Artist Lineup & Bios

Vanessa Collier - https://www.vanessacollier.com/

Singer/songwriter Vanessa Collier’s sixth album Do It My Own Way comes out September 13 via Phenix Fire Records. Recorded on analog gear with the musicians largely in one room, Do It My Own Way is sonically inspired by the classic Memphis soul sound of Stax and Hi Records, especially that of the Staples Singers.

Second single “Wild As a Rainstorm,” which dives deep into soul territory, powerfully gives advice to women and people who feel left out to ignore the naysayers and “Be a tapestry of dreams.” The track been added to Spotify’s official Retro Soul playlist. The groove and horns would make Willie Mitchell proud, and indeed features legendary Hi Records organist Rev. Charles Hodges. The vocals are powerful, awe-inspiring, and undeniably soulful vocals.

Talking about the album, Collier adds, “It’s a warmer and darker sounding a record, recorded intentionally to reflect a throwback to older school soul, R&B, blues, and to the days of great songs and songwriters, tube amps and analog gear.”

Do It My Own Way takes listeners back to the heyday of music with Memphis soul-influenced horn arrangements, layers of vocals for color, with poignant and powerful saxophone solos that deliver a quietly powerful undercurrent to each song and the album as a whole. Minor key Americana/noir “Take Me Back” served as the first single. The album kicks off with the funk workout “Elbow Grease.” On an album full of incredible grooves, “Shoulda Known Better” stands out while “Just One More” sways to a rhumba beat.

The gospel-tinged “Rosetta” pays tribute to one of Collier’s heroes, electric guitar pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Collier sings, “She’s carried the torch so I can see a little bit better… There’d be no Elvis or Chuck Berry. Sometimes the women do it best. She tackled all the inequities. And fought with strength and audacity.”

Kicking off on resonator guitar before the full band joins in, album closer “Warrior” paints the picture of a powerful woman and is both a universal message about the strength and experience of women and a tribute to Collier’s mother. The anthemic, slinky third single and title track artfully commenting on the sexism she’s encountered in life and in the music industry. Collier has encountered calls from members of the industry to dress in sexy clothes and to not rock the boat, but has successfully taken hold of her own career.

“The opening lines are a piercing statement of the overused, antiquated, and tired views within the industry. And the lyrics of the second verse demonstrate how the industry attempts to put and keep women ‘in their place’ by undermining them,” she recounts, continuing, “I find that most artists I admire - namely, Prince, James Brown, and Bonnie Raitt, went against the grain and did things that people hadn’t thought of before and that people hadn’t seen before, changing the industry as they went. This song is an assurance that I will continue to choose to fight quietly or publicly, if needed, to represent myself how I want to be represented in this industry and that I will not allow someone else to define who I am. It’s also a statement of hope that the industry is, can, and will continue to progress.”

Of “Wild as a Rainstorm,” Collier says, “’Wild As A Rainstorm’ is a love letter to the next generation -– particularly my little sisters – who feel out of place in the current world. I’m hoping that this song and my journey to recognize my own personal power might inspire another to choose to take their own path when repeatedly arriving at forks in the road.”

Collier takes on multiple roles, writing the songs, producing the album, arranging horns and all instrumental and vocal parts, playing acoustic and electric guitars and alto and tenor saxophones, flute, as well as singing the lead and background vocals. Also on the album are legendary Hi Records organ player Rev. Charles Hodges (Al Green, Bettye LaVette, Ann Peebles, Alex Chilton, Robert Cray); and frequent Collier collaborators Blues Music Award-winning guitarist Laura Chavez (Sue Foley, Mike Ledbetter & Monster Mike Welch); bassist Scott Sutherland (Elvin Bishop); and Byron Cage (Otis Taylor).

The songwriter/bandleader made her Chicago Blues Festival debut this year, in front of tens of thousands. Best known in the blues world – she’s a twelve-time Blues Music Award nominee and four-time winner, including for the monumental Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year, Horn Player of the Year, and B.B. King Entertainer of the Year this year – Do It My Own Way finds her influenced by soul artists like Mavis Staples, Sharon Jones, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin.

