North Central Florida Blues Society
Presents:
2025 Gainesville Blues Showcase
Featuring:
- Little Mike & the Tornadoes
- Dr. Jules’ Cool Blues
- JC & the Backscratchers
- Sheba the Mississippi Queen &
the Bluesmen
Sunday, September 14, 2025 | Doors 5p, Show 6p
Heartwood Soundstage
Heartwood Soundstage
The North Central Florida Blues Society is excited to announce that four of North Florida’s finest traditional Blues performers will be co-headliners at Heartwood Soundstage on September 14 for the 2025 Gainesville Blues Showcase.
Dr. Jules’ Cool Blues is a trio consisting of Dr. Jules Gliesche (guitar, vocals, original “decompositions”), Little David Thornton (harmonica) and Marie Williams (piano, vocals). Along with providing original interpretations of established Blues standards and striving to keep that sound alive, the trio also incorporates elements of jazz & big band swing. This gives them an original sound that remains firmly rooted in the rhythms and traditions of the Blues, and keeps feet tapping. If you listen to the lyrics, you’ll discover that they’re often downright amusing. Dr. Jules' Cool Blues has become a fixture in Florida's music scene, earning acclaim for their talent and passion for the blues.
John Christopher “JC” Balding (a.k.a. Chris) was born in Tallahassee, FL. Catching a concert featuring former Muddy Waters harmonica master Jerry Portnoy changed his life, starting him on a 30+ year journey of honing his craft and playing with many of the most notable blues bands in the Tallahassee area. In 2021, he launched JC and The Backscratchers, a roots Blues combo featuring songs from the 40s to the present, with influences such as Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Junior Wells, Gary Primich, James Harman, Rick Estrin and Kim Wilson, among many others.
Little Mike & the Tornadoes is well-known for its flawless, high-energy blues sound, modeled after the great Chicago bands of the ‘50s. Little Mike is a mean harmonica player who cut his teeth in New York City in the late 1970s and early 1980s, backing up legendary Bluesmen Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, and Jimmy Rogers, among many others. Blues Blast Magazine called their music “old-school Blues delivered the right way by folks who feel it down to the core.” Featured performers include Josh Miller and piano legend Jim McKaba.
Sheba the Mississippi Queen & the Bluesmen were formed in 2018, and were International Blues Challenge semifinalists in 2019. She has performed at notable blues festivals including Springing the Blues, the Coral Gables Blues Festival, and the Long Island Blues Festival. Her band the Bluesmen, which includes guitarist Keith Caton, boasts top musicians steeped in the Blues that have played alongside Bo Diddley and other musical luminaries. Sheba’s music draws from her life experience from hurt and pain, addressing universal themes people can understand.
Heartwood Soundstage
Nestled in the heart of Gainesville, Florida, Heartwood Soundstage stands out as a vibrant music venue, enriching the local music scene with its unique charm. Boasting a state-of-the-art sound system and a cozy yet spacious setting, Heartwood provides an intimate experience for music enthusiasts. The venue's commitment to showcasing live jazz and blues aligns seamlessly with the diverse cultural offerings in the area. With its welcoming ambiance, Heartwood Soundstage has become a go-to spot for both local and touring artists, creating memorable performances that resonate with the audience. From its inviting atmosphere with neighboring food and beveage shops, to its dedication to promoting the best in live music, Heartwood Soundstage solidifies its place as a cornerstone of Gainesville's vibrant musical landscape.
The North Central Florida Blues Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, cultivation, nurturing and promotion of Blues Music. Members enjoy substaintial ticket price discounts that can easily pay for the cost of membership and more over the course of a year! Join today at: https://ncfblues.org
AREA VISITOR & LODGING INFO AT:
Funded in part by Visit Gainesville AlachuaCounty.
This program/event is funded in part by a grant from the
The BLUES has HISTORY in
GAINESVILLE!
21 YEARS OF BRINGING THE BEST BLUES
IN THE WORLD TO GAINESVILLE FLORIDA!
2025
Toots Lorriane & The Traffic
The Nighthawks
Rev. Billy C. Wirtz
2024
Sauce Boss Bill Wharton
Doug MacLeod
EG Kight
Cash Box Kings
Kent Burnside
2023
Brandon Santini
Joey Gilmore†
Bridget Kelly Band
Barbara Armbrecht†
Lurrie Bell
The Blues Beatles
Mr. Sipp
John Primer
Little Mike & The Tornadoes
Chris Cain
2022
Biscuit Miller
JP Soars & The Red Hots
Early Times
Mick Kolassa
The Lucky Losers
Sheba the Mississippi Queen
The Nighthawks
&
Rev. Billy C. Wirtz
Terry Hanck & His California Band
2021
Little Jake & the Soul Searchers
Mike Zito
Albert Castiglia
Bridget Kelly Band
Snacks Blues Band
Josh Miller Blues Review
Eric Gales
Reverend Billy C. Wirtz
Pam Taylor & The Flyin' V's
21 Blue Featuring Longineu Parsons
2020
Pam Taylor & The Flyin' V's
Ruth Wyand & The Tribe of One
Doug MacLeod
Rev Shawn Amos
2019
Mac Arnold & Plate Full O' Blues
Vanessa Collier
Little Mike & The Tornadoes
Bridget Kelly Band
George Worthmore Jason Ricci
Shane Dwight
Damon Fowler
Tennessee Redemption
Patti Parks
Toronzo Cannon
Albert Castiglia
Roy Book Binder
2018
Birthday Blues Bash-O-Rama w/ Anthony Gomes, Danielle Nicole & Bridget Kelly Band
BLUEZAPALOOZA: Ghost Town Blues Band & Betty Fox Band & Bridget Kelly Band
Lauren Mitchell
Rev Shawn Amos
21 Blue featuring Longineu Parsons and Ted Shumate
Bill "Sauce Boss" Wharton
Doug MacLeod
2017
Zora Young
Norman Jackson Band
Selwyn Birchwood
Jason Ricci
Gracie Curran & The High Falutin’ Band
Albert Castiglia
Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials
2016
Annika Chambers
Cash Box Kings
Doug MacLeod
Matt Schofield
2015
Mac Arnold & Plate Full O' Blues
Long Tall Deb Feat. Colin John
Jeff Jensen
Samantha Fish
Terry Hanck
Zora Young
Tinsley Ellis
2014
Tas Cru
Selwyn Birchwood
Janiva Magness
Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’Blues
Joe Moss Band
2013
Brandon Santini
Matt Schofield
Nikki Hill
Albert Castiglia
2012
Jimmy Thackery
John Nemeth
Roomful of Blues
2011
Kenny Neal
JP Soars
Victor Wainwright
2010
Tommy Castro
Mike Zito
Watermelon Slim
Nick Moss
John Nemeth
Ana Popovic
2009
Janiva Magness
Duke Robillard
Michael Burks†
2008
Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials
Magic Slim†
Jimmy Thackery
Lurrie Bell
Mighty Lester
Tab Benoit
Nighthawks
2007
Chris Cain
Sean Costello†
Sauce Boss
Bryan Lee
Mark Hummel and the Blues Survivors
2006
Eddie Kirkland†
Gary Primich†
Smokin’ Joe Kubek† & B’Nois King
Debbie Davies
2005
Delta Moon
Little Charlie & the Nightcats
Pat Ramsey† & the Blues Disciples
Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets
~ ~ ~
Distributed by:
JazzBluesFlorida.com
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(561) 313-7432 Text Only Please
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Making the scene since 2006!
Making the scene since 2006!
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