Blues Calendar

Opening performance by Patrick Recob & the Perpetual Luau All Stars!
DOORS AT 6PM - SHOW AT 7PM


Los Angeles-based band who play blues-roots-rock music.The 44’s are one the brightest rising stars on the American blues roots scene. Make no mistake about it. The raw rough and tough sounds generated by these four expert musicians during live performances and in the making of their Sophomore album Americana, on the Rip Cat label, demands to be heard by Blues music fans World Wide. Prepare to do some hip-shakin'!!!

DOORS AT 7PM // SHOW AT 8PM


Anthony Gomes, #1 Billboard Blues Artist, is a triple threat force as a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. This, along with his high-energy shows and dynamic stage presence, make him one of the top draws on the Rock/Blues circuit today. Download a FREE ALBUM from ANTHONY GOMES at: www.freegomesalbum.com

A very talented guitarist... and where did that voice come from?
~ B.B. King

CIBS members that attend the membership meeting are eligible to win door prizes at the end of the meeting… prizes such as tickets to a Blues show, CDs, DVDs, Books, etc. Enjoy some live blues after the meeting!

CIBS members that attend the membership meeting are eligible to win door prizes at the end of the meeting… prizes such as tickets to a Blues show, CDs, DVDs, Books, etc. Enjoy some live blues after the meeting!

FREE event sponsored by The Central Iowa Blues Society

DOORS AT 7PM -- SHOW AT 8PM

Presented by Central Iowa Blues Society and Noce

DOORS AT 6PM // SHOW AT 7PM


This is no ordinary club tour... this is Ruf Records Blues Caravan 2018 featuring Bernard Allison, Mike Zito, and Vanja Sky! If you’ve followed Ruf’s rolling revue since it started life in 2005, you already know that these shows are must-see events, throwing together three stellar artists on one bill – then letting the chemistry do the rest.

Traditionally, the Blues Caravan lineup has showcased the label’s breaking talent giving fans a chance to catch the blues titans of tomorrow before they go ‘BOOM’. But in 2018, it’s time to mix things up. On this year’s Blues Caravan, you’ll not only find one young gun with a dazzling career ahead of her, but also two heavyweights with a sky-high reputation.

Ruf’s tireless dedication to the blues means it hunts far beyond the US and UK for its new signings – and the label has struck gold with Croatian gunslinger Vanja Sky. Channelling the fire and flair of Rory Gallagher, Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, this 23-year-old hot-tip has already broken out in her home country and bordering Balkan States. Now, with her highly anticipated debut studio album due for release in January 2018, Vanja is planting her flag in Europe and North America as the junior partner on the Blues Caravan. “I’m very excited to play on the Blues Caravan 2018,” she says, “and looking forward to meeting a lot of new people and sharing my music with them. My shows are filled with great energy and I always give everything when I’m on stage. I’m gonna play songs from my debut album, and also some cover songs – so people can definitely expect some great music and fun.”

Some surnames command instant respect on the blues scene. As the son of the mighty Luther Allison – the late Chicago blues titan who was Ruf’s first signing back in 1994 – Bernard Allison has added to the family legend and carved out his own mythology as a world-class songwriter and performer. For this year’s Blues Caravan, he’ll be drawing on an acclaimed back catalogue that includes 1997’s US debut Keepin’ The Blues Alive and 2000’s classic Born With The Blues, and slipping between genres as only a master can. “I’m looking forward to being a part of the Caravan,” says Bernard. “My show is all about sharing my musical talent and presenting different styles like blues, rock and funk. There’ll be lots of energy, because I feed off of my fans and love interacting with them on and off stage. You can expect a fun time – the Allison way!”

If you’re remotely serious about modern blues, you’ll have followed the twists and turns of Mike Zito’s fascinating career. The Missouri-born bandleader overcame his crippling early addictions to become one of modern America’s sharpest songwriters, and few artists have written with such stark eloquence as he did on 2011’s Greyhound album. In 2012, Mike threw us a curveball, lining up alongside Devon Allman and Cyril Neville as a key member of Royal Southern Brotherhood – and went on to stay with the supergroup for two critically feted albums. But the call of his own muse was too strong, and in 2014, Mike burst straight back into his solo career with Keep Coming Back and Make Blues Not War. “I have long wanted to join the Blues Caravan and run away, so I’m excited,” he says. “My shows are energetic and passionate: I try hard to give everything I’ve got and make every note count. You can expect rocking blues guitar, with a dose of soul vocals, and a mix of my best songs.”