Blues Blast Mag said, “Vanessa is an important part of the future of the blues.” Born in Texas, growing up in Maryland, launching her career in Philadelphia, and now residing in South Carolina, Collier grew up listening to an eclectic variety of music. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, she joined blues legend Joe Louis Walker’s band, going solo at his urging, and has become a notable artist “whose rise to the top is nothing short of meteoric” (Making a Scene). She has opened concerts for Blues Traveler. Her prior studio album, Heart On The Line, spent nine weeks in the Billboard Blues Album Chart top 15.

Mathias Lattin Band - https://www.mathiaslattin.com/

Mathias Lattin won the 2023 International Blues Challenge and Best Guitarist at the tender of 20-years old; conceivably making him the youngest to win both.

The grandson of NBA Hall of Famer, David “Big Daddy” Lattin, he displays his talent on the stage not the basketball court. He is a 2020 graduate of Houston’s acclaimed Kinder High School of Performing and Visual Arts. He began his foray into the Houston Blues scene when he was 12 years old. Jonn Del Toro Richardson invited him to attend the weekly Blues jam he hosted at The Big Easy. He garnered national attention when he joined the Keeshea Pratt Band (IBC 2018) in 2020. After touring with the Keeshea Pratt Band and joining Brazilian Bluesman Cris Crochemore for the 2022 IBC, Mathias decided to take a shot at the IBC as front man.

UP NEXT is the debut release of the emerging Texas musician. He wrote and produced the project which displays some of Lattin’s musical influences. The wealth and breadth of great music/musicians in the Houston music scene had a major impact on the 21-year-old Lattin. UP NEXT is proof that the music is alive and in capable hands.

Tony Holiday - https://tonyholidaymusic.com/

Tony Holiday is a multi-talented, award winning musician and entertainer hailing from Memphis, Tennessee.

Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Tony moved to Memphis in 2017 and has attached himself to the North Mississippi style of music. Tony infuses his traditional roots into a melting pot of different styles which covers multiple genres of music.

Tony’s drive and his incredible talent on the harmonica has earned the soulful singer opening spots with people from many genres including Willie Nelson, BB King, Steve Miller Band, Jason Isbell, Blind Boys of Alabama, and Charlie Musselwhite to mention just a few. Tony has also performed with legends such as Bobby Rush, John Nemeth, Guitar Shorty, Samantha Fish, Victor Wainwright and Southern Avenue.

Touring nationally and internationally, Tony is a family man and an entertainer who loves connecting with people and above all, bringing people together. The Memphis Flyer described Tony’s show as “Electric Hill Country, three part harmonies, and a heap of Memphis Lightning that is flat out ENTERTAINING!!”

Tony has released 3 critically acclaimed records on Vizztone and Nola Blue Records, (Nominated for 2 Blues Blast Awards) and 2 volumes of his Porch Sessions, as well as an EP called “Soul Service” produced by Ori Naftaly of Southern Avenue at the legendary Zebra Ranch recording studio in Coldwater, Mississippi. Tony is currently signed with the renowned Forty Below Records.

Melissa McKinney - https://melissamckinneymusic.com/

Melissa McKinney is a powerful vocalist and lyricist who writes songs about the trauma and pain that every person inevitably experiences in their lives. She sings these songs as a cry for hope, healing and inspiration to others. This intergenerational project is inspired by Blues & Roots music. They hope to spread joy and ignite healing through music and to make a positive impact on others.

Since reaching the finals at the 2024 International Blues Challenge Melissa's musical mission could not be more vivid.

Gina & Johnny Band - https://www.johnnyfink.com/ginaandjohnny

Formed in 2022, The Gina and Johnny Band is a very powerful combination of Cincinnati’s best blues musicians. Fronted by Gina McCann, with stage presence and vocal prowess second to none. Gina's singing started in church as a child, and she has fronted many of Cincinnati's best blues bands.

Johnny Fink provides both soulful guitar work and powerful vocals. Johnny (the most winning artist in the history of the Cincy Blues challenge) led his band, Johnny Fink & the Intrusion, to the finals of the International Blues Challenge in 2017, has been in the Top 25 of Living Blues radio charts and the Gina & Johnny band will be representing Cincinnati at the IBC in January of 2025.

