Three veteran musicians will bring their progressive style of blues to Rye, infusing contemporary issues into a genre steeped in tradition.

“What Kilby has done by bringing different generations of blues musicians together is to make sure that the torch is not only passed but stays well-lit.” – Dave Eisner, The Institute for Musical Traditions

For 30 years, Phil Wiggins was half of the international acoustic blues duo “Cephas and Wiggins”. Together they recorded more than a dozen albums, performing in Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and at the White House.

George Kilby, Jr. spent 20 years performing with and producing albums for the legendary pianist Pinetop Perkins of Muddy Waters Band. He is a fixture in Manhattan’s roots music scene and can be seen with his band most Sundays at BB King’s in Times Square.

Kilby and Wiggins started collaborating in 2011, not long after the passing of their respective musical partners. Together they’ve toured North America and Europe receiving great acclaim.

On April 16, they will be joined by Sherman Holmes who was part of the Soul/Gospel/Blues trio “The Holmes Brothers” for over 35 years. The Holmes Brothers received the Blues Foundation’s Band of the Year (‘05) and Album of the Year (’08). In 2014 they received the highest honor the US bestows on folk artists, an NEA National Heritage Fellowship.

Collectively, Phil Wiggins, George Kilby, Jr., and Sherman Holmes have performed in the world’s most prestigious concert halls. On April 16, they will bring their world-renowned music to The Rye Arts Center.

On Phil Wiggins:
“Phil is among a very small handful of virtuosos whose command of his instrument takes my breath away. His talent rivals that of any artist I’ve encountered in my career in Classical music, in my view placing him in the company of the Yo-Yo Mas and the Joshua Bells of the world.” - Scott Freck, Vice President for Artistic Operations & General Manager North Carolina Symphony

On George Kilby, Jr.:
“The music of George Kilby Jr. & the Road Dogs is a melding of good old-fashioned country, blues, R&B, rockabilly and whatever else it takes to get the job done… it got my undivided attention and highest recommendation.” –Billtown Blues

On Sherman Holmes:
“Timeless, deeply soulful and uplifting gospel-drenched blues, street corner doo-wop, ballads, R&B, country and funk” – The New York Times

General: $30 / Members $20 (discount for advance sales only)

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