Congratulations to our 2016 Blues Challenge Winners:
Band Challenge: The Danny Draher Band
Solo/Duo: The Balkun Brothers
Best Self-Produced Album: EasyBaby
Youth Showcase: Jake Kulak and the Low Down
Winners will represent CT at the International Blues Challenge (IBC) 1/31/17–2/5/17.
The Balkun Brothers: Rock N’ Roll Residency @ Strange Brew Pub
November 30, 2016
Winner of the 2016 CTBS Solo/Duo Challenge
After recently exploding onto the music scene with their powerful brand of psychedelic rock n’ roll, