold join forces in a new group they call, “Cold In Hand”. Both are singers, songwriters, guitarists and recording artists with their own sound, vision and inspiration. Playing from NYC, NJ to Texas, New Orleans and back again, their energetic up tempo style connects with any age audience. Come check out “Cold in Hand” to see for yourself.

Solo or Sideman, Everyone Knows Dave Is King of the Keys. Native New Yorker, keyboardist, singer and songwriter, Dave is a 30 year veteran of the Blues and American Roots music scenes. Dave’s music finds its roots in deep blues, soul and rock and roll. These roots are the foundation of his recent albums and vibrant live shows. His well-received previous albums are rambunctious sets of mostly original material that range from New Orleans second line funk to slow sensual blues, swaggering shuffles and boisterous rocking boogie woogie.

“Imagine you're preparing a list of today’s top female blues/rock guitarists. If you don’t include Debra Devi, your list is not complete," says American Blues Scene. Devi plays "dreamy blues-rockers and blistering jams" (Relix) flavored with her soulful voice and expressive guitar playing. She's opened for Ana Popovic, Joe Louis Walker, Joan Osborne, Jesse Malin and Marshall Crenshaw, and has performed with Kate Pierson (B-52s) and Cindy Cashdollar. Devi's popular blues glossary The Language of the Blues: From Alcorub to Zuzu (foreword by Dr. John) won the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for outstanding book on music.

Standing before one of America’s truest art forms with an unconditional passion to give the Blues everything she’s got. Eliza Neals, a Detroit born blues-rock star on the rise, honors the gut-wrenching, soul splitting intent the American roots of contemporary blues represents with inspired songwriting, live performances, and magic not seen in years…

It's all about SOUL, and Gypsy Eyes' singular mission is to bring it to every man, woman and child that comes out to see their live show. Gypsy Eyes is one of northern New Jersey's premier Rock/Soul/Blues band. They are fronted by the dynamic Kate Ryan on smoky, gritty vocals, Jonathan Purisima on blues drenched lead guitar, Rich Petersen on the steady grooving bass, and the greasy funk of Damian Dimeo's slinky drums. Greater than the sum of their parts, Gypsy Eyes recalls the bygone era of real music, played by real musicians. They pull from all of their influences such as Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Prince, Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Since their formation in 2010, every stage, bar, club, house party and juke joint they've played have all been left in complete and utter rubble. Their shows are the perfect mix of hip shaking soul, down home blues and a thundering rock as they switch seamlessly between various styles as one cohesive unit. And as they cover a wide musical ground with their thrilling live shows and their top shelf musicianship one thing remains. It is it their mantra. It is their calling. It is their mission statement: It's all about SOUL.

Started his career in San Juan, PR playing school auditoriums and house parties at the age of 11. By 1972 he was a seasoned guitarist performing at naval bases and rock clubs. He has shared the stage with Johnny Winter, John Mayall, Koko Taylor, Pat Travers, Santana, Etta James, and many others. Joe’s style is very unique and complex incorporating delta blues with Caribbean rhythms, Chicago blues and a twist of country travel picking style.

Johnny Charles' guitar influences are vast...from early Yardbirds to Roy Buchanan to the jazz style of Harry Leahey. He’s a W.C. Handy/Blues Foundation regional award winner and has shared the stage with blues greats such as B.B. King, Roy Buchanan, Jimmy Vaughan, John Mayall, Johnny Copeland, Hubert Sumlin, and Ronnie Earl. Each night the band delivers blues, blues rock, soul, and funk - both cover tunes and originals.

A New Jersey based blues-influenced band with a rock solid drive featuring Emilio Ramil on drums and John Dee on Bass. Jack Pic's blistering leads and guitar work combined with Wayne Kessler's tasteful rhythm guitar and unsurpassed ripping harmonica leads complete the band and it's sound. All four take turns on the mic for a rich vocal presence. Original compositions blend seamlessly with crafted covers of rock, blues & R&B influences.

Expect the unexpected when considering the blues-based music of Paul Plumeri also known as "The Bishop of The Blues". Widely recognized as a world class blues guitarist, he has performed throughout the country and has gained many fans. Learning from the masters of the blues guitar with over 50 years experience as a pro, he's forged a truly unique guitar style.

Regina grew up in a musical family in Brooklyn, New York. She began playing piano at five years old. Regina then learned to play guitar on the Martin guitar given to her by her father for her sixteenth birthday, shortly before he passed away. Regina began writing songs when she hit the teenage years, inspired by blues and soul singers of the 60's and 70's. Regina has two children, which she raised as a single mother. Life and love gave her good reason to sing the blues. Regina has shared the stage with the Temptations, Blues Traveler and Bobby Rush, to name but a few. Regina Bonelli's band delivers an authentic, gritty blues and soul sound.

The band is Roadside Louie on vocals/harp, Mike D'Agati (guitar/vocals), TJ Walker (piano/vocals), Bill Stuve (bass/vocals), and Lester K (drums/vocals).

Seth performs as a solo act and with his own trio in many clubs, restaurants, concerts, hotels, senior centers, nursing homes, hospitals, casinos, etc. as well as working with many other bands and artists. He’s performed with many established artists and groups such as Buddy Guy, Carey Bell, Big Jack Johnson, Pinetop Perkins, Little Mike & The Tornados, Jimmy Dawkins, Shemekia Copeland, and many others.

Silk City Recording Artist Son Lewis has been an active figure on the NJ Blues scene since the early 1970's. He has worked in performance as a solo artist and with The Son Lewis Band and (recently) The Fabulous Rhythm Aces now for nearly 50 years. His music has been featured on TV in NCIS and in both major studio and independent films, as well as world-wide Blues Radio and Podcasts. Son has proven to be a faithful and loving interpreter of classic Blues and traditional Americana music in live performance, TV, radio, and on recordings.

