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Jersey Arts Podcast: Roomful of Blues Welcomes First Female Vocalist in Over Fifty Years


By Gina Marie Rodriguez, JerseyArts.com

originally published: 01/08/2026

Today we are highlighting the five time Grammy Award Nominated band, Roomful of Blues. First formed in 1967, the group touts an impressive tenure approaching almost sixty years in the industry. While some new faces have come and gone in that tenure, the eight-piece blues band is still going strong- most recently welcoming their first female singer, D.D. Bastos, to the octet.

Together, the group has released their latest album “Steppin’ Out” featuring the group’s signature blues, jump, swing and soul sound including timeless gems first cut by Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Jimmy McCracklin, Tiny Bradshaw and more.

Today I was honored to speak with lead guitarist and Roomful producer, Chris Vachon, and lead vocalist, D.D. Bastos about their latest album, their journey into the band, and their love of the blues. Stay tuned to hear a special musical sneak peak as well.

Roomful of Blues will perform at the Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton on Sunday, January 18, 2026.  Tickets are available for purchase online.



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About the author: Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and actress. Her foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school. From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds. Gina Marie boasts a Bronze Remi win from Worldfest Houston, Best Female Filmmaker from the Cosmic Film Festival, and a Best Actress in a Comedy from the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival alongside nominations from the Golden Door International Film Festival, Official Latino Film and Arts Festival and Los Angeles Cinefest among others.

Content provided by Discover Jersey Arts, a project of the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation and New Jersey State Council on the Arts.




 

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