Playback Magazine said this about Kari Liston and the BUBG "She comes across as that big sister you always wished you had – too cool by far, but so funny that the coolness is not threatening – someone that you want to be around. When she opens her mouth to sing, what pours out is a pure bassy tone that you know is going to mellow into perfect honey with time. Although Liston is in her 20’s, she sounds like a singer who has been around for much longer…This is the beauty of the blues in St. Louis. It is an art that demands respect for tradition, but urges its participants to go and find their own sound. The Gang personifies what it is to be blues musicians in this town, and they do it with amazing grace and skill."

The BUBG is especially conscious of the importance of continuing the tradition of St. Louis music while trying to define an original style of their own. Their unique blend of originals and covers in the styles of Delta Blues, R&B, Soul, Jazz and blues influenced rock and roll. Major influences include Muddy Waters, Memphis Minnie, Bessie Smith, Jimmy Reed, Bonnie Raitt and have also been heavily influenced by local musicians such as; Bennie Smith, Sharon Foehner, Brian Curran, Matt Murdick and Eric McSpadden.

The Bottoms Up Blues Gang has been featured at the Big Muddy Blues Festival, the Buck Dance Blues Festival and last year’s Baby Blues Showcase. This year they will perform only briefly, because Kari will be the MC for the evening. The BUBG can be seen weekly at local venues such as; Pop’s Blue Moon, Riddle Café, the Broadway Oyster Bar, the Venice Café and many more. For updates on shows, bios, merchandise and additional information go to www.bottomsupblues.com

His latest group, the MiniVan Blues Band, is a favorite in Memphis and has just released their debut CD, Lifelong Turbulation.

Levee Town is one of Kansas City’s most well-known young blues bands. Originally a spin off of a band called the Cobalt Project, Levee Town travels all over the Midwest playing for blues loving crowds. They released their first album as a band this year called Exit Here.

The band is comprised of Brandon Hudspeth on electric Guitar and Vocals, Jacque Garoutte on Bass and Vocals, Jan Faircloth on Drums and Jimmie Meade on Harmonica and Vocals. Their sound is a unique mixture of influences such as Freddie King, Buddy Guy, Elvin Jones, Buddy Miles, Little Walter and many more.

Levee Town is lead by Brandon Hudspeth’s guitar playing and leans heavily on Chicago style blues. Some of the bands major influences include musicians such as Buddy Guy, Elmore James and the Red Devils.

For more information about Levee Town recordings, upcoming shows and contacts go to leveetown.com

The Melissa Neels Band is one of three electric band featured at the 2nd Annual Baby Blues Showcase. The band consists of Melissa Neels on lead guitar and vocals, Dominic Consolino on bass and vocals, Howard Young on harmonica, Tom May on drums and Matt McCauley on Keyboards.

Melissa, the youngest of the group, is the leader of the band as singer and guitarist. She has had several experiences that have brought her to love playing blues. "When I was 15, my mom took me to see Bonnie Raitt. She had wrote a note to Bonnie, and she had one of the security guards deliver it. At the end of the show, there was a woman in the crowd calling my name. She said Bonnie wanted to meet me! It was great! Bonnie was a really nice, down to earth person, and she told me "keep playing those blues."

With the influences like Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Stevie Ray Vaughn, B.B. King and Eric Clapton Melissa has formulated a style all her own in a city full of blues musicians. In the last few years The Melissa Neels Band has been featured at the Big Muddy Blues Festival and the Concert in the Park Series. The band also frequents such St. Louis bars as the Broadway Oyster Bar, CJ Muggs, Hammerstone’s and Back Street Jazz and Blues.