Soulard Blues Band

Friday, August 14

It is not every band you run across that has a mission beyond just steady giggin’, but then again, as one of the longest-lasting acts around – and with nine straight wins in the “Best Blues Band” category in The Riverfront Times poll – the Soulard Blues Band is not just any band.

As bassist and sole remaining founder Art Dwyer will tell you, “Our mission always is just to leave things around a little better than we found ’em.” That ethic applies equally to song arrangements, the mood of the audience and the entire musical scene in this city that birthed such towering talents as Miles Davis, Johnny Johnson, Henry Townsend, Oliver Sain and many more.

He formed the Soulard Blues Band in 1978, “just a long-haired guy in blue jeans and sandals,” motivated in part by memories of the St. Louis of his childhood, when clubs with names like Shalimar and Oasis and the Peppermint Lounge and Sadie’s Personality Bar jumped with live music and people “dressed up looking flashy” any night of the week, and fifty cents’ cover got you in to Ike and Tina Turner’s set at the Club Imperial.

This town has always been alive with world-class players in neighborhoods all over the city,” Dwyer says, and the rest of his band’s roster bears him out. Guitarist Tom Maloney, guitarist Bob “Bumblebee” Kamoske, trombonist John “Wolfman” Wolf and drummer Leroy Wilson create music from both originals and standards that manages to let each player shine without sacrificing the song to overblown solos.

Mr. Sipp

Friday, August 14

Malaco Recording Artist, Castro Coleman a-k-a Mr. Sipp, was born August 25, 1976 to Johnelle and the late Vera Coleman in the small town of McComb, MS. He began playing the guitar at the tender age of 6. Through hard work and perseverance, Mr. Sipp has become a Delta Blues Force to be reckoned with! Being recognized for his amazing vocals, songwriting ability, musicianship, ability to produce records and entertain Fans with an upbeat, outlandish show all make Mr. Sipp “The Total Package.” Above all of that, Mr. Sipp is a God fearing family man. With over 125 recording credits to his name, Mr. Sipp has played on over 50 national recordings with several Grammy ® nominated projects. He is well traveled and ready to come to play for you and spread his great gift of music to the World.
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​Mr. Sipp is the 2014 International Blues Challenge Winner by way of The Vicksburg Blues Society as well as the 2014 Gibson Best Guitarist Award Winner. The same year Castro was given the Bobby Rush Entertainer of the Year Award by the Jus' Blues Foundation. In 2015, he won several Jackson Music Awards including International Male Blues Artist, Blues Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the year.
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He was the BMA Best New Artist Album winner 2016 and The Spirit of Little Walter Award 2016. The same year, Castro was the first blues artist to have his handprint inducted into the Wall of Fame in Fredrikshavn Denmark. For the 25th Annual Living Blues Awards, he won the Best Blues Album of 2017 New Recordings award (Contemporary Blues) with "Knock a Hole In It," and in 2018 he won the National Blues Artist of The Year award at 44th Annual Jackson Music Awards.
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In 2014, Mr. Sipp was cast in the James Brown movie, “Get on Up”, in 2016 he was casted as the young B.B. King on three episodes of the CMT series “Sun Records” and in 2021 he was casted as a blues singer and musician in the movie “Texas Red” performing one of his original songs from his new album “Sippnotized” with special arrangements for the movie.
Mr. Sipp’s favorite quote, “I’m living to love the life that I live, Music!!!!”
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​Mr. Sipp spent more than 25 years in the Gospel Music Business as a Recording Artist and a Producer! Since his BIG WIN at The International Blues Challenge in 2014 and the release of his debut Blues CD, “It’s My Guitar,” the music community has been a Buzz and welcomed him with open arms! He fills venues, theaters and festivals all over the world with his second Malaco multi award winning album “The Mississippi Blues Child” (2015). ​In 2017, with "Knock a Hole In It' he shares his music all over the planet from France to Switzerland, Netherlands, Spain, Brazil, and USA... and in April 2021 he “Sippnotized” the world in the middle of the pandemic. In 2024, Mr. Sipp was the Grammy Award winner of the Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album with the Count Basie Orchestra for the album Basie Swings The Blues.
 

