Jazz & Blues Florida was ON THE ROAD, and ON THE TENNESSEE RIVER!
THE SHAELYN BAND - IS ALL IN!
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Knoxville, TN
From the very first note, the energy on board was undeniable. The Shaelyn BAND took command of the stage like naturals — confident, powerful, and completely in the moment. Shaelyn, herself, could have handled the entire show solo, but her band didn’t sit back and coast. Every member brought full commitment — 500%.
The guitarist was a standout. His stamina and melodic instincts could have easily filled another hour — and maybe they do on some nights. There was a sense that this group knows how to push the groove, stretch the moment, and let it ride. If the boat had kept going, they just might have kept playing.
Organist — “The Professor,” Michael Hensley — delivered pure magic, even if his B3 didn’t fit in the band van for the tour. BUT if you ever have the chance to catch him LIVE when he is playing that magnificent instrument, DON’T MISS IT.
Audience members were extraordinarily welcoming–we were lucky to land at a table of happy, smiling people, one of which was a just-retired church organist, after a 67 year career (and her buddies).
Someone finally moved the trash can (a relief and a running joke by then), the large crowd found its rhythm, and Johnny Mack - world renown WDVX host of the 25+ year-running Johnny Mack’s Friday Night Blues Attack show, looked like he was having the absolute time of his life. (More info on Johnny Mack HERE.) The joy onboard was real — The infectious vibes delivered by the band–enhanced appropriately by the brass section at times–had the audience on their feet dancing through the aisles… and interacting directly with bandmates as they played and sang…
At times, someone would ask, “Is this one an original?” The answer didn’t matter. Their sound was fresh, the delivery inspired, and the whole experience felt alive and spontaneous.
There’s no doubt they could have kept going — and judging by the smiling faces all around, most of us would have stayed aboard along with their music.
The Shaelyn Band graced the cover of Jazz & Blues Florida’s December 2023 Issue - and have been in the forefront of the up and coming bands in Florida since. With all of the amazing established talent in Florida, this group is truly exceptional.
And the good company of my Gainesville, FL, friend, Bess, made the cruise even more enjoyable, witnessing her enthusiastic responses while experiencing this real music made by real people on the river.
🎵 The Shaelyn Band
🌐 https://shaelynband.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/TheShaelynBand
Shaelyn Mulberry – Lead vocals
Mark Barner – Background vocals
Michael Hensley – Organ
Curtis Willie Harris – Bass
Erik Guess – Lead guitar
Isaiah Gaytan – Trumpet
Moises Maldonado – Trombone
Tim Mulberry – Drums
Based in Florida, The Shaelyn Band fuses soul, blues, funk, and rock in a high-energy live show fronted by singer/poet Shaelyn (aka Shae Mulberry). The band formed in 2020 and has released two albums:
🎧 The Shaelyn Band (2022)
🎧 Juke Joint! (2023) – featuring standout tracks like “Fake Love,” “Saturday,” and “Blues Storm.”
With raspy vocals, deep grooves, and richly layered arrangements, this rising band continues to energize crowds and grow their reach across the U.S.
🚣️ About the Blues Cruise Series
River Rhythms: Enjoy the Heart and Soul of Blues Music
Presented by the Smoky Mountain Blues Society, these Blues Cruises aboard the Star of Knoxville offer an unforgettable experience — live blues in an intimate riverboat setting. Boarding begins at 3:15 PM; the cruise sails from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
🌐 https://smokymountainblues.org/events/
Upcoming Cruises:
July 13: Low Down Blues Band
August 3: Annika Chambers-DesLauriers & Paul DesLauriers
September 7: Early Times & the High Rollers
October 5: Chris O’Leary Band
🎶 About the Smoky Mountain Blues Society
For 25 years, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit has promoted blues music and heritage across East Tennessee.
Their mission:
Present live performances from local, regional, and national blues acts
Support charitable causes through fundraising and volunteering
Educate youth via their Blues In The Schools (BITS) program
“The Smoky Mountain Blues Society strives to preserve, promote, and perpetuate Blues music and its heritage, and, by so doing, to help foster unity among people of all ages, races, genders, creeds, and economic levels.”
(561) 313-7432 Text Only Please
Making the scene since 2006!
