Erie Blues & Jazz Lineup

The story of the Duke Sherman Band begins in the late 1990s, when a young guitarist known as Duke Sherman joined Nino's Blues Project, one of Northwestern Pennsylvania's most popular blues acts. Under the guidance of bandleader Nino Carlgren and the late Bob Grant, Duke learned far more than guitar—he learned the craft of entertaining, the realities of the music business, and the enduring power of the blues. Not long after, bassist Murph joined the group and found himself receiving the same invaluable education. As Nino's Blues Project rapidly built a devoted following throughout the region, few could have predicted that the lessons learned during those formative years would lay the foundation for one of the area's longest-running and most respected blues bands. Following the dissolution of Nino's Blues Project, Duke, Murph, and vocalist Bob Grant formed the Duke Sherman Blues Band, carrying their mentors' legacy forward across stages throughout the tri-state area. After the heartbreaking loss of Grant, the band persevered, honoring his memory by continuing the music he loved. A chance opportunity brought drummer Rik Cass and harmonica player Otis James into the fold, and over a conversation at a local tavern, the Duke Sherman Band was born. More than twenty-five years later, the same four musicians remain together—a rarity in any genre. Their chemistry, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to the blues have earned them a loyal following and appearances on stages ranging from intimate neighborhood clubs to major regional festivals. Through changing musical trends and decades of performances, the Duke Sherman Band has remained true to its roots, carrying forward the lessons of their mentors while putting their own unmistakable stamp on the blues. For them, the music is more than entertainment—it's a tradition, a brotherhood, and a mission to keep the spirit of the blues alive for the next generation.

Max Schang's Trio of Blues has been performing in the greater Pittsburgh, Erie and Cleveland area for over 25 years, developing a loyal following.  Max has sat in with many of the Blues greats, including touring in Europe with the late, great Chicago legend Eddie Shaw (Howlin Wolf's former bandleader) with the Wolf Gang, and played the Chicago Blues Festival several times.  Together with Terry McDonald on bass, who is also playing for the Greenville Symphony, and the energetic and versatile Steve McMurray on drums, Max will play some hot Chicago Blues, some originals and other favorites. With his endless bag of songs to draw from, you'll never know what he'll pull out next, but it'll make you want to dance!

Wayne Baker Brooks is considered one of today's top guitarists whose signature style combines powerful vocals with liquid fire guitar playing that honors his rich blues heritage yet effortlessly expands the boundaries of the genre.  Born and raised in Chicago, IL amongst the most prolific blues legends and blues masters in the world, Wayne Baker Brook's blues roots may run deeper and broader than the Great Lakes themselves.   Chicago Blues laid the foundation for Wayne's innovative style. Growing up Brooks was a regular visitor to such historic places as Chess Studios, Checkerboard Lounge, Wisefools, and many other blues landmarks at which he witnessed many live performances by blues masters like Buddy Guy, Jr. Wells, Luther Allison, KoKo Taylor, the great Muddy Waters, & his father. The youngest son of blues master Lonnie Brooks - Wayne Brooks was literally born into the blues!   Leaving no way around the fate appointed him he soon joined his father's (Lonnie Brooks)  band as his rhythm guitarist then quickly became the musical director. Then in 1997, he formed the Wayne Baker Brooks Band while continuing to work with his father's band. He made a cameo appearance in the film Blues Brothers 2000. With the release of his  acclaimed debut CD "Mystery" "an album that brilliantly draws on blues, blues rock, soul, funk and beyond". "Mystery" received multiple awards and praise from the music world.  Along with releasing his book "Blues for Dummies" he was soon touring the world and featured on national TV  programs (including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, & CNN's "Showbiz"), as well as ongoing radio programs, print media, & special media events including performing for First Lady Hilary Rodham Clinton at Chess Studios (Willie Dixon Blues Heaven Foundation) with legends Bo Diddley, Lonnie Brooks, KoKo Taylor. After Wayne and his special guest's exhilarating set, Hillary stated, "My husband is going to be so jealous he missed this!".  WBB has performed with, supported/opened for, and appeared on TV with such notables as:  Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Bo Diddley, Corey Harris, The Black Crowes, Otis Rush, Jr. Wells, Shemekia Copeland, Johnny Lang, Susan Tedeschi,  Keb Mo, Jimmy Vivino, Buckwheat Zydeco, Robert Randolph, Taj Mahal, Mick Fleetwood, Otis Clay, Bobby Rush, Elvin Bishop, Billy Branch and many more...   Wayne Baker Brooks and this Band continue to play the world over with WBB's signature top-shelf brand of guitar playing and a live show that should not be missed. 

