One of the most authentic bluesmen alive—Duck Hill, Mississippi's legendary blues recording artist Little Willie Farmer.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Willie_Farmer

One of the most culturally important bluesmen on earth today, Jimmy "Duck" Holmes is both a Grammy-nominated musician and a legendary juke joint owner. Born in 1947, his family opened the Blues Front Cafe in 1948. He was also featured on a U.S. Postal stamp representing Mississippi in 2017. Duck has been playing JJF for years, and we love him! You will, too.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_%22Duck%22_Holmes

Downtown Charlie Brown, a Chicagoland favorite, is a regular at landmarks like Buddy Guy’s Legends and The Desplaines Theater in Chicagoland. He performs at venues across the country, including Ground Zero in Clarksdale and Biloxi, Mississippi, on King Biscuit Time in Helena, Arkansas, Bluesberry Café in Clarksdale, and XCAl in Ashburn Verginia. You can see him at festivals across the United States. He was referred to as “Chicago’s Delta” by American Blues Scene and was also featured in Living Blues, and BG Blues and Music News Magazines. His band’s focus is Delta and Chicago Blues.

http://www.downtowncharliebrown.com

Gary Vincent and his talented better half Carol start out the evening with the amazing John Primer, Steve Bell and Stacy Mitchhart. Pittsburgh Post Gazette once wrote, "Gary Vincent throws a party every time he goes on stage." Morgan Freeman said, "Gary Vincent is a sensational showman, and a great songwriter." Charlie Musselwhite said, "Gary Vincent is a solid songwriter, musician and entertainer. His lyrics can make you bust out laughing or cause you to stop and reflect. He knows how to engage an audience and make them feel like he's personally singing right to them or laughing along with them."

https://www.garyvincentmusic.com/

The youngest guitar playing son of North Mississippi blues legend Junior Kimbrough keeps his father's "cotton patch soul blues" sounds alive at jukes, clubs and festivals throughout the South. Robert and his band are regulars at Juke Joint Festival, having played the annual event for years. Ask him about his latest CD.

https://robertkimbroughsr.com/

One of Mississippi's hidden treasures: a contemporary hill country bluesman, lifelong resident of Pontotoc, who has created his own distinctive version of the harp-blowing, guitar-grooving one-man band. Although he's long past the dues-paying stage, Bean has played with some of the most important bluesmen to come out of Mississippi in the past two decades.

http://www.hillcountryharmonica.com/terry_bean.html

Marshall Drew was born on January 11, 1984 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He took an interest in music at a young age, learning to play guitar at age five and beginning to write songs at eight. He played in several local bands during his teens, often performing blues music throughout the Mississippi Delta. Drew, however, cites classic rock-era singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young as his primary influences. He is also heavily influenced by highly melodic rock bands such as The Beatles and Big Star.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Drew

The most talked about young, traditional Mississippi bluesman today has to be the one and only guitarist/singer/harmonica player Harrell "Young Rell" Davenport!

https://youngrell.com/

Bear Ryan & The Delta Snakes transcend boundaries, blending elements of blues, country, americana, and rock n roll - evoking the raw, soulful essence of the swampy south. Made up of Clarksdale locals, the Delta Snakes feature heavy-hitters such as Guitar Frenchie, Ryan Robertson, and “BE” on drums. Bear Ryan draws her inspiration from the rich, diverse tapestry of Texas Country and Delta Blues - channeling these influences into her distinct brand of “low fence” rock n roll - as both a gifted singer and compelling songwriter. “The Snakes” will captivate and hypnotise an audience making their toes tap and heads nod.

https://www.bearryanmusic.com/

Blue Mother Tupelo is Ricky & Micol Davis. That's us. Micol is pronounced "Michael", by the way, & we've been making music together since before we were married, back in 1994. Rising up from the bluffs of Memphis to the mountains of east Tennessee, through the Delta lowlands and muddy banks of Mississippi - Blue Mother Tupelo oozes a kind of southern soul & roots rock that defies boundary or definition.

