Cincinnati Winter Blues Experience III

Philip Sayce - https://www.philipsayce.com/

Philip Sayce is a modern guitar hero whose sound fuses blistering electric blues, high-voltage rock, and soulful psychedelia into a style all his own. Born in Aberystwyth, raised in Toronto, and now based in Los Angeles, Sayce grew up immersed in a rich musical landscape shaped by artists like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jeff Healey. By his mid-teens, he was already a fixture in Toronto’s blues scene, performing regularly at legendary venues like Grossman’s Tavern and The Silver Dollar Room.

His breakthrough came when Jeff Healey invited him to join his band, launching an international touring career and contributing to multiple recordings, including Get Me Some. Sayce went on to tour and record with Uncle Kracker before joining Melissa Etheridge’s band from 2004–2009, performing on three studio albums, two live releases, and the Academy Award-winning song “I Need to Wake Up.”

Kara Grainger - http://www.karagrainger.net/

With sultry, mesmerizing vocals, engaging songwriting talent, and fiery slide guitar work, Kara Grainger boasts an impressive set of skills. This Australian singer, songwriter and guitarist may evoke comparisons to Bonnie Raitt, but she bears a style all her own, a relentlessly seductive, distinctly modern take on roots, blues and soul music. Her music career began in a small suburban town of Sydney Australia and since then has taken her on an incredible journey throughout the globe. Kara's truly unique sound will leave you uplifted, inspired and always wanting more.

Dudley Taft - https://www.dudleytaft.com

Dudley Taft grew up in the American Midwest, where he learned the values of friendship, roots blues, rock 'n' roll and a good ear of corn. With a background that includes Berklee College of Music as well as years touring with rock bands Sweet Water and Second Coming, Dudley is a thinking man’s blues rocker. There’s plenty of swagger here, but also the sensitivity of a thoughtful songwriter. In his music you’ll hear delta roots mingling with Seattle grunge, a southern twang with a high-octane crunch. Dudley was nominated “Best Guitarist” by the European Blues Awards in 2017.

Dudley’s music career began in high school when he founded the band Space Antelope with friend Trey Anastasio (of Phish). In the 1990’s he joined Seattle band Sweet Water, touring the states with Monster Magnet, Candlebox and Alice in Chains. After recording two albums for Atlantic, he left the band to join Second Coming. More touring followed with an album on Capitol Records and a taste of success thanks to the single “Vintage Eyes” which made it to #10 on the Rock Radio charts.

Taft has recorded and released a total of eight studio albums and one live CD, recorded on the European tours of 2014 and 2015. After Left for Dead in 2010 came Deep Deep Blue in 2012, Screaming In The Wind in 2014, Skin and Bones in 2015, Live In Europe in 2016, Summer Rain 2017, Simple Life in 2019, Cosmic Radio in 2020, Guitar Kingdom in 2023 and The Speed of Life in 2025. Dudley has had four #1 songs on the Hit Tracks Top 100 charts, a #2 Blues Rock single (Give Me A Song) and in June 2025, The Speed of Life reached 1# on the U.S. Blues Rock Albums chart and continues to hold a strong position within the Top 10.

Album after album, Dudley Taft’s music finds its way to an ever-growing audience, connecting with new listeners while keeping longtime fans engaged.

Tina Cossey Band - https://www.tinacosseyband.com/

Tina Cossey is a blues singer and songwriter born in California and raised in Arkansas, where the rich traditions of Delta blues and Southern soul shaped her powerful, emotionally resonant sound. Known for her smoky vocals, commanding stage presence, and heartfelt storytelling, she has earned recognition as a respected voice in both the regional and national blues community.

Since November 2022, Cossey has fronted a women-led blues band, highlighting strong female musicianship in a genre historically dominated by men. The band’s tight arrangements and dynamic performances have helped define her signature blend of classic blues grit and Southern soul while expanding her audience.

Her career highlights include sharing the stage with Grammy Award winners Eric Gales and Bobby Rush, as well as acclaimed guitarist Joanna Connor. She also headlined a festival at the former home of Johnny Cash, reflecting her deep connection to Arkansas’s musical heritage.

