Once a year, Mark "Mr. B" Braun, Ann Arbor's own wizard of blues and boogie piano music, comes together with other top piano players from around southeastern Michigan and beyond. Call it a piano summit, or perhaps a meeting of the minds! Audiences in southeastern Michigan tend to think of Mr. B as a local hero, but in fact he's well known among fans and practitioners of blues and jazz piano music all over the country and around the world. This year's celebration features Al Hill, Rick Roe, and a surprise special guest!
Shemekia Copeland possesses one of the most instantly recognizable and deeply soulful roots music voices of our time. The multi-GRAMMY nominee is beloved and honored worldwide for the fearlessness, honesty and humor of her revelatory songs, as well as for her winning, engaging personality. The Chicago Tribune says, “Copeland is the greatest female blues vocalist working today. There’s no mistaking the majesty of her instrument, nor the ferocity of her delivery.”
Although award-winning Florida musician Selwyn Birchwood is firmly rooted in the tradition, the young guitarist, lap steel player, songwriter and vocalist sets a course for the future of the blues with his visionary, original music. Birchwood, whose band features the pulsating interplay of his blistering guitar with Regi Oliver's driving baritone sax, deploys a singular sound and style all his own. He calls it "Electric Swamp Funkin' Blues," an intoxicating mix of deep blues, blistering, psychedelic-tinged rock, booty-shaking funk and sweet Southern soul, played and sung with the fire-and-brimstone fervor of a revival tent preacher with a hellhound on his trail.
Hot Tuna, an iconic American blues rock band, has been delivering a profound musical experience to audiences pushing six decades. With founding members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady at its helm, the band has constantly evolved, continually injecting fresh energy and improvisation into their sound.
Royal Oak Music Theatre
318 W 4th St, Royal Oak, MI, United States
Get ready for an unforgettable night of blues and rock 'n' roll featuring three great Grammy nominated bands that define the current day and future of blues rock.
Duke Tumatoe, born William “Bill" Severen Fiorio in 1947, is an American blues guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. He has gigged with Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy, John Fogerty and George Thorogood. He was a founding member of arena-rock giants REO Speedwagon. He has released fifteen albums as the bandleader of Duke Tumatoe & The All-Star Frogs and Duke Tumatoe & The Power Trio. His 1988 live album I Like My Job was produced by John Fogerty.
Lemonade 20th Anniversary Tour with special guest MAKUA G. Love & Special Sauce is an American Hip-Hop Blues band known for its unique fusion of hip-hop, blues, funk, and soul. Formed in 1993 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the band originally featured Garrett Dutton, aka G. Love, as the lead vocalist and guitarist, Jeffrey Clemens on drums, and Jim Prescott on bass. The trio quickly gained attention for their laid-back, groovy style and G. Love’s unique vocal delivery, blending rap-like spoken word with bluesy singing.
Chicago guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and multiple Blues Music Award-winner Ronnie Baker Brooks is one of the city’s—and the world’s—most undeniably talented and electrifying bluesmen. Ronnie was born into Chicago blues royalty as the son of legendary multiple GRAMMY Award nominee, Hall Of Famer, and longtime Alligator Records recording star Lonnie Brooks. He is among the few contemporary blues artists who learned his craft directly from many of the genre’s icons, including Albert Collins, B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor and, most significantly, his father.
Larry McCray is a powerhouse bluesman with a soul-soaked voice, blistering guitar chops, and a story embodying the spirit of his music. With his new album Heartbreak City, McCray turns the page on a new chapter—raw, joyful, and deeply personal. Produced by blues-rock champions and Grammy Nominated duo Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, Heartbreak City finds the legendary singer and guitarist firing on all cylinders, reconnecting with his roots while stepping boldly forward.
Fantastic Negrito is a powerhouse performer whose live shows are charged with emotion, intensity, and connection. Blending Delta blues, soul, funk, and rock, he delivers dynamic sets built on rhythm, storytelling, and fearless expression. The Oakland-born artist — a three-time GRAMMY winner — has earned a reputation for transforming every show into a deeply engaging, unforgettable experience.
Once a year, Mark "Mr. B" Braun, Ann Arbor's own wizard of blues and boogie piano music, comes together with other top piano players from around southeastern Michigan and beyond. Call it a piano summit, or perhaps a meeting of the minds! Audiences in southeastern Michigan tend to think of Mr. B as a local hero, but in fact he's well known among fans and practitioners of blues and jazz piano music all over the country and around the world. This year Mr. B will be joined onstage by Demetrius Nabors and two surprise special guests.
Los Angeles-based and critically acclaimed guitarist and singer Ana Popovic released her highly anticipated album Dance To The Rhythm (Electric Heel Records) in September 2025. Produced by Popovic and Buthel, the album showcases a groundbreaking fusion of groove, blues, funk, and soul. Building on the success of her previous work, Dance To The Rhythm pushes boundaries, seamlessly blending infectious dance grooves with raw blues guitar and powerful lyrics.
