The Bands
Bobby Hunt and the Day Drinkers - 2:00PM

Bobby Hunt & the Day Drinkers consists of Boris Larue on drums, Rob Hutt on guitar, Catman Ballard on harmonica and Brian Reedstrom on bass and keyboard. This newly formed group performs frequently in Northwest Indiana and Michigan. They have been featured on the Blues Review with 'Ole Harv and their recently debuted album is now available online.
Stefan Hillesheim - 4:00PM

Born Jan 17th, 1987 in Koblenz, Germany Stefan is best known for his fingerstyle and slide guitar playing, soulful vocals and songwriting skills. Stefan Hillesheim studied classical guitar in Germany under Hubert Käppel – one of the most influential classical guitarists and teachers of his time. Stefan moved to Los Aneles, California at age 27 to attend Musicians Institute (GIT) where he was awarded "Most Improved Student" of the Year 2015.
Soon after he started playing at renowned gospel churches and live music clubs across the country. His signature guitar tone and driving rhythm guitar skills make Stefan a high demand session player. Stefan has worked with, and is working with, many notable artists, including Ellis Hall (former Tower of Power), Brent Carter (Average White Band), Tony Llorenz (former Albert King Band, former Stevie Ray Vaughan), Emerson Cardenas (former Santana), Bobby Kimball (former Toto), Frank Nitty (former 2Pac), James Fortune (gospel recording artist) Regardless of the genre and band configuration Stefan convinces as a straight from the heart musician, who's passionate and inspired live performances leave no one untouched.
The Mike Wheeler Band - 6:00PM
Mike Wheeler has been playing the blues for over 28 years.He did his first blues gig with Muddy Waters sideman Lovey Lee in 1984.In the early 90's he played with bassist & vocalist Joan Baby. He has since been a member of Cadillac Dave & The Chicago Redhots, Sam Cockrell & The Groove, Big Ray & Chicago's Most Wanted with Nellie Tiger Travis, Big James & The Chicago Playboys and The Grooveshakers with Peaches Staten. Mike has performed with Koko Taylor,Buddy Guy,B.B. King,Shemekia Copeland,Jimmy Johnson,Son Seals,Willie Kent and a who's who of today's Chicago Blues!
Larry Williams is a Bass Extraordinaire with unmatched stage presence and charisma.Influenced by artists such as Bennie Williams,Jerome Scott,Sam Cockrell,Larry Graham,James Jamerson,Willie Dixon,Stanley Clarke and Verdine White just to name a few,Larry's style is clean and driving,reminiscent of the late greats yet modern,enabling him to play with the best in the business.From Gospel to Alternative,Larry can play it all.
Cleo Cole began playing drums at the age of 10.He was influenced by his older brother Jethero Cole.Cleo played in his grammar and high school bands and also attended the Conservatory of Music where he was taught by Peter Romalis.He then began playing around town with various artists such as Doug McDonald,Alvin Cash,Floyd Taylor,Zora Young,Maurice John Vaughn,Shirley King,Big James,Nellie Travis,Peaches Staten,Sam Cockrell and Pistol Pete.
Brian James is keyboardist for The Mike Wheeler Band.He has played and acted as musical director for The Chi-Lites,The Drifters,The Classic Five,Sugar Blue,John Lee Hooker Jr,Chico Banks and Blues Legend Lonnie Brooks.He brings to the band his varied and diverse range of experiences and influences stemming from stints with Reggae,Country,Jazz,Rock Zydeco,Pop,Blues and R&B groups.
Joanna Connor Band - 8:00PM

Joanna Connor is a complete electric guitar package and vocalist extraordinaire. She covers the range of modern blues, slide guitar and blues rock with her own compositions very much influenced by funk, rock, jazz and world music as well as delta blues. Her sense of melody, phrasing and dynamics along with a very modern technique make her a very funky, soulful and compelling guitarist. As for vocal abilities, if Joanna wasn't a guitarist, she could easily be a lead singer in any band.