Beyond music, Tina Cossey is a passionate advocate for veterans, using her platform to amplify their voices and donating her time to support veteran-focused initiatives. Through her artistry and community involvement, she continues to honor both the traditions of the blues and the resilience of those who have served.

Scotty Bratcher & Danny Frazier - https://www.scottybratcher.com/ https://www.dannyfrazierband.com/

Scotty Bratcher, born October 31, 1987, began playing guitar at an age that it became second nature to him, he was 2. Scotty has played with and opened for names like Ted Nugent, Little Texas, Blue Oyster Cult, Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, Chris Duarte, Anthony Gomes, Foghat, Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie and Wayne Baker Brooks, Bob Margolin, Eddie "the Chief" Clearwater, Lonnie Mack, Walter Trout, .38 Special, Styx, Peter Frampton, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tinsley Ellis, Lou Graham of Foreigner, Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers Band, Delbert McClinton, Lee Roy Parnell, and many more. As of 2007 and since, Scotty also joined forces with Noah Hunt, lead singer for the Kenny Wayne Shepherd band, as the guitar player and 2nd vocalist of the group The 420 Allstars featuring Noah Hunt.

Danny Frazier was born the son of a Pentecostal preacher. Raised in Texas the family eventually moved to Ohio where Danny's father was born. Danny put his first band together in 1991 and landed the house gig at the River Saloon on Covington landing. He was discovered there and signed to Decca records where he recorded a critically acclaimed album with the band Frazier River. They had two pick hit videos on CMT and billboard radio play. Danny has continued as a full time musician and father of five beautiful children. He now resides in northern Kentucky.

Mandalyn and the Hunters - https://mandalynblues.com/

Mandalyn and the Hunter are a powerhouse blues-rock band, blending raw emotion, soulful vocals, and electrifying musicianship. Fronted by the dynamic Mandalyn, whose commanding voice and heartfelt delivery captivate audiences, the band creates an immersive sound rooted in blues tradition with a modern edge. With gritty guitar, a deep groove, and an unstoppable rhythm section, they bring an unforgettable energy to every performance. Whether on stage or in the studio, Mandalyn and the Hunters deliver music that resonates—timeless, passionate, and undeniably powerful.

CFG and the Family - https://www.facebook.com/CFGandtheFamily/

Based out of Hamilton, OH, CFG & The Family is a force to be reckoned with.

The band’s performance has been described as the following: “It’s like standing knee-deep in a Louisiana swamp in mid-August while drinking a top-shelf bourbon, and sharing a slice of pecan pie with Al Green. Hot, sweaty, warming your insides, satisfying that sweet with a little gospel.”

With influences deeply rooted in the blues, soul, funk, rock, and jazz genres, CFG & the Family aims to captivate with soul-shouting vocals, bluesy harmonica, slide guitar, and a solid and seasoned rhythm section. With a range of talent spanning several decades, these musicians are focused on delivering modern blues and soul music with a nod to the past.

Lady Joya Band - https://www.ladyjoyaband.com/

The Lady Joya Band is the latest project for Cincinnati favorite Lady Joya. Backed by Daria Dawn and five seasoned musicians, she delivers R&B favorites with the style and sizzle that took her to Memphis as the vocalist for The Juice, representing the Cincinnati Blues Society in the 2013 International Blues Challenge. Her exuberant stage presence and powerful, soulful voice continue to delight audiences with her interpretations of the great R&B tunes from the likes of Etta James, Nina Simone, Koko Taylor and many others. To see Lady Joya perform is to know that joy is not only part of her name, it’s who she is.

The Love Handles - https://www.facebook.com/CincyLoveHandles/

The Love Handles stretch the boundaries of the blues—from the smooth swing of Nat King Cole to the deep Chicago blues of Muddy Waters to the fiery blues rock of artists like Cream and Jimi Hendrix. The band features Aron Levin (The Heaters, Ben Levin Band), Marcos Sastre (The Blue Birds), Dan Rosenthal (Prestige Grease), and Mark MacComber (The Twirlers). This eclectic four-piece band makes its first appearance at the Cincinnati Winter Blues Experience.

Artist Lineup & Bios