https://bluemothertupelo.com

Blues lady Eden Brent is a piano- pounding, juke-joint hollering powerhouse of American music. A legendary performer and southern songwriter, she spent the first two decades of her career under the tutelage of Abie “Boogaloo” Ames, before winning The International Blues Challenge and bouncing onto the global music scene. Since then she lands steady honors, with four Blues Music Awards and a lengthy list of lifetime accolades. Most recently, Brent won the Piano trophy at this year's Blues Music Awards following her latest album, Getaway Blues, her bluesiest album to date which earned a whopping eight blues nominations. family

https://www.edenbrent.com/

Dr. B is the piano player who runs the Clarksdale's cool, new listening room—The Blue Room—where he hosts a weekly Open Mic, film screenings and more. Plan now to attend his new Son House Tribute Festival from Thurs-Sat, 5/29-31, 2025!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565447039451&sk=photos

The Holy Moly is the American home of artists/musicians Adrian Kosky and Carla Maxwell. Adrian and Carla revitalised and created a home in a masonic temple building which is listed on the National Register of historic buildings and is located in the historic downtown blues precinct of Clarksdale, Mississippi. Their home has been an official Juke Joint Festival nighttime music venue since 2015.

https://theholymolyblog.blogspot.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQRlIhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFPd3U1Qk5aMlJWdWF2Z2Ryc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5M

Side Street Steppers... Regulars at Juke Joint Festival. Masters of vintage music: early 20th century blues, jazz, country, jug band, ragtime, and more.

https://www.facebook.com/SideStreetSteppers/

Following in the footsteps of her late mentor, Smilin’ Bob Lewis, Rachel carries the torch of southern heritage music with a spirit of exploration and authenticity. She considers all Blues, sound and ethos, a priceless legacy to preserve and pass on. Her trance-like sets are full of improv, and sometimes a tour through history via a plethora of unique instruments, including 1-3 stringed contraptions like her diddley-bo made from a stick and a dog bowl. "Primal and progressive, foreign and familiar, abrasively gritty and technically brilliant” as described by the Arkansas Times; See her as soon as you humanly can.

https://rachelammons.com/

Edna Nicole is a singer, songwriter, published author, and entrepreneur. She was born and raised in the Mississippi Delta and has a passion for uplifting others through service and music. Edna is a mother of three and the owner of Suga Mama’s Sweets, LLC..

https://www.instagram.com/edna.nicole.music/

The Stoop Down Rounders can vary in members but all share the love of Traditional Blies and the Delta. They are featured in the newest Robert Mugge’s documentary, DDEP ROOTS: The Music and Art of Bill Steber.

http://www.libbyrae.com

"THE LEGACY OF T- MODEL FORD AND THE BLUES!" Stud Ford is the grandson of Blues Legend T- Model Ford.

https://www.facebook.com/og.gentle.56

Deak Harp has been playing harmonica since he was 12 years old. His biggest early inspiration came when his brother introduced him to the music of James Cotton. Deak followed Cotton's band along the east coast for close to five years before Cotton offered Deak a job driving his van. For the next six years, Deak toured with the James Cotton blues band, eventually opening acts and playing along with "Superharp" himself.

http://www.deakharp.com

Lou Shields armed with his 1931 National Resonator and his 1930s archtop guitars captivates his audiences with his unique front porch style. A prolific songwriter, Lou performs original songs inspired by Country Blues, Delta Blues and American Roots. Lou is a must see.

https://www.loushieldsart.com

Guitarist/singer Oliver spends many a day and night sitting at the feet of Mississippi blues legends from Lil Joe Ayers to Jimmy "Duck" Holmes, learning the old way of the blues.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1433113467997103

North Mississippi Hill Country blues boogieman Lightnin' Malcolm (usually with his trusty sidekick Prayer Bailey on drums and second vocals) has been a fixture at juke joints like Red's Lounge (and yard parties like ol' RL Boyce used to throw) for years and years. He's also played on stage or in studio with everyone from Big George Brock and RL Boyce to Hubert Sumlin and CeDell Davis.

https://lightninmalcolm.com/home

The older sister of recording artist Paul "Wine" Jones, Miss Australia "Honey Bee" Jones is Mississippi's only 80-year-old guitar-playing, blues-singing woman currently playing the festival circuit. She learned guitar from her father, taught her brother to play, moved north for a career as a crane operator at a steel plant, before finally moving back to Mississippi to play blues in her retirement.

https://thedeltareview.com/black-history/australia-jones-honeybee-neal-a-powerful-new-female-voice-in-the-mississippi-blues/

Blues brothers Duwayne & Garry Burnside carry their legendary Mississippi Hill country blues father RL Burnside's music into the 21st Century!

