Bluesfest 2026 Performers
Clique Vocals
Dan Templin and Kelly Sandula-Gruner will perform a variety of blues songs arranged in a unique style with tight harmonies.
FRI, Sept 18 • 5:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
SAT, Sept 19 • 5:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
Sassiety
A dynamic three-piece band featuring lead guitarist Nick Pigeon, seasoned percussionist Renee Rose, and multi-bassist David “Wink” Winkelstern. Wink has performed with a variety of local and touring bands and is known for his flashy outfits and showmanship, while all three members deliver potent lead and harmony vocals.
SAT, Sept 19 • 3:00pm
Fish Ladder Stage
517 Funktet
517 Funktet, winners of the Capitol Area Blues Society Battle of the Bands, will represent the Capitol region at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, this January, bringing their soulful blend of funk, blues, jazz, and groove to the world stage.
SAT, Sept 19 • 5:00pm
Fish Ladder Stage
Carl Caballero & The Wreckage
Carl Caballero & The Wreckage are a Detroit-area blues-rock ensemble led by harmonica sensation Carl Caballero, whose high-energy sound has earned appearances on WDIV and CBS Detroit and openings for blues artists including Albert Cummings, Chris Duarte, and Popa Chubby.
SAT, Sept 19 • 8:30pm
MICA Stage
Stan Craig Band
Led by Mid-Michigan slide guitar legend Stan Budzynski, the band brings more than 25 years of blues tradition to the stage, backed by two CABS Blues Brawl wins and three trips representing Mid-Michigan at the International Blues Challenge. WIth bassist Ron Bretz, keyboardist Andy Callis, and drummer Jeff Lewis, the group delivers a high-energy blend of Delta, Chicago, and Southern blues.
SAT, Sept 19 • 6:00pm
MICA Stage
Nicky T & The Snake Charmers
Detroit blues guitarist Nicky T, a longtime member of
The Alligators and collaborator with Ronnie Earl, contributed to five of Earl’s recordings before founding Nicky T & The Snake Charmers, blending the traditions of B.B. King and Magic Sam with his own seasoned sound.
SAT, Sept 19 • 7:00pm
Fish Ladder Stage
Grady Hall & The Disciples of Funk
Grady Hall & the Disciples of Funk fuse deep blues roots with the grooves of funk, R&B, and Latin music, creating a distinctive sound anchored in the blues and backed by their 2018 Capitol Area Blues Brawl Viewer’s Choice Award.
SAT, Sept 19 • 4:00pm
MICA Stage
DJ McCoy
Lansing’s DJ McCoy brings years of experience behind the decks and drums, known for his work with the Scratch Pilots and a deep connection to the region’s funk, soul, rock, and blues scene.
FRI and SAT
plays between sets
MICA Stage
Generator Blues Band
This high-energy six-piece blues band features vocalists Regina Bynum and Judy Franklin, with Michael “Bones” Franklin on drums, Eric Hamilton on bass, Dan O’Malley on lead guitar, and Roger Little on keys, delivering hard-driving and classic blues that keeps audiences moving.
FRI, Sept 18 • 10:30pm
MICA Stage
AFTERGLOW
The OtherBand
A preview of The Longest Jam with a nonstop jam session led by The OtherBand. Walk-on musicians welcome. The band includes Jeff Boog, Denny Preston, Terry Terry, Jack Bergeron, Grant Guimond, Sarah Wallace, Carlton Evans, Ammy Amorette, Dave Ludington and others.
SAT, Sept 19 • 10:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
Big L & Code Blü
BIG L & Code Blü, a CABS winner, will be playing blues seasoned with funk and pop and lush vocal harmonies and a rhythm section as tight as the grooves you know and love. This band from South Central Michigan isn’t one you want to miss.
FRI, Sept 18 • 8:30pm
MICA Stage
Dave Mingus
Lansing well-loved guitarist Dave Mingus is a longtime fixture of the Mid-Michigan music scene, bringing years of experience and a deep feel for blues, soul, and groove to stages throughout the region, playing weekly performances at UrbanBeat,
FRI, Sept 18 • 7:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
SAT, Sept 19 • 3:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
Lady Champagne
& The Blues Connection Band
Lady Champagne is a Detroit blues veteran with more than 30 years on stage, an acclaimed vocalist who has shared the spotlight with legends including B.B. King, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Koko Taylor, and Martha Reeves, earned a Detroit Blues Hall of Fame induction, and won the Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Blues Artist.
FRI, Sept 18 • 6:00pm
MICA Stage
Afterglow
SAT, Sept 19 • 10:30p
UrbanBeat
Brotha Earth
Brotha Earth is a five piece band featuring three former touring members of the legendary Motown band Rare Earth. With the release of their new album “Game Changer” the band is looking forward to bringing their high energy show Michigan’s BluesFest.
FRI, Sept 18 • 7:00pm
Fish Ladder Stage
Tom Duffield
Tom Duffield’s piano work has been a fixture of the blues scene for decades, bringing a deep repertoire of standards and unexpected selections to festivals and stages across Michigan with a style that is both seasoned and full of surprises.
SAT, Sept 19 • 7:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
THUR, Sept 17 • 7:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
FRI, Sept 18 • 9:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage
AFTERGLOW
Lady Champagne
Lady Champagne is a Detroit blues veteran with more than 30 years on stage, an acclaimed vocalist who has shared the spotlight with legends including B.B. King, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Koko Taylor, and Martha Reeves, earned a Detroit Blues Hall of Fame induction, and won the Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Blues Artist.
SAT, Sept 19 • 10:30pm Afterglow
UrbanBeat Stage
Greg Nagy & Ray Goodman
Blues Music Award-nominated artist with multiple #1-charting releases, Nagy has performed at B.B. King’s Blues Club, and collaborated with artists including Larry McCray, Bobby Murray, and Ronnie Earl.
“An exceptionally soulful and creative blues artist.” — All About Jazz.
Ray Goodman has also performed with SRC and Bob Seger.
WED, Sept 16 • 7:00pm
UrbanBeat Stage