(GARWOOD, NJ) -- BLUES People, 2023 and 2024 North Jersey Blues Society (NJBS) International Blues Challenge (IBC) Winners, and 2024 IBC Semifinalists in Memphis, headline a NJBS concert and fundraiser taking place at Crossroads in Garwood on Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Also performing will be Ed Alstrom, NJBS IBC Winner in the Solo/Duo category.
BLUES People are Kelton Cooper (vocals/guitar), Mike Griot (bass), Ron Thompson, (keyboards) and Gene Lake (drums). The New Jersey/New York-bound has been compared Meters, Luther Allison, Keb Mo' and Buddy Guy, flattering comparisons the band doesn't take lightly.
BLUES People released two well-received promotional singles in 2022 ("The Skin I'm In" and "Troubled Times"), and this year, released its 2024 album The Skin I'm In -- nominated by the Blues Blast 2024 Music Awards for "Best New Artist Debut Album" and widely praised by music critics. "They are the real deal...loved their set and love this album" writes Blues Blast. "(BLUES People) is what I think New York City blues sounds like today," states Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine, while NJArts.net asserts, "one of the most notable new bands on the New Jersey/New York blues scene in recent years."
Tickets are $10. Crossroads is located at 78 North Avenue in in Garwood, New Jersey.
Each BLUES People member is a seasoned veteran who have paid their dues; as individual side men, they have supported a who’s-who of touring “A-Listers”, including Sue Foley, Josh Smith, Kool & the Gang, Ruf Records Blues Caravan, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Bo Diddley, Jr. and Michael Hill’s Blues Mob.
"I'm extremely blessed and honored to make great Blues music with (not only) BLUES People, but those I've worked with in the past," shares Mike Griot, BP bandleader, career bassist, and successful festival producer (Griot produces approximately eight events per year). "I'm really looking forward to my return to the global blues family at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis." Griot is also civically active, as a Curator and Event Producer at SOPAC (South Orange Performing Arts Center).
The North Jersey Blues Society (NJBS) is a volunteer-based 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that was founded to celebrate the heritage and preservation of blues music as a valued indigenous American art form through the unity of the blues community comprised of fans, musicians, society members, venues, other non-profits, educators, and business owners who will collaborate and promote the blues performances and educational offerings in Northern New Jersey.
