PERFORMERS
Many amazing performers taking the stage at Michigan BluesFest!
Jeff Bladori
Blues Band
Greg Nagy
Twyla Birdsong
Blue Denim
John Németh
Ann Bell & Friends
Gavin McDonnell
Tom Duffield
Just Magnetic
Kathleen & the Bridge Street Band
Mandalyn & the Hunters
Big B & the Actual Proof
The Lynx Blues Band
Blue Avenue Delegates
Sassiety Trio
Sunny Bleau & The Moons
Generator
Clique Vocals
Tiny Island Blues Band
Frog & the Beeftones
School of Rock › Adult Band
School of Rock › Kids Band
WED 17 • KICK OFF CONCERT
› UrbanBeat Stage
6:00pm
Gavin McDonnell
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7:30pm
Tom Duffield & Friends
Tom Duffield’s piano work has been a staple of Michigan’s jazz and blues scene for decades. His repertoire includes unique interpretations of the standards as well as some fun surprises.​​
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THUR 18 • BENEFIT CONCERT FOR KIDZBEAT
› UrbanBeat Stage
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6:00pm
Clique Vocals
Dan Templin and Kelly Sandula-Gruner met as members of Singers on the Grand, and their similar approach to performing and a shared love of singing led to the formation of Clique in 2016. The duo will perform blues songs arranged in a unique style with tight harmonies. Their mesmerizing performances are a must-listen.
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7:30pm
Jeff Baldori Blues Band
Singer, guitarist, songwriter and pianist Jeff Baldori began his career studing classical, jazz, and boogie-woogie. He performed many times with Chuck Berry. Kickoff your BluesFest weekend with a spark from the Jeff Baldori Blues Band, including Mike Daniels, Mike Skory, and Mike Smalley.
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FRIDAY 19
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5:30pm | MICA Stage
School of Rock › Adult Band
School of Rock East Lansing’s Adult Band delivers a revolutionary music program to students from Lansing and surrounding communities. Hear fresh sounds from upcoming musicians. Catch them live to experience the magic firsthand.
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6:00pm | UrbanBeat Stage
Tiny Island Blues Band
This four-piece band has been playing their mix of blues, rock, and funk all over the state of Michigan for the past seven plus years, playing some original songs and covering some familiar tunes by the likes of Etta James and Albert King as well as some more obscure offerings that audiences have thoroughly enjoyed. The band hails from all over the state of Michigan from Detroit to Grand Rapids.
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6:30pm | North Stage
Kathleen and the Bridge Street Band
Kathleen & the Bridge St Band brings to the stage high-energy blues and soul covers as well as original blues rockers and sultry ballads. The Bridge St Band includes some of mid-Michigan’s finest musicians including Doug Fritch on guitar, Steve Dely on guitar, Mike Lynch on keyboard, Tim Brouhard on bass and harmonica, and drummer Eric Payne. If you love your blues with a shot of soul, you will love Kathleen & the Bridge St Band.
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7:30pm | UrbanBeat Stage
The Lynx Blues Band
The Lynx Band is a 5-piece powerhouse bringing you classic blues with a rockin’ edge! Get ready for gritty guitar riffs, smoky vocals, soulful harmonica, and nonstop energy that’ll have you grooving in your seat—or dancing on your feet. Blues never felt this alive!
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7:30pm | South Stage
Greg Nagy
Greg Nagy is a unique, soulful, compelling, and powerful performer whose records have garnered the praise of industry heavies and his live shows are not to be missed!
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8:30pm | North Stage
Mandalyn & the Hunters
With her 3rd Place finish at the 2024 International Blues Competition, Mandalyn has proven to be a tremendous force in the world of blues, enthralling listeners with her powerful storytelling and soul-stirring performances. Her songs remind us of the blues’ timeless capacity to touch our souls and mend our hearts, and they stand as a tribute to that power. Her new breakout single “WRECKED” is a sultry mix of powerhouse vocals, crying strats, and an overall seductive blues sound that will leave you breathless.
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9:30pm | South Stage
Blue Avenue Delegates
The Blue Avenue Delegates are a Lansing-based blues, funk, rock, and soul band with unmatched energy! Formed in 1980, they held down a legendary 15-year run at the Green Door and even opened for Ray Charles. With a lineup of top-tier musicians, every reunion is a rare and unforgettable celebration of pure musical talent.
