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Karen Lovely
Karen Lovely shot onto the blues scene out of the Pacific Northwest like Stack O’ Lee’s .44 placing 2nd at the 2010 International Blues Challenge followed by three 2011 Blues Music Award Nominations for BEST CONTEMPORARY BLUES FEMALE ARTIST, BEST CONTEMPORARY BLUES ALBUM and BEST SONG for her sophomore release STILL THE RAIN.
With the release of her 3rd studio album TEN MILES OF BAD ROAD, produced by Grammy winner Tony Braunagel, Lovely established herself as a singer/songwriter with a style uniquely her own, receiving nominations for the prestigious 2016 Blues Music Award for “Best Contemporary Blues Female Artist” and 2016 BluesBlast Award for “Best Female Artist”. She also won a 2015 Blues411 “Jimi” Award for “Best Contemporary Blues Female Artist” and the album was selected by Downbeat Magazine as one of the Best of 2016.
Lovely is a two time “#1 Pick to Click” artist on XM Radio Bluesville and was selected as a 2014 Featured Blues Artist of the Year by KJZZ FM in Los Angeles. Her albums have topped the national blues and roots charts and made the Top 10 favorite artist list for dozens of nationally syndicated radio stations.
Known for her passionate, driven performances, this powerhouse vocalist delivers a blistering mix of contemporary & old school blues. Lovely’s standout performances have garnered awards and critical acclaim at festivals and venues throughout the US, Canada and Europe.
2016 Muddy Award Winner “Performance of the Year”
2016 BMA Nominee “Best Contemporary Blues Female Artist”
2016 Blues Blast Nominee “Best Female Vocalist”
2015 Blues411 Winner “Best Contemporary Female Artist”
2015 Muddy Award Nominee “Best Female Vocalist”
2011 BMA Nominee
2011 Blues Blast Nominee
2010 2nd Place Band Winner, International Blues Challenge
This spring, Lovely will release her newest album, FISH OUTTA WATER with award winning producer Eric Corne (Walter Trout/John Mayall). | more info
This highly anticipated album features (12) tracks of all new original Blues and Americana.
Ben Rice
His debut on the international stage in 2014, was a landmark step forward in his career from being a regional act playing primarily around the NW to a national and international touring artist. Captivating audiences and presenting himself as someone who has a lot of depth in the various soundscapes of American music. Ben is gaining fans all over the world who love his playing, singing, songs, and stage performance.
His original music blends Soul, Delta-Blues, Rockabilly, Jazz, and Funk into a Roots Stew. Influenced heavily by his parents record collection from Al Green to Alice Cooper, Teddy Pendergrass to Marshall Tucker. Ben at a young age began investigating into Blues and it’s history. Starting with B.B. King and going through the various regions and time periods he is inspired and influenced by historical figures like Muddy Waters, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy, and Skip James to name a few. Ben spent his college years studying Jazz Guitar at the University of Oregon as well as classical music. Playing in the Celtic Folk ensemble and Mariachi group on campus. He has been well versed in a lot of musical styles that all contribute to the unique sound of his originals.
As a performer Ben looks to the greats for inspiration. Always striving to connect with the audience through his music and stories. He also has an interesting arsenal of guitars playing resophonic guitars and homemade cigar box guitars. More important than the visual appeal Ben has an amazing way of making these guitars sound, often bringing audiences to tears with his slide playing.
Ben Rice has been a growing talent in the NW, winning awards for his singing, guitar work, writing, and performing. He is stepping into the national and international scene. Using his vast influences of American music to fuel his music and performance.
