Three of the most respected voices in American roots music share the stage for an extraordinary evening of guitars, stories, and song. Grammy-nominated blues artist Sue Foley, legendary blues icon Rory Block, and steel guitar master Cindy Cashdollar unite for Guitar Women, a rare collaboration bringing together three distinctive artists whose careers span decades of touring, recording, and musical innovation.
Born in Miami, during World War II, Chris Smither grew up in New Orleans where he first started playing music as a child. In his early twenties, Smither turned his back on his anthropology studies and headed to Boston at the urging of legendary folk singer Eric von Schmidt. What quickly evolved from his New Orleans and Cambridge musical experiences is his enduring, singular guitar sound – a beat-driven finger-picking, strongly influenced by the playing of Mississippi John Hurt and Lightnin’ Hopkins, layered over the ever-present backbeat of his rhythmic, tapping feet (always mic’d in performance).
NMA was started by brother Luther and Cody Dickinson in 1996 as a loose collective of musicians from their North Mississippi home inspired by their father Jim Dickinson as well as neighbors and musical elders of their community; RL Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, Otha Turner and Fred McDowell.
Whether playing acoustic, mandolin, national steel, or screaming electric guitar, Davy Knowles has an unmistakable style. Since bursting on to the scene with his band Back Door Slam’s critically acclaimed album ‘Roll Away’ in 2007 (“I heard the spirit of Jimi Hendrix” Patrick McDonald - Seattle Times), Davy’s star has only risen. His sophomore release ‘Coming Up For Air’ was produced by the legendary Peter Frampton (“Davy already has a recognizable style. He’s definitely the gunslinger guitarist of the 21st century,’’- Peter Frampton).
Royal Oak Music Theatre
318 W 4th St, Royal Oak, MI, United States
Taj Mahal doesn't wait for permission. If a sound intrigues him, he sets out to make it. If origins mystify him, he moves to trace them. If rules get in his way, he unapologetically breaks them. To Taj, convention means nothing, but traditions are holy. He has pushed music and culture forward, all while looking lovingly back.
Chris Pierce is a singular American voice. An artist whose songs carry equal parts soul, truth, and grace. Rooted in folk, blues, and Americana, his music speaks plainly yet profoundly to the human condition, earning him a reputation as one of the most moving performers of his generation.
In the 14th annual installation of Bedard’s History of American Music series, he will feature a tribute to rockabilly great Carl Perkins, including his classic songs “Honey Don’t”, “Blue Suede Shoes”, and “Dixie Fried”. He will also explore the year 1963, from rock’n’roll and surf music to country and R&B. The band will perform music by artists of many genres, including George Jones, The Surfaris, Otis Redding, Little Johnny Taylor, and Bob Dylan.
Duane Betts ignites and brings an evolution to the Southern rock tradition. With a fiery legacy forged by his father, the legendary Dickey Betts, the second generation musician infuses it with his own soul-stirring blend of blues, raw passion, and six-string mastery. Backed by his band, Palmetto Motel, Betts delivers a dynamic live show filled with searing guitar solos, heartfelt storytelling, and a mix of classic influences with fresh energy. Fans can expect a blend of roots rock, blues, and some improvisational jamming, creating an electrifying yet deeply authentic experience.
