Bloomington, Indiana blues, soul and funk band, fronted by vocal powerhouse Sarah Menefee and backed by veteran musicians plays blues festivals and clubs throughout the Midwest. This band showcases as 3 time semifinalists at The Blues Foundation International Blues Challenge on their impressive resume. Within the last year, King Bee has performed at several esteemed blues festivals, theaters and venues across the Midwest.
John Bowyer & Jayme Hood refine their musical artistry in the fabled hills of southern Indiana. They have honed their skills and craft in the honest old-school tradition of putting in time and collaborating with some of the most significant performers in their scene.
Their hard work has been paying off. With hundreds of live performances in the last 10 years, these road seasoned troubadours are swiftly traveling beyond their deep Bluegrass/Folk/Americana roots, both musically and geographically.
Catch a show. You’ll be glad you did.
Inspired by the country and rock music of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, Cody Ikerd started performing as many shows as he could while holding down day jobs. He kept writing, learning, and we ended up releasing two EP’s in 2017 (Honest Man) and 2019 (You Can Find Me In A Honkytonk). The band released their first album in May of 2023 with the help of some friends. This is a premier old school country band and packs honky tonks all over the states.
From Kokomo, Indiana, Mike began playing guitar in 1977 at age 6. Mike grew up hearing his father's soul-rock bands. As a boy, he traveled with them and the Drifters in the mid 1970's throughout the southern United States. He received his first guitar at age 5. He purchased his first electric guitar at age 10 with paper route money. His vocals and guitar have been called "gritty and soulful" and have been compare to many. He formed Steam Shovel in the Summer of 1993 and named the band after his favorite children's book by Viginia Lee Burton, "Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel".
Mike cites his father, "Big" Mike, Robert Cray, Tad Robinson, Howling Wolf, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Doyle Bramhall (1 and 2), Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Donny Hathaway Jimi Hendrix, Albert King and Collins as his mentors.
Delmark recording artist, Dave Weld and The Imperial Flames is an authentic, real deal blues band, high energy with versatile talent, variety, and a cohesive show that includes original driving houserockin' blues, blues rock, funk, boogie and Soul. Blues originals are classic in nature, the standards are revitalized with striking three part vocal harmony, three vocal stylists, Passionate slide guitarist, Dave Weld mentored from Grammy Winning Master J.B. Hutto and legendary slideman, along with blues diva and two time Rami winner Monica Myhre (Mona Rose), a kicking rhythm section consisting of the smooth voice of Jeff Taylor holding a solid beat on drums, Kenny Pickens blazing on bass, Harry YaSeen, tutored by the famous Art Hodes on piano/organ and the Mississippi saxman, Rogers Randle.
The Dynamics is an 8 piece funk, soul and party band that started nearly 40 years ago, when James “JB” Black and Vaughn Mitchell found they both had a passion for music. The band originally started out as a blues band that found success. In 1990, the band won the national W.C. Handy Blues contest in Memphis, Tennessee. The band also received the B.B. King Lucille award as “Best New Talent” for a performance at the National Blues Award Concert. The sound eventually evolved to include more R&B and funk, and the band released three albums, “Make That Change” in 1996, “Doin’ It...LIVE!!!” in 2000 and “You Ain’t Got To Go Home” in 2001. Now, they are famous for being the best party band in the Midwest.
Low Landers is a hillbilly bluegrass string band influenced by James King, Stanley Brothers, Johnny Paycheck, Wood & Wire, Del McCoury and many more. They formed In April of 2022 with Jesse Beals on banjo, Scott Bratton on guitar and Sam Herrin on mandolin, and added Kurt Hubbard on bass in 2023. Focused around the songwriting of Jesse Beals, the group shines through his strong lead vocals, along with impressive backup harmonies and tight rolling rhythm — also sometimes steeped with a blend of traditional bluegrass and country songs. Live shows evoke a feeling of whimsy and the storytelling of down home while bringing the energy of the wild and humble holler.
Hitting the ground running, they have recently performed alongside Chicago Farmer and the Fieldnotes, Joe’s Truck Stop, Henhouse Prowlers and The Hammer & The Hatchet.