Stevie J Blues

Saturday, August 15

A Jackson, Mississippi native, Stevie grew up immersed in gospel music before finding his true passion in the blues. A former member of Bobby Rush’s band, he shared stages with the legends like Denise LaSalle, Sir Charles Jones, and Shirley Brown. His diverse discography blends Southern soul and traditional blues  and is known for his electrifying performances and raw, authentic sound, Stevie J Blues continues to make his mark as a leading voice in contemporary blues music.

Stevie J Blues is a dynamic and soulful musician whose powerful sound and emotive performances have earned him a dedicated following. Known for his deep connection to the blues, Stevie’s music resonates with authenticity, blending classic influences with his own unique style. Whether performing on stage or recording in the studio, his rich voice and masterful guitar skills captivate listeners, taking them on a journey through raw emotion and timeless storytelling.

Drawing inspiration from the greats of the blues world, Stevie infuses his music with passion, while also adding his own modern twist. His performances are a reflection of his genuine love for the genre and his ability to connect with his audience on a profound level. Every note he plays and every word he sings speaks to the soul, making Stevie J Blues an unforgettable artist.

The Lady J Huston Show

Saturday, August 15

Lady J Huston is respected as one of the most spectacular entertainers on the music scene! She is renown worldwide for her captivating vocals and mesmerizing stage presence! Joyce A. Huston a.k.a. Lady J was inspired to sing and dance by her mother, gospel singer & highly acclaimed songstress of jazz & other stylings, Loyce Huston. 
 
Lady J got her first taste of fame as the vocalist with Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer, Johnnie Johnson (a.k.a. Father of Rock 'n Roll piano) who was Chuck Berry's original pianist in which the song "Johnny B. Good" was written in honor of. 
 
At the age of 18, Lady J toured the United States with the legendary Blues & Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer, Albert "Blues Boy" King band for several years as lead Trumpeter, then horn section leader, and eventually moved up the ranks as Music Director, as well as opening act while being the only female in the band.  She performed amongst music legends such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Etta James, Millie Jackson, Bo Didley, KoKo Taylor, Bobby Blue Bland, and many others. Lady J also performed with Albert King on the only known, fully televised, performance featuring his band on the "Maintenance Shop Blues" PBS special. 
 
Lady J has hosted and been featured on podcast shows, TV, newspapers and other media, and continues to rise & mesmerize audiences around the world!

Toronzo Cannon

Saturday, August 15

Toronzo Cannon was born in Chicago on February 14, 1968, and grew up in the shadows of the notoriously tough Robert Taylor Homes. Theresa's Lounge, one of the city's most famous South Side blues clubs, was close by. As a child, Cannon would stand on the sidewalk outside the club's door, soaking up the live blues pouring out, while trying to sneak a glance inside at larger-than-life bluesmen like Junior Wells and Buddy Guy. He also heard plenty of blues records growing up in his grandfather's home, and listened to soul, R&B and contemporary rock on the radio. 

Cannon's sister gifted him his first guitar at age 22, and his natural talent enabled him to quickly master the instrument. Although his initial focus was reggae, he found himself increasingly drawn to the blues. "It was dormant in me. But when I started playing the blues, I found my voice and the blues came pouring out." He absorbed sounds, styles and licks from Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Hound Dog Taylor, B.B. King, Albert King, Freddie King, Jimi Hendrix, J.B. Hutto, Lil' Ed Williams and others. Although influenced by many, Cannon's biting, stinging guitar sound is all his own. 

From 1996 through 2002, Cannon played as a sideman for Tommy McCracken, Wayne Baker Brooks, L.V. Banks and Joanna Connor. But he was determined to prove himself. In 2001, while continuing to work as a hired-gun guitarist, he formed his own band, The Cannonball Express. By 2003, he was working exclusively as a band leader. His first three albums—2007's My Woman (self-released), 2011's Leaving Mood (Delmark) and 2013's Blues Music Award-nominated John The Conqueror Root (Delmark)—document his rise from new kid on the block to promising up-and-comer. 

Cannon has been nominated for ten Blues Music Awards, and, as his fan base expands, so do his friendships with famous musicians. Gary Clark, Jr. declared, "Toronzo is a beast. He lights the room up," and Joe Bonamassa rightly pronounced, "Toronzo's a great guitar player, excellent vocalist and an amazing personality." 

