Blues Fest

Join us this year as we celebrate Blues Fest, part of the Amplified Series sponsored by the City of Dayton. Blues Amplified Lineup: 5:30 p.m. Primetime Blues Band 7 p.m. Nikki D and the Sisters of Thunder 8 p.m. Shemekia Copeland   LOS ANGELES, CA— MARCH 18, 2022 RECORDING ARTIST, BLUES SINGER, SHEMEKIA COPELAND FOR ALLIGATOR RECORDS. Photos by Victoria Smith Make Up by KATE KATS Shemekia Copeland – Shemekia Copeland is one of the most powerful and compelling voices in contemporary blues. A multi-GRAMMY-nominated artist, she has built a global reputation for music that is fearless, soulful, and deeply human. Blending blues, rock, gospel, soul, and Americana, her sound reaches across genres while staying rooted in truth and storytelling. Born and raised in Harlem, Shemekia grew up surrounded by music and stepped onto the stage at just eight years old alongside her father, blues legend Johnny Copeland. Since then, she has carried that legacy forward while carving out a voice all her own—one that is bold, commanding, and impossible to ignore. Her latest album, Blame It On Eve, showcases both her signature power and her range, balancing songs that take on real-world issues with moments of joy, humor, and celebration. It’s music that makes you think, makes you feel, and makes you move—all at once. On stage, Shemekia brings an energy that fills the space and draws people together. Her performances are more than concerts—they’re shared experiences rooted in connection, resilience, and joy. Whether she’s delivering a blues ballad or getting the crowd on their feet, she creates moments that stay with you long after the music ends.   Nikki D and the Sisters of Thunder – Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder is a multi-generational family-based group from Toledo, Ohio. Their unique style is Gospel with Blues riffs and grooves, all punctuated by Nikki D’s wildly soulful and electrifying LapSteel guitar. In fact, in 2016, Guitar World magazine described Nikki as “The Jimi Hendrix of Sacred Steel”, because of her willingness to experiment with vocal-like riffs and runs. She’s also a soulful vocalist that commands the attention of those that hear her raspy, yet sultry voice. Nikki D is joined by Gloria Brown on Guitar, Tomika Webb on Bass Guitar, Christian Brown on Drums, Gary Black on Keyboard, and Belinda Brown and Latonja Degraffanreid on Vocals. Their music has allowed them to open for artists like Jack White’s Raconteurs, Grammy Award winner Ceelo Green and travel internationally to perform on the same stage as Sarah McLachlan. Their mission is to Impact Lives, Inspire Hope and Ignite Joy. Wherever you see them perform, you can expect a forecast of hand clapping and foot tapping!   Primetime Blues Band – Prime Time Blues Band brings a high-energy blend of blues, soul, and classic R&B that gets people on their feet and feeling the music. Known for their tight musicianship and dynamic live shows, this seasoned group delivers everything from smooth ...