Dylan Triplett, a Blues and Soul prodigy, has made a significant mark in the thriving blues scene with his soulful voice and raw emotion, he has captivated audiences across the country and around the globe. He began at age nine and has been performing professionally since late 2016, when he began singing with Ms. Carolyn Mason. A 2023 Blues Award winner for Best Emerging Artist, Dylan seamlessly combines classic blues elements with his unique style, creating a sound that's both timeless and contemporary. His electrifying performances, whether delivering heartfelt ballads or energizing the crowd with upbeat tunes, showcase his genuine talent undeniable charisma. Dylan Triplett is a genuine talent in the field of modern blues. He stands out from other artists in the genre thanks to his capacity to establish a meaningful and intimate connection with his listeners. Dylan Triplett exhibits his unquestionable talent and love for the blues with each word he sings.

Often transcending genres, Bywater Call is known for their dynamic, emotional live shows, featuring powerful vocals and exciting interplay between all band members. A powerhouse seven-piece Southern soul, roots rock outfit from Toronto, Canada; the band is comprised of Meghan Parnell (vocals), Dave Barnes (guitar), Bruce McCarthy (drums), Mike Meusel (bass), newest member, John Kervin (keys), Stephen Dyte (trumpet) and Julian Nalli (tenor sax). In March, Bywater Call played their third Joe Bonamassa "Keeping the Blues Alive" cruise, featuring headliners Beth Hart and Los Lonely Boys. During the cruse, Bywater Call played multiple sets and shared the stage with the likes of Tommy Emmanual, Ruthie Foster, D.K. Harrell, Lachy Doley, and many more. Bywater Call was nominated for the "2025 UK Blues Award" for "International Blues Artist of the Year" for the third consecutive year, alongside artists including Beth Hart and Walter Trout. The band has also received multiple Independent "Blues and Canadian Maple Blues Award" nominations including "Entertainer," "Electric Act," and "Best Female Vocalist" at the 2024 Awards Season. In 2025, they played the Netherland's BOSPOP Festival alongside the likes of the Black Keys, Warren Haynes Band, Marcus King, and Blackberry Smoke. The band has opened for Canadian award-winning musicians Whitehorse and Tom Cochrane, and singer Meghan has joined renowned pedal-steel guitarist Robert Randolph on stage at his request. Their studio album Shepherd was selected as the Blues Album of the Year by UK's Classic Rock Magazine. Band leaders Meghan Parnell and Dave Barnes were featured on the cover of Blues in Britain in January of 2025. Their 2025 live album Sunshine was released in August 2025 to rave reviews. In 2025, the band played 130 shows across 11 countries. Bywater Call's music is an exploration of life's highs and lows. From intimate ballads that lay bare the complexities of human emotion to electrifying anthems that demand to be played at full volume, their catalogue is a journey through human experience, featuring influences from the likes of The Band, The Wood Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Otis Redding, Little Feat, Sly and the Family Stone, and many more.

Since 1913, the Erie Philharmonic has inspired audiences throughout Northwest Pennsylvania through exceptional performances, music education, and community engagement. When they're not performing symphonic masterworks and orchestral pops concerts at the Warner Theatre, Erie Philharmonic musicians can be found exploring everything from chamber music to jazz on stages across the region and beyond. The Erie Philharmonic Jazz Ensemble highlights the remarkable versatility of musicians from the Flagship City's premier professional orchestra, delivering classic standards, fresh arrangements, and beloved favorites with style, spontaneity, and virtuosity.

Tony Grey Trio The Tony Grey Trio brings together three musicians whose combined experience spans the most celebrated stages in jazz and beyond. Rooted in the traditions of acoustic and electric jazz while drawing freely from rock, world music and creative improvisation, the trio creates music that is at once technically commanding and deeply expressive. Led by bassist and composer Tony Grey, whose career has taken him from the stages of the Hollywood Bowl and Lincoln Center to recording studios in Tokyo and beyond, the group is completed by guitarist Matthew Heulitt, whose rare ability to move fluidly between rock and contemporary jazz has earned him recognition in the pages of Guitar Player Magazine, and drummer David Throckmorton, a seasoned bandleader and educator whose rhythmic foundation anchors the trio's wide-ranging musical vision. Together they bring decades of collective experience, a shared commitment to musical storytelling, and a chemistry that can only come from years spent at the highest levels of the craft. Tony Grey Bass Tony Grey is a world-renowned bassist, educator, and composer whose artistry bridges virtuosic performance with transformative music education. Recognized early by guitar legend John McLaughlin, who sent him to study at Berklee College of Music where Tony received the Outstanding Performer award, his career has taken him to the world's most prestigious stages including the Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center, North Sea Jazz, Newport Jazz Festival, the Blue Note in New York, Milan and Tokyo, and Cape Town Jazz Festival. Tony has performed and recorded with some of the most influential musicians of our time including John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Hiromi, with whom he toured globally for seven years recording four studio albums and two DVDs. He also collaborated extensively with Hotei Tomoyasu, the Japanese rock icon whose composition Battle Without Honor or Humanity was immortalized in Kill Bill, for whom Tony composed original music and appeared in three live concert films including Live at Shepherd's Bush, Hotei Jazz Trio Live at the Blue Note and Into the Light alongside drummer Zach Alford, known for his work with David Bowie. Tony also appeared on guitarist Fabrizio Sotti's album alongside Shaggy, Ice T, M1 of Dead Prez and Mino Cinelu. Further collaborators include Karsh Kale, Zakir Husain, Falu Shah and Bill Evans. Most recently Tony performed across the US and Canada as part of the Sitar For Mental Health world tour alongside sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, the youngest disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar. Matthew Heulitt Guitar Based in Pittsburgh PA, Matthew Charles Heulitt has been a freelance guitarist for over 25 years, touring, recording, teaching, and leading his own bands. His work with Grammy award winning producer and fusion drummer Narada Michael Walden, known for his collaborations with Jeff Beck and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, yielded six albums, and in 2015 a feature in Guitar Player Magazine said he "represents a scarce breed of guitarist these days." As a player he wields an uncanny ability to bridge the worlds of rock and contemporary jazz into a tapestry of soulful music. His sideman, touring and recording credits include Zigaboo Modeliste of The Meters, Vusi Mahlasela, Carlos Santana, Mickey Hart, Taj Mahal, David Hidalgo, Sting, Bob Weir, Sammy Hagar, Ronnie Spector and many more. David Throckmorton Drums David Throckmorton is a Pittsburgh based drummer whose playing spans jazz, creative improvisation and contemporary music. He spent 1998 to 1999 on the road with legendary jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson as part of his Big Bop Nouveau Band, appearing on Ferguson's Brass Attitude CD and the Live from the King Cat Theater DVD. David has led and co-led the creative improvisational ensembles Beam, Thoth Trio and Smash Your Wagon, and has performed clinics and master classes around the globe. He teaches privately and is an endorser of Yamaha drums and Sabian cymbals.