Cannon has performed at clubs and festivals at major cities all over the U.S. and continues to bring his music directly to his fans. He's toured Canada, the UK, made his way across Europe and even to Japan. He has played the Chicago Blues Festival on ten separate occasions, bringing tens of thousands of his fellow Chicagoans to their feet. His live performances unfailingly earn him heaps of critical praise and hordes of wildly enthusiastic new fans. "Listen to a master bluesman at work," declared the UK's Blues & Rhythm magazine. "This is modern blues at its creative best." 

Devin C. Williams

Sunday, August 16

Devin C. Williams is a passionate musician and songwriter, whose love for Delta Blues has earned him a respected place in today’s music scene. Known for his skill on the resonator guitar and his dynamic percussion style, Devin creates music that honors the roots of the blues while bringing his own unique voice to the genre.

Deeply inspired by legends like Son House, Charlie Patton, and Robert Johnson, Devin blends powerful storytelling and emotion into every song. His lyrics reflect the soul of the blues, connecting with listeners on a personal and meaningful level.

With years of experience as both a performer and a songwriter, Devin has developed a signature sound that mixes traditional blues with a modern edge. His guitar work showcases his technical talent and deep respect for the genre, while his energy on percussion adds an engaging rhythm to his live shows.

Devin is currently working on new projects that stretch his creative boundaries while staying true to the spirit of Delta Blues. Through his music, he bridges generations—honoring the past, engaging the present, and inspiring the future.
 

Tullie Brae

Sunday, August 16

The Hammond Organ USA Artist, Soulful Blues singer and Multi-instrumentalist Tullie Brae credits her musical gift to Gospel music like so many great soul singers before her. Tullie's musical journey began singing in church where her Daddy was a preacher near the Louisiana cotton fields and wetlands of the Blues. The type of church where you could hear soul-shaking music seaping through the wall's pores. Early on, she assumed the role of choir director which led to touring professionally with Gospel groups.

While touring and performing, Tullie was introduced to the many sounds of different genres of music. Her Gospel roots naturally segued into the Blues where you can still hear and feel the hints of Soul along with her grit of Rock. Tullie is most comfortable on stage performing in her own unique style, sharing her heart & soul to each audience through her love of music.

Tullie's self-penned original material ranges from Delta Blues to Rock infused Contemporary Blues music that tells the stories of love, happiness, heartbreak, pain and life experiences. She has powerful vocals, impeccable stage presence and engages with her audience from the time she steps on stage until the last note is played. Her shows are pure energy, and at the same time, raw emotion. Tullie's love of people inspires and energizes her. While on tour she has headlined several Blues festivals as well as shared the stage with B.B. King, Taj Mahal, Paul Thorn, Bonnie Raitt, Tab Benoit, Jimmy Thackery, Coco Montoya, Ruthie Foster, Jimbo Mathus, Carolyn Wonderland, Cedric Burnside, Samantha Fish, Leo Bud Welch, Jimmy "Duck" Holmes, Henry "Gip" Gipson, Big George Brock among many other talented artists.
 

Chris Shepherd

Educational Panel

Chris Shepherd is a singer/songwriter/guitarist based in St. Louis, Missouri-a town with a huge musical legacy of blues and soul. Chris is known for writing original  blues, soul, rock, and blues-flavored gospel songs. 

In 2019, Chris toured in Australia, as vocalist/songwriter for Kingdom Brothers. (3 albums featuring many Shepherd originals). In 2021 & 2022, Chris toured Holland and Germany with Rich McDonough. They returned to Holland again July, 2023. In Aug.  2021 Shepherd & McDonough opened for Robert Cray, receiving a standing ovation as an acoustic duo.

Resonating vocals, original songs, & gritty blues guitar make Chris an STL favorite- his popularity growing worldwide. Chris resides in St. Louis, Missouri where he continues his growing career as a singer/songwriter. Chris belongs to a beloved blues community in St. Louis whose goal is to share the blues heritage worldwide.

