North Central Florida
Women in Blues Showcase 2026
Sunday, May 17, 2026 | Doors 2p, Show 3p
at
619 South Main Street
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 258-8557
The
North Central Florida Blues Society’s 8th annual
Women in Blues Showcase will be held on May 17, 2026, at Heartwood Soundstage. Join the blues community in celebrating the Blues and the important role female performers have played, continue to play, and will play in keeping the genre vibrant.
The North Central Florida Women in Blues Showcase annually hosts national, regional, and local female blues performers. This powerful day of music is a favorite among attendees and has fostered unity and friendship among diverse performers.
The North Central Florida Blues Society is proud to announce the all-woman backing band and featured artists for the 8th annual North Central Florida Women in Blues Showcase:
Backing Band:
Drums: Deb Berlinger, Tallahassee, FL
Bass: Elizabeth Hangan, Los Angeles, CA
Guitar: Vange Durst, Palm Coast, FL
Keys: Alex Richman, FL
Featured Artists:
Garnetta Cromwell (South Hamilton, ON, Canada)
Vange Durst (Palm Coast, FL)
Doris "Lady D" Fields (Beckley, WV)
Elizabeth Hangan (Los Angeles, CA)
Kiersi Joli (Nashville, TN)
Nella B (Upper Marlboro, MD)
Cat Rhodes (Pensacola, FL)
Sheba the Mississippi Queen (Ocala, FL)
Mary Washington-Brooks (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Women in Blues events are dedicated to spotlighting and supporting female artists in the blues genre, addressing historical disparities and promoting equal opportunities in the music industry. Through festivals, jam sessions, showcases, and live streams, these events provide a platform for female blues musicians to share their talent, connect with audiences, and gain recognition. By raising awareness of the contributions of women in blues, these gatherings help build a stronger, more inclusive community that fosters growth, collaboration, and appreciation for diverse voices in the genre. They help ensure that female blues artists receive the visibility and support needed to thrive while amplifying their stories and contributions on a broader scale.
Stay in touch with
North Central Florida Women in Blues
PAST FEATURED ARTISTS
Alex Richman (St. Augustine, FL)
Amanda Ferwerda (Gainesville, FL)
Amy Hart (Nashville, TN)
Anna Marie (Gainesville, FL)
Barbara Paul Armbrecht (R.I.P.) (Gainesville, FL)
Becky Sinn (Gainesville, FL)
Beth Reid-Grigsby (Sacramento, CA)
Beulah Mae (Ormond Beach, FL)
Bridget Kelly Fik (Gainesville, FL)
Brigitte Rios Purdy (Los Angeles, CA)
Cassie Keenum (Gainesville, FL)
CC Wilson (Baltimore, MD)
Chelsea Oxendine (Gainesville/Live Oak, FL)
Cherie Cray
Christine Alexander (Pensacola, FL)
Christine Leiser (Ocala, FL)
Cindy Bear (Jacksonville, FL)
Deb Ryder (Topanga, CA)
Deby Starr
Doris "Lady D" Fields (Beckley, WV)
Elizabeth Hangan (Los Angeles, CA)
Gayle Harrod (Baltimore, MD)
Janelle Frost (Panama City Beach, FL)
Kellie Rucker (Mystic, CT)
Kiersi Joli (Nashville, TN)
Kim Reteguiz (Jacksonville, FL)
Lauren Mitchell (San Miguel de Allende, MX)
Laurie Lacross-Wright (Winter Haven, FL/Flint, MI)
Maggie McKinney (Panama City, FL)
Marie Williams (R.I.P.) (Gainesville, FL)
Melanie Murray (Gainesville, FL)
Michelle Banfield (Gainesville, FL)
Nicole Wagner (Keystone Heights, FL)
Niecie (Detroit, MI/Nashville, TN)
Nora Gauck (Keystone Heights, FL)
Pam Taylor (Lancaster, SC)
Patti Parks (Buffalo, NY)
Queen Iretta Sanders (Jackson, MS)
Ruth Wyand (Kill Devil Hills, NC)
Sarah Menefee (Bloomington, IN)
Sheba the Mississippi Queen (Ocala, FL)
Sugar and Spice (Tampa, FL)
Sunny Bleau (Oxford, MI)
Tina Jackson (Paramount, CA)
Tullie Brae (Nashville, TN)
Yolanda Raftice (R.I.P.) (Melrose, FL)
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 and neighboring food and beverage options, Heartwood Soundstage has become a go-to spot for both local and touring artists, creating memorable performances that resonate with audiences. From its inviting atmosphere to its dedication to promoting live music, Heartwood Soundstage has solidified its place as a cornerstone of Gainesville's 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 substantial ticket price discounts that can easily offset the cost of membership over the course of a year. Join today at:
https://ncfblues.org
AREA VISITOR & LODGING INFO AT:
This program/event is funded in part by a grant from the
The BLUES has HISTORY in
GAINESVILLE!
22 YEARS OF BRINGING THE BEST BLUES
IN THE WORLD TO GAINESVILLE FLORIDA!
2026
Cory Hall
Jasper Smitty
Mud Morganfield
2025
John Németh
Toots Lorraine & 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
~ ~ ~ ~
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