8pm • $15 • Tickets on Eventbrite and at the door if still available

The Blues Women Experience

Shari Puorto • Doug Woolverton • Mike Ault

Bill Starks • Jeff Muller • Matt Tebo

Come experience a musical celebration of the many incredible women who have left an indelible mark on the blues. From blues pioneers like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith to today’s blues mavericks including Susan Tedeschi and Sue Foley, this all-star band brings this magical music to life.

·         Shari Puorto (vocals): An award-winning singer, songwriter, and performer who has shared the stage with icons like Tommy Castro, Slash, Robben Ford, Ruthie Foster, and Walter Trout. With seven releases to her name, Shari captivates audiences with her powerhouse vocals, deeply expressive voice, and raw, high-energy performances.

·         Doug Woolverton (trumpet): An in-demand, versatile trumpeter, Doug has recorded and toured nationally and internationally with some of the biggest names in blues music, including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bobby Rush, Victor Wainwright, and Roomful of Blues. In 2021, he was featured in a PBS Postcards episode that was nominated for an Emmy Award.

·         Mike Ault (guitar): A first-call DMV session guitarist and teacher who has performed nationally and internationally, most recently in the Paul Reed Smith Eightlock band. Mike’s bluesy playing has been a draw to area audiences for decades and he regularly performs with high caliber artists including Carlos Santana, David Grissom, and Davy Knowles.  

·         Bill Starks (piano): An award-winning songwriter and keyboard player who has performed on stage and in the studio with many DMV acts including Ruthie and the Wranglers, Deanna Bogart, Dave Chappell, and NRBQ tribute band Me & the Boys. Bill has a rockin' piano style that blends rock ‘n’ roll, honky tonk, boogie woogie, and blues into a musical gumbo.

·         Jeff Muller (bass): A veteran bassist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer who has performed with legendary acts including Allen Toussaint, Cyril Neville, Ernie K-Doe, and Eva Cassidy. As Papa Lebas & Gumbo Ya Ya, Jeff recently released a new album, Naptown to NOLA, which includes contributions from legendary musicians including Ivan Neville, George Porter Jr., Tommy Malone, Chubby Carrier, Ron Holloway, and many others.

·         Matt Tebo (drums): An in-demand drummer in the DMV working with acts including Mike Mills, the Karl Straub Combo, Meg Murray, the Kevin Cordt Trio, and the Cyphers Band. No matter what style Matt plays, he elevates the music and, when the music calls for it, fills the dance floor.