Meaza Joy

Educational Panel

Meaza Joy is a rising blues and soul vocalist whose powerful voice and commanding stage presence have quickly made her one of the most exciting young artists in the blues world. At just 17 years old, she blends raw emotion with soulful grit, drawing comparisons to legends such as Etta James, Koko Taylor, Tina Turner, and Aretha Franklin.

A singer, songwriter, and performer from the St. Louis area, Meaza has been performing since she was a child and began recording in Nashville at just nine years old. She has built an impressive resume early in her career, performing at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis — including the Women in Blues Showcase in 2026 — and taking the stage at the Chicago Blues Festival. She is a proud alum of the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Masterclass and a member of National Women in Blues.

Meaza released her debut album, Free To Be Me, in June 2026. Produced by Blues Music Award-winning artist Annika Chambers and guitarist Paul DesLauriers, the album showcases her songwriting and powerful vocal delivery across a mix of original material and blues-rooted songs. Whether performing solo, with a small combo, or fronting her full band, Meaza brings an authentic, high-energy presence that honors the blues tradition while connecting deeply with modern audiences.

With a voice far beyond her years and a growing list of high-profile performances, Meaza Joy is quickly establishing herself as a major new talent in contemporary blues and soul.

Uvee Hayes

Educational Panel

Soul music represents true facts of life, inspiration, feelings, and understanding, and Uvee Hayes’ twenty-plus years as a recording artist have left thousands of fans and listeners delighted with her interpretations of her repertoire that includes everything from Rhythm and Blues, Soul, and Torchy Love Songs to the Delta Blues. She has a reputation of being a crowd pleaser and the consummate professional. 

Uvee Hayes combines her classic blues style with an urban edge and deep, gripping, and captivating lyrics. She has recorded more than nine albums, cassettes, and CDs, with some of the world's finest musicians, including Tom Tom Washington, Otis Clay, The Emotions, Theresa Davis, Oliver Sain, Stevie Wonder, Luther Ingram, The Phoenix Horns, Keith Dodier, John May, Rich McDonough, and many others. 

She has appeared and performed on shows with Bobby Rush, Tyrone Davis, Ike Turner, Little Milton Campbell, Oliver Sain, Syl Johnson, Clifton Davis, and countless artists and musicians around the country.

Previous CDs, “There’ll Come a Time” and “Play Something Pretty,” were favorites in St. Louis, Chicago, Kansas City, and Columbia, Missouri, throughout the South, and in the United Kingdom and the Far East. ‘True Confessions’ is still a huge seller as her CD “In the Mood”. Uvee is currently releasing two new CDs. One is Southern Soul, and the other is Adult Contemporary. Her CD ‘Nobody But You” is a favorite in the US, Europe, and the Far East.

Her range in interpreting material is remarkable, and she is destined to reach a wide audience without compromising the style and technique she has developed over many years in the music industry. 

Uvee understands that the blues have many meanings, and some blues songs often explore themes of love and the relationship between a man and a woman. Uvee interprets and delivers them elegantly, with a superb, delicate sense of melody that blends effortlessly with her creative energy. It establishes a very sunny, warm atmosphere for the listener, with a focus on positivity.

Uvee Hayes demonstrates an exceptional natural capacity for creative, original work, along with strong individuality and imagination. She is not only unique and innovative, but she also excels in vocals and lyrics.

Bernie Hayes

Educational Panel

Bernie Hayes is celebrating 70 years as a print and broadcast journalist, radio and television announcer, columnist, and recording artist and record producer.

A native of Chicago, he has worked at Chicago stations WYNR, WGES, WVON, WMPP, and WSBS with radio pioneers Al Benson, Richard Stamz, Ric Ricardo, McKie Fitzhugh, Norm Spaulding, Herb Kent, E. Rodney Jones, Bill Doc Lee, Pervis Spann, Butterball Crane, and Joe Cobb, 

Hayes worked with Sly Stone and others at KSOL in San Francisco, where he initiated the Martin Luther King station breaks that were copied and used across the nation. He arrived in St Louis from Radio Station KSOL in April 1965 as a DJ at Radio Station KATZ. Mr. Hayes held the number one rating as an afternoon soul jock and a midnight jazz announcer.
He has held executive positions at St. Louis radio stations KATZ, KWK, KKSS, KIRL, WESL, KXLW, and KADI.