https://www.facebook.com/duwayneburnsidemusic/

One of the most authentic bluesmen alive—Duck Hill, Mississippi's legendary blues recording artist Little Willie Farmer.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Willie_Farmer

Angel "Cash" Ocasio, Jr., a prominent figure in Macon's music scene, leads Cash's Juke Joint, a powerhouse band delivering soul-stirring music. Rooted in Blues, Sacred Steel, Soul, Funk, and Rock, their groovy fusion captivates audiences. Hailing from Macon, GA, the band, comprised of seasoned musicians, boasts a rich history playing diverse venues. Cash's Juke Joint has shared stages with icons like Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott and The Legendary Wailers, showcasing their raw and uncut sound. Known for getting straight to the nitty-gritty, experiencing the dynamic vibes of Cash's Juke Joint live is a must for music enthusiasts.

http://cashsjukejoint.com

"It ain't blues-rock. It's blues that rocks!" The trio of Reverend Peyton, his wife Breezy and their thumping drummer continue to tour the world from their little cabin in rural Indiana—making an annual appearance at Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale almost since the beginning!

https://bigdamnband.com/

Ghalia Volt is a force of nature who comes to Juke Joint Festival from New Orleans but originally hails from Belgium, where the blues bug bit early. After multiple visits to Mississippi and the American South in search of real-deal blues and roots musics, she moved here to join the scene. This year, she'll be featured as her amazing one-woman-blues-band. Be sure to ask about her latest CD and LP releases after her shows!

https://ghaliavolt.com

Lucious Spiller was born in St.Louis, MO. At an early age, he discovered that God had blessed him with a special gift. His dad gave him a guitar when he was four. Immediately he was a natural, he started out playing in church. Lucious has performed with countless well known musicians to include Bo Diddly, Larry “Totsy” Davis, Albert King, Eddie Clearwater, Robert Cray. He has been opening act for such artists as the legendary Ritchie Havens’ Bobby “Blue” Bland and the infamous Tower of Power, Zach Brown, and many others. His music is an energized mix of new blues and old school injected with a contemporary edge. His songs are brought to vivid life by his unlimited energy.

https://www.facebook.com/BlueSpiller/

The Delta String Band has been through many iterations. After forming in 2018 as a five-piece band performing a mixture of country and bluegrass. The group has seen members come and go, but the core has remained consistent. Long time friends Cody Ruth (bass/cello), and Charles Sullivan (Guitar) have been playing music together for over 20 years, generating a musical kinship that is hard to replicate. After years of relying on other members to navigate the melody lines, Cody switched from upright bass, to an American bass viol in 2023, and then to Cello in 2024. While it is in fact a cello he plays, the approach is more like that of a fiddle. Ruth’s 1954 Kay Cello is tuned a fifth higher than normal, making it essentially an octave violin. for much of 2025 Ruth and Sullivan have performed as a duo, but when the occasion arises for a third member they have been calling up Rob Anders to play clawhammer banjo. The groups latest release, “Mississippi Bass Fiddle”, is currently available on all streaming platforms.

https://youtube.com/@deltastringband?si=DwdFN7ZyeiIIvuFo

Watermelon Slim is multi-award-winning, genuine character of the blues, y'all! His songwriting, vocals, harmonica and slide guitar are all his own. And his new musical partner Heavy Drunk is just adding to the rootsy sound. Be sure to pick up their new CD or LP at the show!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4fpzPIsd14&list=RDEMCWmkNk7qxDMNOzqD4LhXKw&start_radio=1

Master blues guitar slinger Stacy Michhart will rock the stage with and eclectic group of "ringers" he's bringing to town. When he's not touring the world, he's killin' the blues in downtown Nashville. Stacy is the Real Deal. Mitchhart is inducted into the CANADA SOUTH BLUES SOCIETY MUSEUM HALL OF FAME! -He won the coveted ALBERT KING BEST GUITARIST AWARD in 2003 at the International Blues Competition. -He has multiple records that have charted in the TOP 10 of the Billboard Blues Charts, - stacy has retained a 29yr residency at the Famed BOURBON STREET BLUES AND BOOGIE BAR in Nashville TN (2001 KBA Blues Club of the Year) Collaborated with Bobby Rush, Kenny Neal, Charlie Musselwhite, Tom Hambridge, Gretchen Wilson, Lee Oskar and Gary Vincent in his recordings - played multiple festivals in the US, Canada and Europe.