The dynamic writing/performing duo, Erin & Ross is a one-of-a-kind musical collaboration. Their "New Kind of Old" sound, distinctive for its unique instrumentation featuring guitar, french horn, and vocals, delights audiences of all kinds with their original, genre-defying tunes. They collaborate regularly with a variety of ensembles and are launching an educational initiative designed to facilitate cross-departmental collaboration and expand the existing classroom to include the surrounding community. Dr. Erin Futterer also performs on both modern and natural horn, and is working on an ethnographically informed biography of her mentor, Frøydis Ree Wekre. 'Street-educated' singer-songwriter Ross Falzone is a recording engineer and multi-instrumentalist with five self-produced solo records. He is passionate about media reform and co-founded and directed the youth radio program, Young Voices of Nashville. Erin & Ross's continuing musical, educational, and creative journey can be followed on their website, erinandrossmusic.com, and on Instagram, @erinandrossmusic. Erin and Ross have been building their band of Better Angels throughout the years, and over time it has been comprised of a variety of great musicians and great humans. This crew has been tested, tried and true and they are delighted to share the stage in Erie with natives Phil Papotnik - saxophones and Liz Sesler-Beckman- piano; as well as their Rochester crew: Henry Scott Smith - violin, Ethan Porter - guitar, John Carlino - bass, and Jim Conner - drums. 

HAILING FROM THE FUNKY RUST BELT TOWN OF NORTHEAST, OHIO, THE ADMIRABLES HAVE CREATED A LIVE EXPERIENCE THAT IS ALL ABOUT GOOD VIBES! GOING TO AN ADMIRABLES SHOW IS A PARTY. BOLD AND FUNKY EARTH TONES FROM THE HORNS AT THE FRONT LINE LEAD THE BAND THROUGH DYNAMIC TWISTS AND TURNS. HYPNOTIC GROOVES FROM THE RHYTHM SECTION GET HEADS BOBBING AND BODIES MOVING. AN ADMIRABLES SHOW IS A HEALING AND EXCITING EXPERIENCE. WHETHER THE ADMIRABLES ARE JAMMING ON A TRAP GROOVE OR LAYING DOWN THE FUNK, THEIR #1 GOAL IS TO GET YOU MOVING. THE BAND CALLS UPON MANY OF THE FEEL-GOOD MUSES OF GROOVE MUSIC SUCH AS KOOL & THE GANG, J-DILLA, JAMES BROWN, ERYKAH BADU, MILES DAVIS, HERBIE HANCOCK, PLUS MANY MORE. AS THE OLD ADAGE GOES MUSIC IS FOOD FOR THE SOUL. THE ADMIRABLES WILL GET YOU FED!

"Jazz Group of the Year" nominee, The Lao Tizer Band, make their return to Erie Blues & Jazz Festival on Sunday, August 2nd in support of their new album & video release AMPLIFY. The new release is a major evolution for the group and includes 5 new original vocals and 4 new original instrumentals. The project was recorded and filmed all LIVE at legendary EastWest Studios in Hollywood with simultaneous 7-camera video shoot and a legendary cast of musicians. Please join us as the group takes you on a high-energy musical ride through a variety of flavors and styles with an all-star cast of musicians.