In 1967, Hayes established the first African American Record Distributorship (Westcott Record Distributors) in St. Louis, supplying area record stores and retail outlets with national and regional recorded music.
 
Bernie hosted the  Soul Brotherhood  and  Black Circle Hours  television dance programs on Channel 30 and was an announcer, weathercaster, and host of  Dialing for Dollars  at KTVI-Channel 2 (ABC). 

In 1980, he started the first Black radio talk show in the St. Louis area. 

In 1985, Mr. Hayes accepted a position as a news reporter and producer for WCBI-TV (CBS), Columbus, Mississippi. He returned to St. Louis in 1986. 

Mr. Hayes is the former News Director at KWMU, the public broadcasting station at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. 

He was also the Midwest Promotions Director for MCA and ABC Record Companies. He is also a former recording artist for Stax Records.

Mr. Hayes is the author of the book  The Death of Black Radio , a history of Blacks in the broadcast and music industry. 

Mr. Hayes is the Interim Executive Director of the National Blues Museum.

He is the featured character in the full-length movie  The Swing Set .  He recently appeared in the stage production of UNSUNG.
Mr. Hayes is currently starring in a religious western movie titled  The White Rider , which was just recently released. 

Mr. Hayes has begun the not-for-profit organization  The National Black Radio Hall of Fame , whose mission is to honor and commemorate the achievements, contributions, and triumphs of  Soul Radio  and the many African American personalities that contributed so much to the industry.

He is a former media professor at Webster University. He is the host of the Bernie Hayes Television Show at CH. 24 KNLC-TV; he is a columnist for the St. Louis American Newspaper, the nation s leading African American Weekly, and he is the former Local Outreach coordinator for The Independent Television Service (A subsidiary of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting). 

Mr. Hayes is also the curator of the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute and the National Black Radio Hall of Fame at Harris-Stowe State University.

Mr. Hayes has been inducted into the Wendell Phillips High School Hall of Fame, the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame, the St. Louis Radio Hall of Fame, the St. Louis Black Radio Hall of Fame, and the STAX Record Company Hall of Fame. 

Mr. Hayes has received more than 950 awards for his services in the media industry, including the 2018 Martin Luther King, Jr., Missouri State Commission s Drum Major Award, and seven awards in 2019, five awards in 2020, and in 2021, six awards in 2025 and five awards in 2026, the President's Volunteer Service Award and the National Black Radio Hall of Fame-Chicago Chapter President Emeritus Awards.

He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Bernie is married to Mrs. Uvee Hayes, a psychological examiner in the St. Louis Public Schools and a nationally recognized and respected recording artist.

Queen Mochalatte

Emcee

Queen Mocha Latte (Sharee Galvin) is an award-winning media personality, host, brand strategist, and community connector with more than 25 years of experience in marketing, entertainment, and community engagement. As the host of Coffee Talk with Queen Mocha Latte on iHeartRadio, she uses her platform to amplify local voices, celebrate culture, and spotlight businesses, artists, and changemakers throughout the region.

Known for her dynamic stage presence and authentic storytelling, Queen Mocha Latte has become a trusted voice in St. Louis, emceeing concerts, festivals, poetry showcases, networking events, and community celebrations. Her passion for music, poetry, and the arts shines through every event she hosts, creating memorable experiences that bring people together.

Beyond the microphone, she has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs increase their visibility through strategic branding, social media marketing, and relationship-building. Her mission is simple: connect people, elevate brands, and create opportunities that strengthen the community.

Dave Beardsley

Blues Historian & Educational Panel Moderator

David Beardsley is the founder of STLBlues.net, a pioneering online resource dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage & culture of blues music in St. Louis and beyond. Since launching the site in 2000, he has championed artist development, live music promotion, festival production, and blues education. His contributions include helping establish the National Blues Museum, serving on the Bluesweek and Soulard B3 Festival teams, and receiving a prestigious "Keeping the Blues Alive" Award from the Blues Foundation in 2008. As co-founder of BluesForever.org, David continues his lifelong mission of supporting and celebrating the blues. As he describes it, “It’s a labor of love, showcasing the richness of this musical art form—the Blues—while living along the Blues Highway in one of the world’s finest blues cities, St. Louis, Missouri