Gas Station Blues™ Reprises Stellar Performances This Summer
Notable International Blues Artists Descend on Historic Shell
he Downtown Issaquah Association (DIA) and the Washington Blues Society (WBS) resume the hot music summer series for its 10th year.
Eric Clapton describes the blues as his inspiration and relief in the trials of life. Visitors come to Gas Station Blues™ to experience a joyful family-and alfresco-friendly annual favorite with artsy vibes in Centennial Park in Downtown Issaquah’s Creative District.
“Come early and picnic on the grass or enjoy one of the fantastic art galleries or restaurants along Front Street before the show, or get takeout for the full al fresco experience,” said DIA President Christina Bruning. Bring a chair and blanket and enjoy the summers night blues.”
- DIA and WBS host artists every Thursday night from July 11th through August 22nd from 7 to 9 p.m. The artists are internationally renowned and draw crowds from throughout Washington. Both WBS and DIA are dedicated to preserving music and maintaining culture and history.
“WBS helped bring blues to the Shell Station 10 years ago because of our love for the genre and for small towns bursting with cultural life,” said WBS President Tony Frederickson. “Gas Station Blues has been around for a decade because of the Downtown Issaquah Association’s leadership and heart.”
Gas Station Blues has been nominated for Seattle Times’ Best in the PNW in the Things to Do—Arts and Culture Event category. VOTE DAILY until June 28th at 5pm to show your support! VotethePNW.com
What to Know
- Concerts are free and suitable for all ages.
- Wine, beer, and other food & beverages available for purchase from local restaurants.
- Location: 232 Front Street North.
- Parking: Available along Front Street or behind businesses.
- Check out our variety of delectable dining options: Issaquah Eats
- Gas Station Blues has been nominated for Seattle Times’ Best in the PNW in the Things to Do—Arts and Culture Event category. VOTE DAILY until June 28th at 5pm to show your support! VotethePNW.com
GSB Summer Lineup – Learn More About the World-Class Musicians
Nick Vigarino – July 11th
Nick Vigarino is a Legendary blues artist in the Pacific Northwest with 3 CDs, 30-plus recordings and 3 film soundtracks in his repertoire. The international, award-winning lightening slide guitar player is considered a blues master. He has performed in 13 countries, has been nominated for more than 30 music awards in 3 countries – garnering 24 – including his induction into the Washington Blues Society’s Hall of Fame in 2010.
Kim Archer – July 19th
Renowned for her electrifying, unfiltered performances and engaging rapport with audiences, Kim Archer has cultivated a vast and devoted fan base spanning the Pacific Northwest and beyond. For more than two decades, she has captivated packed venues with her soulful delivery, propelled by powerful vocations and authentic songwriting. Whether gracing a premier stage with her skilled band or creating an intimate setting with solo performances, Archer leaves the crowd wanting more.
Ben Rice – July 25th
Ben Rice, frontman for the band PDX Hustle, might be described as quiet and unassuming – until he picks up a guitar. That stealthy quality has earned him the moniker “blues ninja,” evidenced in his vocal chops and songcraft as well as his guitar playing. While Ben started in traditional blues, over the years he’s built upon that foundation with soul, R&B, folk and country to fashion a welcoming front porch where everybody wants to hang out. Since his large-stage debut at the International Blues Challenge in 2014, Ben has made the leap from Northwest act to national and international touring artist.
John Del Toro Richardson – August 1st
John Del Toro Richardson grew up around Houston, and you can hear it in every note he sings and plays. You can also hear the Latin music that is his birthright, growing up among family mariachi bands and broadening into country and R&B in neighborhood jams. Today, Blues is the centerpiece of his musical identity. Blessed with killer vocal chops with considerable soul and range, Richardson brings modern Texas swagger and swing to his stage performances. He has won several awards for guitar and vocals, and his album with mandolinist Rich DelGrosso Time Slips By became a top album in 2011. John’s CD Wild Ride showcased his formidable guitar playing and powerful vocals and propelled him to international acclaim.
Christi Michelle – August 8th
Born and raised in the Seattle area, Christi Michelle, respected widely for musical and multiple other talents, is “living the life of an “Archetype Woman of Love and Power.” The powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, actor, comedian, producer, and performer has spent her career in the frenetic life of show business. Her art is infused with personal narratives on life, love, survival, heartache, and joy that is the essence of blues. Whether performing solo with a cigar box guitar and suitcase kick drum, in an ensemble, or fronting a rock band, Christi commands the entire room with emotional vocals evocative of Adele, Janis Joplin and Tiny Turner.
Eden Moody – August 15th
Born into the notorious Children of God cult, Eden Moody discovered firsthand that “you can’t break free from a prison you don’t know you’re in.” Now an award-winning speaker and singer-songwriter, Eden combines speaking with performing her own original live music to deliver “Keynote Concerts.” With an acoustic guitar, euphonious voice and captivating stage presence, Eden engages her audience in a dynamic transformation journal, weaving fascinating stories, uplifting original songs and powerful takeaways that not only inspire and entertain, but also convey deep insights and leave a lasting impact.
Brian Butler – August 22nd
A native of the Pacific Northwest, Brian Butler is internationally acclaimed for his bold blues and originals. His is a gifted storyteller who backs his expressive vocals with dynamic guitar and harmonica. Brian's captivating songs touch on adventure in New Orleans ("Second Line Beat"), love in a winter storm ("When the Wind Blows"), nature's fate ("Snow River"), a trip to the old neighborhood ("Holly Lane"), and the loss of a friend ("The News About Billy"). Never straying far from his blues background, Brian has created an innovative sound that pays tribute to the classic blues while blending diverse musical influences. Brian's performances are energetic, inspiring and not-to-be-missed.
Stacy Jones – August 29th
Stacy Jones is a Gas Station Blues regular and favorite. The singer-songwriter is a multi-instrumentalist who delivers high-energy Roots Rock, Blues and Americana. She is no stranger to success, having been nominated multiple times for “Best of the Blues” awards in songwriting, performance, harmonica, and guitar. She and her band have won the “Best Band Award” five consecutive years since 2018, and more than a dozen other “Bests” from the Washington Blues Society, including Best Female Vocalist, Blues Harmonica, Songwriter, Drummer, and Bass. She has also won “Best Of” for her albums and records, including Love is Everywhere, Whiskey, Wine and Water, and the song Can’t Do Nothin’ Right.
MEDIA CONTACT: execdirector@downtownissaquah.com
ABOUT DOWNTOWN ISSAQUAH ASSOCIATION
The mission of the Downtown Issaquah Association is to cultivate a thriving Olde town that builds community and celebrates our charm.
ABOUT WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY
The Washington Blues Society is a non-profit all volunteer organization whose mission is to promote, preserve, and advance the culture and tradition of blues music as an art form.
ABOUT ISSAQUAH
Named Best Burb by Sunset Magazine, one of the Best Towns for Families by Family Circle, and one of the Best Towns by Outside Magazine, Issaquah is a draw for outdoor and culture enthusiasts from around the world. With more than 40,000 diverse residents, it is situated conveniently off I-90, just 16 miles east of Seattle.
Issaquah’s Downtown is dubbed Historically Hip, with its state designation as a Creative Arts District, drawing artisans to its funky vibe. Situated among the Issaquah Alps, It is an outdoor paradise, drawing locals and tourists to beautiful hiking trails, paragliding, pristine lakes and nature attractions in state and community parks.
