ACA Live presents Selwyn Birchwood at the Atlantic Center for the Arts Urban Amphitheater on Friday, November 6, 2026. The Florida-born blues guitarist, lap steel player, vocalist and songwriter brings his original blend of blues, funk, soul and Southern roots music to New Smyrna Beach. Opening the evening will be Florida saxophonist Daniel "Saxman" Fuqua.
Birchwood has developed a national and international following with a sound he describes as "Electric Swamp Funkin' Blues." The Orlando-born musician formed the Selwyn Birchwood Band in Tampa in 2010 after spending formative years touring with veteran bluesman Sonny Rhodes.
Birchwood went on to win the Blues Foundation's 2013 International Blues Challenge in the band category, along with the Albert King Guitarist of the Year award. His accomplishments helped establish a recording relationship with Alligator Records.
His 2026 Alligator Records release, Electric Swamp Funkin' Blues, continues his emphasis on original material while exploring the musical territory surrounding his guitar, lap steel and vocals. Released March 27, 2026, the album features ten original compositions written and arranged by Birchwood, who also produced the recording. The project combines blues foundations with funk rhythms, soul, organ, horns and other musical textures.
Two longtime members of Birchwood's musical team contribute to the sound heard on the new album and previous recordings.
Regi Oliver performs on baritone, tenor, alto and bass saxophones, as well as flute. His instrumental contributions have become an identifiable part of Birchwood's recorded music, with the lower-register saxophones adding another musical voice alongside Birchwood's guitar and lap steel. Oliver's association with Birchwood extends back to the early years of the band.
Donald "Huff" Wright is another longtime member of the Selwyn Birchwood lineup. His bass playing provides the rhythmic foundation on multiple Alligator Records releases, including Don't Call No Ambulance, Living in a Burning House and the 2026 Electric Swamp Funkin' Blues. His work contributes to the combination of blues, funk and soul heard throughout the band's recordings.
Opening the concert will be Daniel "Saxman" Fuqua, a Florida saxophonist and vocalist with more than two decades of performance experience. Fuqua began playing saxophone at age 11 and later performed in jazz ensembles before developing a professional career that has included concerts, restaurants, private events and corporate performances throughout Florida and beyond.
Fuqua's musical background includes jazz, R&B, gospel and other styles. His performances combine saxophone and vocals, bringing another dimension of Florida-based musical talent to the ACA Live concert program.
ABOUT ATLANTIC CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Founded in 1977 by artist and environmentalist Doris Leeper, Atlantic Center for the Arts (ACA) is a nonprofit multidisciplinary arts organization in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. ACA supports artistic development through its internationally recognized artist residency program, bringing together established and emerging artists working in music, visual arts, literature, dance and other creative disciplines.
Its programs also include exhibitions, performances, educational workshops and community arts initiatives serving participants of all ages.
Located on a wooded campus overlooking Turnbull Bay, ACA provides an environment where artistic collaboration and the natural surroundings are closely connected. The campus includes professional studios, galleries, performance spaces and an outdoor amphitheater that hosts live music and cultural events.
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