Winter Bluesfest 2023

Hey, blues enthusiasts! Are you ready for this?

Taking the stage Saturday, January 14, 2023 are three amazing bands for the Second Annual HCA Winter Bluesfest. Coming off their big win at the NH Blues Society competition will be Frankie Boy and the Blues Express and representing the Boston Blues Society as this year’s winner will be The Matt Swanton Band. Both bands will be heading to Memphis, January 24, to the International Blues Competition — so let’s send them off with a bang!

Headlining the evening will be The Chris Fitz Band with guest Ken Clark on Hammond B3 Organ. Both Fitz and Clark have been previous winners of the Boston Blues and New England Blues Society Challenges respectively. Do not miss this show!

ABOUT THE BANDS

The Chris Fitz Band with guest Ken Clark The Chris Fitz Band is a hot pot of Blues Jambalaya. Mixing Swing, Jump, Chicago, and Texas Blues styles with a healthy dose of funk, soul, rock-n-roll, and a touch of British blues rock (think Eric Clapton with the Blues Breakers and Cream) this power trio has a spicy sound all their own. Fitz is a previous winner of the Boston Blues Challenge and went to IBC, Memphis in 2007.

Ken Clark is internationally known as one of the world's greatest jazz organists. He has also been winner of New England Blues Society, Keyboardist of the Year in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015. Clark’s technical ability joined with his natural feel for funk and soul makes a night with the KKOT an authentic, special one indeed. Clark has toured and recorded with Bernard Purdie, Melvin Sparks and David "Fathead" Newman among others.

Frankie Boy & The Blues Express  When you hear funky fresh raw rugged blues power, picture Frankie Boy & The Blues Express. They are a New England based blues band led by front man, guitarist, and singer songwriter Frankie Boy Blues. The group consist of four members playing unique new blues and some of their favorite covers. “The Blues Express” style ranges from traditional blues to funk and all the way to hip-hop.

The Matt Swanton Band At nine years old, Matt was inspired to pick up the guitar after going to shows at The Bull Run in his hometown of Shirley, MA. He spent his teen years practicing in his bedroom, playing in high school groups, and sitting in at blues jams. He continued his musical endeavors into college, attending UMass Lowell, where he earned a degree in Sound Engineering and performed in many ensembles with his peers. After years of cutting his teeth and getting to share the stage with the likes of Mike Zito, Albert Castiglia, Papa Chubby, and Ronnie Earl, he is taking to the stage with his no frills, no BS blues band.