Sat 12/21 @ 6PM
Originally from southeastern Ohio, blues vocalist/guitarist Micah Kesselring had put a lot of experience under his young belt prior to winning the Cleveland Blues Society’s competition in October in the solo/duo category. He now gets to represent the organization at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January.
The same month he released his debut album Log Cabin Blues, demonstrating a solid grasp of acoustic country blues, with his deft slide and steel-body guitar playing and vocals that capture some of the spirit of old Delta bluesmen without straining for the imitation no 20-year-old could achieve.
Since leaving home, Kesselring has gotten around — first to Columbus, then to places like Memphis, Washington D.C., Tacoma, and Florida.
The 2014 IBC won’t be his first time there. He represented the Kentucky Blues Society in 2010, the Pomeroy Blues and Jazz Society in 2011 and the Columbus Blues Alliance last year, reaching the semi-finals each time. Maybe Cleveland will be his lucky charm and he’ll bring home the top prize.
In the meantime, he’s booked a show at the Blue Rock Café in Hudson to help raise money for his trip.
Check out some tunes here to see what an impressive grasp this kid has on this supposed old people’s genre.
reverbnation.com/micahkesselring