Sedona News – The Northern Arizona Blues Alliance (NAZBA) has partnered with the Mary D. Fisher Theatre to present “Ladies Sing the Blues” on September 20th at 7pm, featuring three outstanding blues singers, all with highly accomplished backgrounds in the blues.

Opening the show is soulful diva, singer-songwriter and soloist Jackie ForemanShe has a penchant for the classics and has covered songs by many famous artists, including Bonnie Raitt, Nina Simone, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Tracy Chapman, Jewel, Sheryl Crow, Leon Bridges, and Amy Winehouse, with her own interpretation of the blues. Her original songs are as eclectic in style as her choice of covers, and she uses all of her influences and personal and global experiences to tell a story with a positive message of hope and perseverance. Her show incorporates vocal harmony loops, guitar banging beats, shakers, and tambourines, which she layers and sings with her soul. Her interpretation of old school blues earned her a solo spot at the 2019 Northern Arizona Blues Alliance and a national championship at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee in January 2019. He also had the opportunity to open for British blues legend John Mayall's solo show at the Orpheum Theatre in Flagstaff, Arizona on January 31st, 2020.

Next Betty Jo Vachonbringing the blues to audiences with unparalleled strength and sensitivity. She is a charismatic vocalist who is praised by her fans as a “passionate, powerful, soulful and connecting vocalist”. Betty Jo mixes Chicago roots music with blues and Motown to deliver a soulful and engaging show. She brought her music to Arizona in 2009 and joined the Blues Hounds as a lead vocalist, participating in shows all over Phoenix, including the Phoenix Blues Society Blues Showdown in 2010 and 2012, as well as playing at hot spots such as The Rhythm Room. She is currently collaborating with Big Daddy D & the Dynamites, and is joining them for gigs all over the Phoenix area. Betty Jo also spends her time writing and recording original songs and is set to release a single sometime this year.

The show will close with a famous singer from Sedona, Renee RicePerforming a wide range of songs from jazz standards to contemporary pop, blues and R&B, Lenny continues to captivate audiences with her vocal talent and stage presence. She has performed with many great artists, including Ray Charles, The Temptations, Sheila E. and Aretha Franklin, and has had the honor of singing the national anthem for the NBA's Detroit Pistons and Arizona Rattlers. Lenny is classically trained and attended college on a full music scholarship at the Macomb Performing Arts Center in Sterling Heights, Michigan, where she was honored to perform for former President Ronald Reagan. She regularly performs at select venues in Phoenix throughout the year, receiving standing ovations at the 2021 Greater Prescott Valley Blues Festival and her 2022 Elks Theatre performance. Lenny was a semi-finalist at the 2017 Memphis International Blues Competition (IBC).

Backing up these amazing singers are Big Daddy D, Darryl Porras The guitarist is a semi-finalist at the 2020 Memphis International Blues Competition (IBC) and a runner-up at the 2022 Memphis IBC. Big Daddy's guitar work is a combination of old and new styles that are sure to stick in your ears. The drummer is the founder and current president of the Northern Arizona Blues Alliance. Dr. Bob Cerani2017 Memphis IBC semi-finalist, 2019 Heritage Blues Hall of Fame inductee. Keyboardist: S.E. (Steve) Willis, Their music is deeply rooted in traditional American forms and they have performed with artists such as Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Albert King, Jimmie Rodgers, Roy Gaines and, since 2000, Elvin Bishop. Marie Gis a talented bassist who regularly performs around the state, playing a variety of music genres and with the Phoenix-based Cadillac Assembly Line Band.

“Ladies Sing the Blues” will be performed at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Friday, September 20th at 7pm. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased in advance. Sedona Film Festival For more information, please call the festival office at 928-282-1177.