Main: Laurie Morvan Band Blues Foundation Award winner Laurie Morvan has built a career playing guitar-driven, rocking blues, with a back pocket full of well-warranted swagger, and songs that reflect true craftsmanship. In an era where fewer and fewer artists are truly aware of (and engage) their audience, she is a true entertainer; a musical ringmaster leading her devastatingly tight band through a myriad of twists and turns with a level of finesse and musical intuition that only comes from years of working together. Laurie and her band have toured extensively throughout the USA and Canada, with short stints in Mexico and Europe, lighting up the main stages of some of the industry’s most respected blues festivals, including King Biscuit Blues Festival, Calgary Bluesfest, Magic City Blues Fest, Budweiser Illinois Blues Festival, Thunder Bay Blues Festival, and many others.
Since bursting onto the national blues scene in 2008, Morvan's albums have all been critically praised, netting an array of awards and nominations, and her fiery stringwork has consistently brought acclaim from some of the world's top guitar magazines. Her latest CD, Gravity (recorded with Grammy and BMA Award winning producer/drummer Tony Braunagel), features 12 originals that shake, shimmy and sizzle with her signature playing and soulful, effervescent style. It's also her most successful release to-date, clocking nearly a year on the Top 50 Blues-Rock Radio Chart and making the 1st Round Grammy Ballot for Best Contemporary Blues Album, along with a nomination for Best Blues Album in the prestigious DownBeat Reader’s Poll.
Opening Band: Blues Defenders: Sonoma County, California, is known for its thriving blues scene, and the Blues Defenders are one band that has been making waves in the local music scene. Founded by Donny Mederos, this five-piece band consists of the talented musicians: Jeff Piche, Nick Otis, Bruce Gordon, Donny Mederos, and Ian Lamson, all of whom have a deep love of the blues and its history. They are influenced by both classic blues artists of the past and contemporary blues musicians who are keeping the genre alive today.
The Blues Defenders have a devoted following in Sonoma County and beyond, thanks to their energetic live performances and dedication to preserving the blues tradition. Their set list includes a mix of traditional blues songs as well as original compositions that pay homage to the genre while also adding their own unique spin. The Blues Defenders always deliver a powerful and memorable performance that leaves audiences wanting more, whether they’re playing a small club or a large festival.