BLUES People, the 2023 and 2024 North Jersey Blues Society (NJBS) International Blues Challenge (IBC) Winners and 2024 IBC Semifinalists, will headline a special NJBS concert and fundraiser at Crossroads in Garwood, NJ on Sunday, October 13 from 4 pm to 7 pm. Tickets for the event are priced at $10, and additional information is available by calling (908) 232-5666 or visiting linktr.ee/xxroads.
Joining BLUES People for the performance will be Ed Alstrom, the NJBS IBC Winner in the Solo/Duo category, adding another layer of exceptional talent to the evening.
BLUES People, comprised of Kelton Cooper (vocals/guitar), Mike Griot (bass), Ron Thompson (keyboards), and Gene Lake (drums), has made waves across the New Jersey/New York blues scene. Drawing comparisons to legendary acts like The Meters, Luther Allison, Keb' Mo', and Buddy Guy, the band is earning critical acclaim for their fresh yet soulful take on blues music.
In 2022, BLUES People released two well-received promotional singles, "The Skin I'm In" and "Troubled Times." Their 2024 album, The Skin I'm In, has been nominated for "Best New Artist Debut Album" by the Blues Blast 2024 Music Awards and is being widely praised by music critics. "They are the real deal... loved their set and love this album," states Blues Blast Magazine. Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine hailed them as "what New York City blues sounds like today," while NJArts.net described them as "one of the most notable new bands on the New Jersey/New York blues scene in recent years."
Each member of BLUES People brings years of experience, having played alongside a who’s who of notable artists, 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 BLUES People and the other incredible musicians I've worked with," shares bandleader and bassist Mike Griot. Griot, who also serves as a successful festival producer, is no stranger to the global blues community and is eagerly anticipating the upcoming IBC in Memphis. He is also civically active as a Curator and Event Producer at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC).
Upcoming BLUES People 2024 Fall-Winter Shows and Special Events:
- October 13 (Sun): NJBS IBC Fundraiser at Crossroads, Garwood, NJ
- October 26 (Sat): Lizzie Rose Music Room, Tuckerton, NJ
- December 22 (Sun): Montclair Brewery, Montclair, NJ
- January 7-12, 2024: International Blues Challenge, Memphis, TN
For more information about BLUES People and their upcoming performances, visit linktr.ee/xxroads or contact Crossroads at (908) 232-5666.
