Queen City Blues Fest

We’ve changed things up this year and will be staging this year’s event at The Blue Note located in Harrison, OH. This venue offers reserved seating as well as ample free parking steps from the front door. This year’s event will feature six local and regional acts spread across two stages. Each act will perform 60 minutes followed by the next act. There will be no overlapping which allows everyone to see each act perform their full set.

Misterman and the Mojo Band – https://www.mistermanandthemojoband.com/
– Misterman and the Mojo Band features Bob Herrmann alongside of some of Cincy’s finest musicians. These professionals have been playing for many years, performing at casinos, clubs, parties, weddings, festivals, and corporate events. This talented and popular group perform regularly in the Greater Cincinnati area and enjoys a large fan base. These versatile performers play blues in an exciting upbeat style that audiences love. This exciting band entertains audiences at large events such as festivals or the more intimate settings of a private party, night club or a group of family and friends.

Mojo Blues Cats – https://www.mojobluescats.com/
– If you love the blues, you will love these cats. While laying down cool blues from some of the greats, some of their original stuff and a variety of other music, the Mojo Blues Cats will have you meowing for more.

King Bee & The Stingers – https://www.kingbeestingers.com/
– King Bee & The Stingers is a six-piece blues, soul and funk band from Bloomington, Indiana. Several KBS singles have been distributed by Sony Orchard and are being played on hundreds of radio stations across the world, including singles from KBS’s second album, “Don’t Move So Fast”, which was completed in early 2023.
– King Bee & The Stingers formed in 2006 under the leadership of harmonica player and vocalist Mark “King Bee” Menefee. The band attracted a strong following across Indiana and the Midwest, playing classic, gritty roadhouse blues. In 2015, Mark’s daughter Sarah Menefee took over as lead vocalist and has been a rising star ever since. King Bee & The Stingers are 2018, 2019, and 2023 semifinalists in The Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.
– After playing with the band as a fill-in drummer, Paul Karaffa joined full-time in 2019. In late 2019, bassist Jeff Shew joined the group. He had already worked with band, having written “You’re All I Need,” the opening track on the band’s debut album, “Meet Me in Memphis.” The band started writing more original music as it also added more soul, funk and pop to an extensive blues catalog. In 2020, Mark Menefee became the band manager, ceding harmonica duties to veteran harp player Mark Carnes. Keyboardist Wes Schrimsher joined in 2021, and guitarist Matt Boat joined in 2022.

The Gina & Johnny Band – https://www.johnnyfink.com/ginaandjohnny
– Formed in 2022, The Gina and Johnny Band is a very powerful combination of Cincinnati’s best blues musicians. Fronted by Gina McCann, with stage presence and vocal prowess second to none. Gina’s singing started in church as a child, and she has fronted many of Cincinnati’s best blues bands.
– Johnny Fink provides both soulful guitar work and powerful vocals. Johnny (The most winning artist in the history of the Cincy Blues challenge) led his band to the finals of the International Blues Challenge in 2017 and has been in the Top 25 of Living Blues radio charts.
– The rhythm section is composed of veteran drummer Roger Bates, and local legend Mike Grosser on bass. This band is a “must see” that will knock your socks off and melt your heart.

Deuce ‘n a Quarter – www.deucenaquarter.com
– In 1959 the top-of-the-line Buick was the new Electra. Borrowing from the stylings of the Cadillac and the Oldsmobile, with chromed grill and fins, this car measured in at 225 inches or a “deuce ‘n a quarter.”
– With its power and smooth ride, the deuce ‘n a quarter quickly became an American classic. Although it was built for comfort not speed, when you dressed one up it became an affordable luxury automobile for the working man “the poor man’s Cadillac”!
– Just like the automobile, the band Deuce ‘n a Quarter is built for comfort not speed. But make no mistake, when they perform their original music paired with classic American blues, they are bound to get you moving. Through an authentic connection with their audience and listeners, this band is becoming another American classic. The name alone will take you to a good place.
– So, take a listen or book them for a show… and let’s ride!

CFG & the Family – https://www.facebook.com/CFGandtheFamily/
– Based out of Hamilton, OH, CFG & The Family is a force to be reckoned with.
– The band’s performance has been described as the following: “It’s like standing knee-deep in a Louisiana swamp in mid-August while drinking a top shelf bourbon and sharing a slice of pecan pie with Al Green. Hot, sweaty, warming your insides, satisfying that sweet with a little gospel.”
– With influences deeply rooted in the blues, soul, funk, rock, and jazz genres, CFG & the Family aims to captivate with soul-shouting vocals, bluesy harmonica, slide guitar, and a solid and seasoned rhythm section. With a range of talent spanning several decades, these musicians are focused on delivering modern blues and soul music with a nod to the past.