        
This Fender Squire was provided by Guitar Center. It will be signed by all of the bands and presented to the winner on Saturday, February 3rd. All ticket holders were entered upon festival entry. Fans can buy additional tickets, for a dollar, to increase their chances of winning. |
2007 PerformersNick Vigarino
“Many a bluesman paid backbreaking dues chopping cotton in the flat Delta fields of Mississippi and Arkansas. There was no cotton crop to tend to in the grimy rust belt town of Youngstown, Ohio in the 1960’s, but there was grinding, dirty work for some, as human grist in the mills of U.S. and Republic Steels. It was this dismal blue-collar legacy that Nick Vigarino was born to. Vigarino had his way out of this existence before he even knew it. Nick fell into possession of a battered guitar, feebly equipped with one string. As fate would have it, he learned to play the guitar in the exact same way as a hundred seminal blues musicians had two generations before him, on a homemade one-string diddley bo. With a poet’s fierce commitment to birthing his own music, he continued to play on ever-improving instruments the angry and mournful melodies in his head, carrying his music into the bars and roadhouses of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Impressed with the Northwest’s clean air and unspoiled mountain vistas, Nick drifted to Seattle, where he quickly won respect for his refreshingly original songs. Encouraged by the interest in his cutting-edge approach to the blues, he formed Meantown Blues. Now, thankfully, there is an audience for Nick’s clearheaded music as he finds himself rushing back and forth across the Northwest and beyond, serving up solo and ensemble music on the stages of bar rooms, concert halls, festivals, and regional television.” - Ray Varner - (Blues Historian, Ethno-musicologist, critic, and writer for Living Blues Magazine, Jefferson - Sweden, and Caledonia). Vigarino has released three recordings of original material, several collaborations, has performed in 11 countries on 7 different European tours, and has garnered numerous music awards. www.nickvigarino.comAaron Richner and Friends
www.aaronrichnerband.comKing Biscuit Blues Band with special guest Pat Coast
To finish the festival we are having an international legend in "King Biscuit Blues Band". This legendary artist features standout lead singer Charles Bumpas, and guitar legend Paul Cowie. Cowie brings 30 years of experience that includes his own King Biscuit Blues Band in San Francisco. He has performed or recorded with an amazing number of stars including Elvin Bishop, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Ray Charles, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Albert King, Paul Butterfield, Jimmy Reed, and Sonny Terry, The Dramatics, The Floaters, David Ruffin, Brian Hyland, John Wilkinson (Elvis Presley TCB Band) and George Griffin. As if that wasn't enough Paul Cowie asked Pat Coast to join him for the show. We can't wait to see that shred fest! www.kingbiscuitband.comChip and the Bushwhackers
They are back!!! Featuring original members Chip Bush, Eric Lindstrom, Billy Bancroft and Rick Roadman as well as local guitar great Doug Johnson. "Back in the day." as they say, Chip and the Buschwhackers were a force to be reckoned with. If you have seen these guys let me assure you they are back in a big way and better than ever. If you have never seen this act do yourself a favor and don't you dare be anywhere else when they play on February 3rd. www.chipandthebushwhackers.comTen Second Tom
Ten Second Tom has been together in several lineups for a dozen years now. Their musical style tends to lean towards blues and Jazz fusion. The band does everything from Originals to Johnny Winter to Colin James. Cary Fly
"If you get a chance to see ‘em or pick up a copy of one of their CDs do so immediately." – The Inlander, Spokane "Cary Fly is one of the best kept secrets of the Inland Northwest." – Walla Walla Blues Society "Fly has a unique quality of voice and presentation – his guitar work is stellar – cool, baby, cool." – Spokesman-Review, Spokane www.caryfly.comCharlie Butts and the Filter TipsNorth Idaho area legends Charlie Butts and the Filter Tips need no introduction. They have been thrilling audiences throughout the region for many years. Band leader and namessake Charlie Butts is also popular as a solo saxophinist for events such as college and professional sports. When you look closer at these guys, in their current linup, you find all kinds of local standouts like Pat Barclay, Luther Hughes, and Juel Rowden, WOW!!! www.charliebutts.comLockdown
This is one of Coeur 'd Alene's finest blues bands. Over the last few years they have been multiple IEBS award nominees and winners they are high energy with a smooth groove. It is no accident that Julie Perzentka was nominated for best female vocalist. She is a captivating performer with golden pipes. www.lockdownband.comCrosstown
Crosstown has been gaining a reputation for themselves. Their brand of high energy Chicago and Contemporary blues gets you on the dance floor and out of your chairs from the first beat. After walking away with the "Best New Blues Band"award by the I.E.B.S. in 2005, they came back in 2006 with nominations in five different categories. If you haven't had a chance to catch this act live, no more excuses, get out and check them out. Crosstown is red hot and only getting hotter. www.crosstownbluesband.comDon Millard
As always, we start acoustic. Few people can say they have devoted as much energy and passion to preserving and promoting blues. Local acoustic blues stalwart Don Millard has many IEBS award nominations and wins including "Best Acoustic Blues Act" in 2006. www.donmillard.com |
Aaron Richner, an artist whose musical abilities and stylistic variety know few bounds.
Cary Fly and musical partner Widley White are 32-year veterans of the inland northwest blues and rock scene. This is flat out one of the hottest rocking bands on the local scene today. 
The Cary Fly Band has released their long awaited CD "Fly" to rave reviews. With fiddle and mandolin in the mix, this blend of unique instrumentation and strong songwriting are sure to please any music lover. It's no wonder they have been nominated for so many IEBS awards.