The rhythm section is composed of veteran drummer Roger Bates, and local legend Mike Grosser on bass. This band is a "must see" that will knock your socks off and also melt your heart.

CFG & 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.

IBC finalists in 2024 this is a must see act!

Noé Socha Band - https://www.noemusic.net/

Noé Socha is a Brooklyn-based guitar and harmonica player originally from the small town of Carpi, Italy. He is influenced by folk artists such as Bob Dylan and Neil Young, Delta blues musicians such as Mississippi John Hurt, Muddy Waters, and Lightnin’ Hopkins, with a hint of Hendrix-esque flavor. Noé has created his own signature sound, pairing fiery guitar technique with virtuosic harmonica playing.

Noé has toured, performed, and recorded with artists such as Nona Hendrix (Labelle), Vernon Reid (Living Color), and GRAMMY Award-Winners, Javier Limón and Paula Cole. He was recently featured on Kelli Baker’s 2024 winter blues tour, including performing at the 2024 Winter Blues Experience in Cincinnati, OH. Noé continues to perform in New York City at many music venues. He also teaches with The Blues and Beyond project.

In 2017, he released the album, Blues and the World Beyond, which he recorded as one half of Likho Duo with Cliff Schmitt. In 2018 Noé was featured along side SZA and other artists as a part of Mastercard's Start Something Priceless campaign. His work was highlighted on the iHeartRADIO podcast, Sleepwalkers, as well as Reddit, for his yearlong project entitled ''The Everyday Project'' on his Youtube channel called Blind Selfie. He was interviewed for CBS New York in a story called, ''Blind in the Pandemic."

He is one third of the surf rock group known as The New York Gremmies with band mates Josh Davis and Quinn Murphy. They released their first studio album entitled, ''Introducing...The New York Gremmies."

His latest project is “Simplebluesboy,” a new album with many original songs and featuring contributions from world class musicians: Tony Braunagel, Sean Hurley, Jay Bellarose, David Levita, Lenny Castro, Jon Cleary, Paul Brown, and Adam Levy.

Noé is a brand ambassador for several major brands including Breedlove Guitars, D’Angelico Guitars, Gibson Guitars, Bootlegger Guitar, Seydel harmonicas, Supro amplifiers, and Pigtronix guitar pedals.

Meg Williams & Travis Bowlin Band - https://megwilliamsmusic.com/meg-and-travis

Nashville-based artists, Meg Williams and Travis Bowlin, join forces to deliver their in demand rock/blues show to audiences nationwide. With Meg’s passionate guitar solos and Travis’ powerful vocals, the partners in life & music combine their love of classic rock & blues/roots music for every show.

Meg & Travis perform weekly at Nashville’s blues club, Bourbon St Blues and Boogie Bar. They also have been featured at festivals and notable venues across the country, including: the Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival (FL), Rochester Lilac Festival (NY), the Grand Ole Opry House for the Josie Music Awards (Nashville, TN), ‘Nashville Nights’ Music Festival at the Babcock Ranch (FL), the 2022 Cincinnati Guitar Festival (OH), the 2023 Huntsville Cigar Box Guitar Festival (AL), the 2018 Venice Blues Festival (FL), and Travis’ inaugural Blue Ridge, GA ‘2022 Cigar Box Guitar and Artisans Festival’ (GA), that he curated, organized, and promoted. Travis won the 2023 & 2022 Josie Music Award for Blues Artist of the Year, as well as Huntsville’s Vocalist of the Year 2022. Meg was the winner of the 2018 Kentucky Blues Challenge and was selected as the Women in Blues Showcase house band director & guitarist for 3 years (2019, 2020, and 2022) during the International Blues Challenge (Memphis, TN). Meg also had her song ‘Blowin’ Smoke' selected as Southern Rock/Country Rock song of the year with the Josie Music Awards. Travis and Meg just had their song ‘Talk To Your Man' selected as a semi-finalist for the International Songwriting Competition (ISC).