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10:30pm | UrbanBeat Stage
AFTERGLOW • Frog and the Beeftones
One of Michigan’s favorite bands, Frog & the Beeftones, can be seen rocking mid-Michigan’s nightclub and concert stages every week. High energy, high musical proficiency and an off the gauge fun factor add up to a great time for both the band and their listeners. It’s a 100% all beef musical menu and the audience never leaves hungry.
The band will perform from 10:30pm-11:30pm, followed by a band-led jam session with other festival musicians until 1:00 am.
SATURDAY 20
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KIDZBEAT | South Stage
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1:30pm | Instrument Petting Zoo & Harmonica for Kids Children and adventurers of all ages can try their hand at stringed instruments, keyboard, hamonica and percussion in this playful experience with encouraging musicians, led by Roger Gentry and friends.​
2:30pm | Greater Lansing Ballet Company
Under the direction of JIm McEwan, Greater Lansing Ballet Company and Greater Lansing Academy of Dance perform classical and contemporary choreography that’s fun for the whole family. This performance includes an opportunity for children to join in one of the dances.​
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6:30pm | North Stage
School of Rock › Kids Band​
School of Rock East Lansing’s Kids Band delivers a revolutionary music program to students from Lansing and surrounding communities.
4:30pm | UrbanBeat Stage
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Clique Vocals
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6:30pm | South Stage
Big B & the Actual Proof
Big B and the Actual Proof are an inspired fusion of modern blues, film noir soundtracks, and psychedelic rock. 2021 Capital Area Blues Society Band Challenge Winners, their original music features dynamic arrangements fueled by powerful, emotional guitar clear, convincing vocals, wailing saxophone, jazzy, atmospheric keys and a rhythm section that booms, rattles and shakes.
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6:00pm | UrbanBeat Stage
Ann Bell​
Ann is a multi-talented musician and activist from Detroit who is regularly featured at UrbanBeat.
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6:30pm | North Stage
Generator​​​​
Generator is a seven piece band with music based on blues, funk, rock and soul. Their specialty is taking familiar songs and recreating them in a “Generator style”. Generator has a strong rhythm section, experienced soloists, along with vocalists who reflect various singing styles. With these combined components, Generator’s music truly resonates with various audiences. These members have honed their craft and look forward to entertaining at BluesFest.
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7:30pm | UrbanBeat Stage
Tom Duffield
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7:30pm | UrbanBeat Stage
Twyla Birdsong
Twyla’s rich, resonant voice strikes a balance between diva and divine, connecting her with audiences through the soul of her song and her presence on stage. The force that is Ms Birdsong, bears a striking resemblance to distinguishable female vocalists before her with the same synergy between self and song. Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James - women who fill your hearts with their voice.
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8:30pm | South Stage
Sunny Bleau & The Moons
Sunny Bleau and The Moons is a band from Oxford, Michigan, led by vocalist Sunny Bleau (Kelly Brock) and guitarist/ composer/ producer Nicholas Cocco. They perform jazz, blues, blues rock, traditional blues, and acoustic blues. Since 2021, they have released four full-length studio albums and multiple singles, receiving positive press and radio play. They perform over 60 shows per year across multiple states.
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9:30pm | South Stage
John Németh​
John Németh is an American electric blues and soul harmonicist, singer, and songwriter. He has received five Blues Music Awards for Soul Blues Male Artist, Soul Blues Album, Traditional Blues Album of the Year, Instrumentalist – Vocals and Instrumentalist – Harmonica. He has recorded ten albums since 2002, having also backed Junior Watson, Anson Funderburgh and Elvin Bishop. He has opened for Robert Cray, Keb’ Mo’, and Earl Thomas.
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10:30pm | UrbanBeat Stage
AFTERGLOW • Blue Denim
Get ready to move and sing along with this dynamic quartet! David, Jack, Jeff, and Eric bring the heat with killer grooves, smooth vocals, and feel-good vibes. Catch them this Saturday at the Afterglow inside UrbanBeat; where classics meet fresh beats and the dance floor never quits!
The band will perform from 10:30pm-11:30pm, followed by a band-led jam session with other festival musicians until 1:00 am.