JC Clements, a dynamic Folk Rock and Americana Blues artist from Southern Indiana, brings a unique sound steeped in her Appalachian roots from Hazard, Kentucky. Mentored by blues legend Lonnie Mack, she developed a distinctive style blending folk, rock, and Americana. J. C. honed her skills at Chicago's Buddy Guy's Legends, contributing to her two albums featuring notable Chicago blues musicians and her partner Chris Forte.
Returning to Indiana, she embraced her Folk Rock origins, releasing singles like “Where I Didn’t Belong” and preparing for her 2024 album “Paragon”. This album, reflecting her journey and storytelling skills, addresses themes from addiction to toxic relationships. She also founded the Hoosier Original Music Association (HooMac) in 2023, aiding Indiana artists and venues. J. C.'s music, rooted in authenticity, invites listeners into a world where Appalachian heritage and universal human experiences intertwine.
Black Cat & the Bones is a long-running five-piece blues band hailing from the state of Indiana, with Dennis McClure on vocals, percussion and harmonica, Tadas Paegle on guitar and vocals, John Gray on drums and vocals, Matt Brookshire on bass and John Abel on guitar. One of the premiere blues acts in the midwest, this band is one to keep an eye on. The quality of players and their talent is unrivaled. Rooted deeply in authentic Chicago blues, this group keeps traditional aspects front and center, all while bridging the gap between old and new. It would be hard to find a band with more experience and talent than this one. In recent years, BCATB has been performing at music festivals, theaters and premiere music venues across the Midwest. In 2023, the band signed on with The Whirlwind Agency, and is actively working and booking.
Rusty’s show is a high-energy, freewheeling tour-de-force of homegrown rock and roll. A veteran of the Indiana music scene, Bladen has played many of the clubs, theaters, bars, and festivals in the Midwest on his way to building his fanbase. Nine albums and 5,000 shows in his back pocket make him truly one of the road warriors of Indiana’s music fraternity. Rusty’s original music, his every-night-a-great-time live show, and the pile of encyclopedic rock and roll and country history that he can play have made him an artist who can be counted on to turn a performance into a party. For the past 30 years, Bladen has been writing music and building his audience, stacking show after show of heartland rock and roll to gain the reputation as one of the midwest’s most engaging live performers.
Jeff Shew was inundated with blues music at an early age while growing up in and around Chicago. He was fortunate to be mentored by the legendary Pinetop Perkins, and got to play with Pinetop for several years while living in Laporte, Indiana. He moved to Bloomington, Indiana in 2003 to study music and ethnomusicology at Indiana University. A jack of all trades, he sings, plays bass, saxophone and guitar, and on top of that is a seasoned songwriter, arranger and producer. His many accolades include participating in the International Blues Challenge in 2015, 2016, 2020 and 2023. Jeff runs The Whirlwind Agency, and is the leader of the Bloomington Blues Group and runs the Bloomington, Indiana Blues Jam. The Late-Night Crew plays spooky songs about drinking, depression and the American dream.
Steve Houk is a long-time multi-instrumentalist, originally from Arkansas. He's been a studio musician, a touring guitarist with many bands and has performed all over the country for decades. The Steve Houk band plays Blues, Americana, Folk and Country. Since transplanting to Indiana a few years ago , Steve has firmly rooted himself as one of the best guitarists in the area. He is an excellent songwriter as well. He is also just a very nice person. Have a conversation with him next time you catch him live, and see what all of the fuss is about.
Applegate & Rock met on a stage at a blues festival in 2008. The chemistry was instantaneous and they’ve been playing, writing and arranging together ever since. Their groove filled shows are tight, punchy and up-tempo with precise vocal harmonies and lots of originals.
Gary provides vocals, guitar and foot percussion while Joe plays harmonica and sings. Everything you see here is played in one pass with no looping, backing tracks or overdubs.
Big Dog is Bloomington Indiana's newest SUPERGROUP -- Blues, Soul and Funk party band. Many members of the legendary band Mojo Hand make of Big Dog, including Lauren Robert on vocals, Jamey Reid on Drums, TJ Jones on Bass, Doc Malone on harp, Wes Schrimsher on keys and Brian Gill on keys. They aim to get you up and keep you dancing, all while leaving you astonished at what you just heard.