http://Stacymitchhart.com

Guitarist, Jesse Cotton Stone, is a Colorado-Born, American Highway-Raised, Blues Man. He began teaching himself to play blues guitar by ear, starting at the age of 11. And he's been pickin' his guts out all over the U.S. since 1994. Jesse has toured from Colorado to the Bayous of Southern Louisiana several times and has performed multiple shows at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, AR., the Juke Joint Festival and Deep Blues Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi, not to mention Juke joints Road houses and other small venues throughout the region.

https://jessecottonstone.com/home

Oxford, Mississippi's Eric Deaton is a veteran of many blues bands and currently leads his own. He's played with a who's who of North Mississippi blues musicians since the 1990s.

https://ericdeatonmusic.com/

James “Super Chikan” Johnson grew up in the rural towns of the Mississippi Delta in a family of musicians including his uncle, "Big" Jack Johnson. He played in local clubs with his Uncle Jack’s band and went on to play bass and guitar for a number of Delta blues bandleaders, including Frank Frost, Ernest Roy, Sr., Sam Carr, and Wesley Jefferson. Johnson fuses the blues with a number of different musical styles, including country, funk, and rock. His lyrics also come from a unique perspective, providing both humorous and serious views of contemporary life in the Delta. He has also become a visual artist, building unique playable guitars from army gas cans, cigar boxes and other unusual objects.

http://www.arts.state.ms.us/folklife/artist.php?dirname=johnson_james

Bill Abel has been a staple of the Mississippi Delta blues and roots music scene for decades—performing with everyone from Honeyboy Edwards to Paul "Wine" Jones. His newest band — Bill Abel with The Electric Nothing — is all about the jam!

https://www.facebook.com/p/Bill-Abel-100031252723289/

“An exciting, emotional guitarist and a strong, evocative songwriter…One of modern blues’ greatest performers.” –Vintage Guitar “A legend of American blues music…An American music treasure…Ellis delivers a sermon on the power and glory of the blues.” – Premier Guitar “Powerful, spine-tingling guitar and gritty, soulful vocals.” –Relix According to Atlanta-based blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Tinsley Ellis, his new, first-ever solo acoustic album, Naked Truth, is both “a departure and an arrival.” Ellis has been recording and travelling the world for over four decades, delivering his feral, guitar-fueled, original electric blues-rock to ever-growing audiences at concert halls, festivals, and clubs. Naked Truth is steeped in the folk blues traditions of Muddy Waters, Skip James, Son House, Robert Johnson and even Leo Kottke. To the casual fan, this might seem to be a new direction, but for Ellis, it’s an extension of his music, as he taps into the raw essence of the blues. “This is a record I’ve always wanted to make, and one that my longtime fans have been asking for,” he says, noting he’s included an acoustic mini-set in his concert performances for years. In the last 12 months, Ellis has already performed over 100 solo shows, many as co-bills with his Alligator label-mate Marcia Ball. “I’m having so much fun playing these shows,” he says. Tinsley Ellis has been immersed in music his whole life. Born in Atlanta 1957 and raised in southern Florida, he acquired his first guitar at age seven, inspired by seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. He took to guitar instantly, developing and sharpening his skills as he grew up. Like many kids his age, Ellis discovered the blues through the back door of British Invasion bands like The Yardbirds, The Animals, Cream and The Rolling Stones as well as Southern rockers like The Allman Brothers. One afternoon after high school in 1972, he and a friend were listening to Al Kooper and Michael Bloomfield’s Super Session record when his friend’s older brother told them that, if they liked Super Session, they should go see B.B. King, who was in town that week. Tinsley saw that show from the very front row. As fate would have it, King broke a guitar string while playing, and after changing it without missing a beat, he handed the broken string to young Tinsley. And yes, Tinsley still has that string.

