At the National Blues Museum, we highlight local musicians who regularly perform in the St. Louis area. Come out and see live music at our Howlin’ Fridays or Sippin’ Saturdays! We have many amazing local artists you will love to see play live music this fall!
Carolyn Mason is a frequent performer with the National Blues Museum. Living in St. Louis since 2004, she grew up surrounded by music in Mississippi. With her mother’s side focused on gospel music and her father’s side full of general musicians, she knew music was her passion, too. As a young child, she began in a gospel group, then moved towards classical, and then focused on R&B with her uncle and his band. Sultry, storytelling musicians inspire her and her musical style, and she continues to represent this style through her performances today. https://nationalbluesmuseum.org/event/carolyn-mason/
Chris Shepherd and Rich McDonough recently formed a duo in their musical journeys. Shepherd grew up in Bowling Green, Missouri, and began his music career with gospel music. Representing St. Louis twice in the International Blues Competition in Memphis, Tennessee, and being the lead singer of the Kingdom Brothers, he’s known for his rich, soulful voice when singing, whether it be classic blues or self-composed music. He blends soul, rhythm, gospel, and blues as a reminder of everyday struggles on being alive in our world. Growing up in St. Louis, Rich McDonough takes inspiration from great Blues musicians, like Ronnie Earl, Gatemouth Brown, BB King, and Albert Collins, and puts his spin on the genre. He takes pride in the influence of Blues music on St. Louis and music history. He interprets Blues guitar with precise intention as a way of both sticking to tradition and experimenting with his style. https://nationalbluesmuseum.org/event/shepherd-and-mcdonough/
Cheri Evans is a St. Louis native and eclectic jazz artist. In 1998, she began her professional singing career with the Galaxy Dance Band. In 2004, she began her own band, the CEEJazz Band, and performed vocal jazz on multiple programs and at many concerts. She delivers an energetic performance whenever she’s behind the microphone, fusing jazz with blues, R&B, and soul. https://nationalbluesmuseum.org/event/cheri-evans-2/
Robert Nelson’s music journey started at eight years old. Inspired by artists like Nat King Cole, Diana Ross, David Ruffin, and Sammy Davis Jr, he began singing under the direction and mentorship of Lee Cochran, a premier pianist in the mid-1970s. He continued in multiple choirs throughout high school and university, including the prestigious Alabama A&M University. He continues performing, writing, and recording music while working as a consultant for the Heal the Arts Jazz Initiative. https://nationalbluesmuseum.org/event/robert-nelson-2/
A self-taught musician playing most of his life, Eugene Johnson finds music a natural part of his life. He remembers his first exposure to music when he saw Lionel Hampton play multiple instruments. Recording and performing with many international artists like Oliver Sain, Albert King, Chuck Berry, and many others, he chose the bass guitar and sings. He wrote and recorded two songs: “Knocking Boots” and “One Love.” https://nationalbluesmuseum.org/event/eugene-johnson/
Your Favorite Jukebox is an R&B group of four vocalists: Drew Mantia, Jacob Williams, Chrissy Renick, and Herrie Pullom. Your Favorite Jukebox covers R&B classics from Motown to the Modern day. Vocalists Chrissy Renick, Jacob Williams, Herrie Pullom, and Drew Mantia harmonize their way through the work of legends like The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Alicia Keys, Silk Sonic, and many more. You may know them from Rhythm and Brunch Sundays at Tin Roof St. Louis! https://nationalbluesmuseum.org/event/rb-review-your-favorite-jukebox/
Kasimu Taylor is a renowned trumpeter in the St. Louis area. He’s performed across the United States, but you can catch him regularly with his jazz group “The Kasimu-tet” and his soul band “Howard Street.” He also plays alongside other rock, dance, and blues bands around the area. He is a master behind the trumpet, culminating in a soft sound complimenting the musicians on stage. https://nationalbluesmuseum.org/event/howard-street/
2019 International Blues Challenge winner Ms. Hy-C and Fresh Start exude passion on the stage. Led by St. Louis native Jacinta Branch-Griffin, she provides a soulful, high-energy, blues entertainment experience with her compelling vocals. The likes of Chuck Berry, Johnnie Johnson, Barbara Carr, Muddy Waters, and many more were influential in developing her music style. https://nationalbluesmuseum.org/event/ms-hy-c-and-her-fresh-start-band/
Often known as the “Queen of the Blues,” Koko Taylor revolutionized the blues genre with her fierce, powerful vocals. Taylor was, indeed, a force of nature. Join St. Louis native and artist of 20 years, Shandora Rice, aka Mz Sha, at the National Blues Museum as she honors Taylor through her soulful sound! She currently performs with her band, Mz. Sha and the Ka’ShA band, singing smooth R&B and blues for all to hear. https://nationalbluesmuseum.org/event/honoring-the-queen-of-the-blues-koko-taylor-featuring-mz-sha-and-the-kasha-band/
Drawing inspiration from Otis Redding and James Brown, Roland Johnson is known for his smooth voice in the St. Louis R&B scene. He’s been singing for over 50 years and is known as the “Elder Statesman of St. Louis soul.” He steps on stage, always ready for entertainment as he sings classics and wears a slick style reflecting the times of Stax records. https://nationalbluesmuseum.org/event/remembering-stax-records/
All shows start at 7:00 PM in the National Blues Museum’s performance space, the Legends Room. Doors are at 6:30 PM. Outside food is allowed. Outside drinks are not permitted. The bar will be open to purchase drinks. Ticket purchases come with a four-hour parking voucher valid at the Seventh Street garage located at 410 N Seventh Street. All tickets are general admission with family-style seating. Please purchase four tickets if you would like to sit at your own table. Tickets are non-refundable.