Rusted String Swindlers ia a bluegrass, country and roots band from Brown County, Nashville, Indiana. Steeped in the deep tradition of bluegrass music in the Southern Indiana area, made famous by Bill Monroe, The Swindlers carry on what has been passed down for generations. This four piece group combines mostly traditional and old-timey styles with a bit of modern flair. If you’re looking for a toe tapping good time, they have been entertaining crowds of all sizes for years. As an up and coming group filled with musical virtuosos, the experience and talent of each member shines through every note.
Tim O'Malley has been a staple of the Bloomington, Indiana music scene since the 70s. A gifted songwriter, vocalist and guitarist, Tim has played in many bands over the years, and held down a blues spot at Bear's Place and other locations for years. The current lineup playing with him features Doc Malone and company.
Those rippin' Rhett boys playing that loud honky tonk down in Bloomington Indiana. Writing from what they know and playing by where they’ve been. And making up everything else.
Original jams! Heavy favorites!
Corey Flick is a journeyman, masterful harmonica player. After a successful ten year run in Colorado, Corey is now back in Indiana, based out of Brown County. He works with Cody Ikerd, Kenan Rainwater and Rusted String Swindlers. If you need a fill-in harmonica player or a studio session musician, Corey is your man.
Piney Woods brings decades of experience to the best R&B, Soul, Blues and Country powerhouse horn-driven (Strip Mall Wonder) band that you'll ever hear and see. As if the bombastic stage show wasn't enough, now the band has taken its talents to the recording studio, creating Piney's lifelong masterpiece. Expect a fun stage show, backed by certain special songs that'll bring a tear to your eye.
Cool Comfort may be a new band in name, but features decades of experience and success with its 5 members. Fronted by vocalist Bobby BJ Hayes, the band showcases an incredible amount of talent, rounded out with Tadas Paegle on guitar, Danny Deckard on drums, Neal F Heidler on bass and Russ Skiba on Keys.
The formidable duo of Mark Carnes and Jeff Shew create dark-themed Blues, Americana and Old-Timey songs. Their debut album was recorded and produced by Dane Clark. Carnes and Shew won the Kentuckiana Blues Society challenge in 2020, and competed at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Southern Indiana Blues Fest at Bill Monroe's Campground in Bean Blossom, Indiana is one of the best in the world, featuring national touring bands, as well having a second stage for local and regional acts. The Whirlwind has worked on booking the Hippie Hill stage and blues jam for this event, as well as being the emcee and band/stage coordinator.
McCormick's Creek State Park Arts, Blues and BBQ Festival has been a staple of Owen County for decades. The event usually takes place the Saturday after Labor Day, and features local, regional and national bands, as well as artists and the best BBQ in the world.
Amplify Nashville brings future stars to the big stage of Brown County Music Center in Nashville, IN. This community-lead, benefit event raises funds for the local food pantry, and for the Brown County Music Association , which gives music-related scholarships to local youth.
The Bloomington Blues Group and Bloomington, Indiana Blues Jam were reformed following the closing of the Players Pub. Every Tuesday and select weekends, the jam can found at The Porthole Inn and Blockhouse Bar.
This nonprofit organization invites you to become an integral part of our vibrant community dedicated to championing the artists and industry of original music in Indiana. Hoomac produces the music business conference FARMette.
Since 1988, The Kentuckiana Blues Society has dedicated to the preservation, promotion and perpetuation of the blues tradition in all of its forms. In additon, KBS honors the community with the Syslvester Weaver Award, as well as providing the annual KBS Blues Challenge in which bands compete for a chance to represent this area in Memphis in the International Blues Challenge. The Whirlwind Agency had the pleasure of building KBS a new website and logo.
Working together with Harmony Tree Resorts and The Sycamore Saloon, this blues festival has found a perfect location in Brown County Indiana. Nestled in the hills and woods, this property offers a unique experience, with a BBQ competition, cold beer, camping, glamping, lodging, a full indoor bar, outside beer garden and stage, and the best blues artists around.
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