Ben Levin Presents: Generations of Chicago Blues feat. Bob Stroger, Lil' Ed and Tom Holland.
Ben Levin Presents: Generations of Chicago Blues feat. Bob Stroger, Lil' Ed and Tom Holland.
Ben Levin is a blues pianist/vocalist from Cincinnati, OH. Ben has released four albums on the Vizztone label and has two Blues Music Award nominations, along with five Blues Blast Awards nominations. Ben's latest album, "Take Your Time", featured collaborations with Blues legends Lil' Ed, Bob Stroger, and Lil’ Jimmy Reed. Based on the success of their single "I've Been Drinking Muddy Water", Ben and Lil' Jimmy collaborated again in the studio with Ben producing and co-writing songs with Jimmy. "Back to Baton Rouge" was released in May 2023 on NOLA Blue and reached number two on Living Blues radio charts. "Both musicians have perfectly matched and understood themselves to give us a repertoire that includes five covers and five original songs, that are a heartfelt tribute to the most traditional old-time blues. A magnificent and mandatory to listen album, one of those small treasures which are barely recorded, to be deeply savored in these times of modernity and technology." -La Hora De Blues (Spain)
Lil Ed Williams
You've seen his explosive, dynamic electric band 'The Blues Imperials' light up the night like fireworks on the fourth... ---now see and hear Lil Ed Williams with a group of hand-picked all-star blues musicians, exclusively seen together live of Rosa's Lounge. More about Lil' Ed
”Electrifying, raucous, pure Chicago blues….Lil’ Ed is a guitarist extraordinaire….slashing slide and flamboyant stage persona." –Chicago Tribune
"Rough and ready blues played with unmitigated intensity…Swirling, snarling, riveting slide….The Blues Imperials pound out riffs and rhythms like they’re overdosing on boogie juice. Scorching and soulful, joyous and stomping." –Living Blues
Tom Holland
With a legacy spanning over a remarkable 25 years, Tom Holland (of the Shuffle Kings) have left an indelible mark on the global blues stage. Their musical journey has taken them to renowned clubs and prestigious festivals across the world, enchanting audiences with their soul-stirring performances.
At the heart of this musical force is Tom Holland, a blues virtuoso whose dedication to his craft has propelled him to remarkable heights. Tom's musical journey reads like a who's who of blues legends – from sharing the stage with the iconic John Primer to harmonizing with the legendary Eddy Clearwater. Most recently, Tom had the distinct privilege of collaborating with the late James Cotton, a true luminary of the blues genre. These experiences haven't just shaped his artistry; they've solidified his reputation as one of the most sought-after blues musicians in the contemporary scene.
Bob Stroger
At 90 years old, Chicago blues electric bassist and singer/songwriter Bob Stroger still loves his job and is ready for more, even decades into his career. After moving from small-town Missouri to Chicago as a teen and seeing Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf tear up Silvio's club, he knew he was one day going to become a bluesman, too. While sometimes he got paid and sometimes he got stiffed for gigs, Stroger knew he'd finally made it when fellow blues artist Eddie King got him a show to play for $15.