Each member of the Summit Street Blues Band has an average of 34 years of music experience. Driven by the love of the blues rock sounds of the 1960’s and 1970’s from Jimi to Stevie to ZZ Top. Sprinkled in between are originals from Donnie Ray Flatt - lead guitarist and vocalist. The band is rounded out by bassist and vocalist Anthony Paolini, Jim Minadeo on keyboards, and Brian Cummings on drums.

Formerly known as BC & The Blues Crew, The BC Combo has been performing since the early 90s at festivals, concerts and events throughout the Northeastern U.S. The band reels you in with their signature style, wit and humor; recognized by audiences across the region and abroad. New Orleans native, Bev Conklin (BC), has an extraordinary compassion and grace that compliments her broad range of vocal styles and effortless power in voice. Wayne Smith on guitar and vocals, is the band leader, producer and arranger on all their material, insuring a new show experience with his influences from his icons. Chicago/Detroit native, Joe Mac... pours the tone and grooves on guitar. Retired fireman, Glenn Spadone puts his vibe on drums. And returning this year on bass and vocals, Nick Roberti. …”It’s all about having fun!”

The Fabulous Rhythm Aces are a Blues, Jump, Swing and Rock & Roll band based in NJ & NY Hudson Valley

The FrostKings are an R&B, swing and blues band originating from the North Jersey area. Familiar to music fans in Northern and Central Jersey, and Southern New York State, the FrostKings have played many festivals and venues over the last few years. All the band members have been playing for years and have blended their diverse musical styles and backgrounds to form one tight-knit band. Equally at home playing
swinging shuffles, slow blues or full-tilt boogies, their repertoire ranges from the West Coast swing stylings of Louis Jordan and T-Bone Walker, to the classic blues of Little Walter, B.B. King, Slim Harpo and Muddy Waters, to the R&B of Wilson Pickett and Herbie Hancock. If you're not already a swing-blues fan, you will be after hearing the Icey-Cold tones of the FrostKings!

"A delicious medley of authentic New Orleans Jazz with a side of Creole." The Gumbas play music that will make you happy and want to jump for joy and get their influences from the city that started it all in American music, New Orleans. The Gumbo Gumbas blend the elements of jazz, zydeco, R&B, funk, and rock into a big old fashioned southern stew. The band consists of Joe Grillo/Saxes and Lead vocals; Steve Rice Accordion/vocals; Steve Schupsky drums/vocals; David Anthony, drums/percussion; Lars Wendt, Trombone; Vinny Borselli, Trumpet; Steph Munter, Bari sax and Clarinet; and Greg Novick Bass. The band released their first album “Back to NOLA” in 2020.

This northern New Jersey piano & guitar driven band features Gerry Gladston(vocals/piano), Don Leich (vocals/guitar), Larry Ghiorsi (vocals/bass), and Chris Reardon (vocals/drums). They specialize in blues, New Orleans R&B, rockabilly, old school rock n' roll, and jump blues. Check out their 2019 album release "Go Cat Go," heard on blues and roots radio stations across the U.S. and in Europe.

The New Watchdog Blues Band is a band from Northern New Jersey. Formed in 2016, our repertoire includes interpretations of classic R&B, Blues, Funk, Soul, Jump and Swing. The evolution of the band was a natural progression for us, as all of the members have ties to the New Jersey Blues scene. For more info, go to: https://www.reverbnation.com/thenewwatchdogbluesband8

The Outcrops were named "NJ Band of the Year" ('The Aquarian, 2022) for "three reasons: a work ethic that makes them one of the Dirty Jerz’s hardest-working bands... guitar-playing that fuses the sounds of Duane Allman and Jerry Garcia, and a refreshing fusion of roots, soul, blues, funk, and psychedelic rock that sounds wholly new while comfortably familiar." Cassidy Rain & Bryan Schroeder (who formed the band in 2016) pride themselves on playing music with heart, often choosing B-side tunes to put their own spin on. They have dug their roots into the music of rock'n'roll, blues, jazz, funk, folk, and soul legends. Within their show, they may pay homage to bands such as the Grateful Dead & the Band, or artists such as BB King & Aretha Franklin. Their original music stems from that same soulful soil, ranging from gritty blues to upbeat Americana.

The Powertones are a crowd-pleasin’, jump swingin’, roots rockin’ band from Central Jersey. Their motto is simple: “If the audience is having fun, we’re doing it right!” They stand out from the crowd with their authentic sounds of an era when big cars ruled, Drive-in theatres were hot and Rock & Roll was young. The band features Gladys Bryant (bass & vocals) & Mike Post (guitar & vocals) and performs as a duo, trio, or a full band.

Robert Hill has won awards for his slide guitar work and his songwriting. He has shared the stage with Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Debbie Davies, Kim Simmonds, Rory Block and Chris Smithers, to name a few. The five piece Robert Hill Band includes guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and two stellar vocalists, Joanne Lediger and Paulina Hill. They have performed at major blues festivals throughout the U.S., and toured Spain twice. Stellar guitar work and outstanding vocalists - these guys are pros, the real deal!

Blues, Soul, and Rock & Roll band based out of Northern New Jersey. In 2019, Trevor finished recording his debut album "Everyday Angel" at Sonic Boom Studios with Anthony Krizan, Spin Doctors, Lenny Kravitz, and Noel Redding. A compilation of original blues, soul, and rock & roll tunes, the album guests include Bobby Whitlock, Coco Caramel, John Ginty of The Alman Betts Band, Anthony Krizan and Bob Lanza. It was met with critical acclaim and notched “The Best of 2019” sitting in at #24 on Roots Music Report.