https://tinsleyellis.com/

KENNY BROWN IS AN AMERICAN BLUES SLIDE GUITARIST SKILLED IN THE NORTH MISSISSIPPI HILL COUNTRY BLUES STYLE. He began hearing Otha Turner, Napolean Strickland and others who played at picnics across the road from his home at 7 years old. Brown apprenticed with Mississippi Joe Callicott, who moved in next door to his home in Nesbit, Mississippi, from age 12 to 15, when Callicott died. Around 1971 Brown began playing with two other musicians. Johnny Woods would make an occasional playing partner until his death in 1990. More steady was Brown's learning with R. L. Burnside, who claimed Brown as his “adopted son,” In the early seventies they started to perform in their region, and would keep up as a duo for thirty years sometimes joined with Calvin Jackson on drums. Cedric Burnside joined their tours from about 1994, as Burnside's reputation surged in the 1990s and early 2000s. Brown first appeared abroad in Sweden in 1989.

https://www.kennybrownmusic.com/

MacLeod is known for his superb songwriting, guitar wizardry, warm soulful vocals, wit, and unforgettable live performances. At the heart of a Doug MacLeod performance is his knack for storytelling, bringing characters-from the faceless to the legendary-to strikingly real life. Doug is a multiple Blues Music Award winner, including the 2024 Blues Music Award for Acoustic Album Of The Year Raw Blues 1 and the 2023 the Blues Music Award for Acoustic Artist Of The Year.

https://www.doug-macleod.com

One of Clarksdale's finest musicians, Terry "Big T" Williams knows the blues. He came up under "Mr. Johnnie" Billington's watch before graduating to "Big Jack" Johnson's band, The Jelly Roll Kings, The Stone Gas Band and his own Big T & the Family band. A favorite of big clubs and juke joints alike, Big T is a man to watch on guitar. Pick up his CD "Hellhounds on My Trail" ... and watch for a new release on Broke & Hungry Records coming soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhNmLuk-AMU

A true blue legend of Chicago blues—who was born in Mississippi—John Primer has played with everyone who's anyone in the blues and taken home multiple awards. Don't miss his very special performances at Clarksdale's Juke Joint Festival! Also, be sure to buy his brand-new CD, "Grown in Mississippi."

https://www.johnprimerblues.com

The Blackwater Trio is an Americana, folk, roots and rock band based in Clarskdale, Mississippi. Its members are Seth Stroud (lead vocals, guitar), Walt Busby (lead guitar, vocals) and Alice Hasen (violin, vocals). With influences ranging from Led Zeppelin to gypsy jazz, their original music and artful covers captivate audiences all over the country.

https://www.blackwatertrio.com

Joe Austin & The Tallahatchies are a Mississippi-based country-rock band rooted in the storytelling traditions of the Delta and the red- dirt sounds of Texas and Oklahoma. Formed when longtime friends and songwriters Joe Austin and Brian Sherwood unexpectedly reunited in 2018, shortly after joined Wesley Graham on Bass guitar & Jon Harrison on drums & percussion. The group blends Austin’s powerful, plain-spoken vocals with rich guitar work and a deep love of classic songcraft. Drawing inspiration from artists like Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Marshall Tucker Band, JJ Cale and the 1970s Texas troubadour scene, the Tallahatchies deliver honest, roots-driven music with a modern edge. Their debut record 3711 showcases a band built on shared musical roots, lived experience, and a commitment to making the kind of music they truly believe in.

https://www.joeaustinandthetallahatchies.com/

Baptized in the fire water of Clarksdale, MS., Sean “Bad” Apple began his spiritual journey of learning the blues by seeking out the old blues musicians that were willing to share their years of knowledge. Sean is working hard to keep Hill Country Blues alive and well. People are always in for a good show and never leave disappointed when the Bad Apple is on the stage

http://seanbadapple.com

The most talked about young, traditional Mississippi bluesman today has to be the one and only guitarist/singer/harmonica player Harrell "Young Rell" Davenport!

https://youngrell.com/

CRUZ The Dame is a recording artist and songwriter celebrated for her genre-defying music that blends the essence of roots music with a fresh, contemporary sound. Raised in Watertown, Tennessee, her musical odyssey began in the local gospel choir, inspired by legendary figures like Aretha Franklin. From the age of four, CRUZ's dynamic voice and magnetic stage presence caught the attention of audiences and industry icons alike, including James Brown, who recognized her destined path in the spotlight.

http://cruzthedame.com

Miami Florida based blues band, fronted by Miami born artist Christopher Mullins. Embracing a roots blues tradition, “The Mojo Hands” perform all over Miami and the United States, playing Rockin’ Blues, Boogie, and Country Blues. See less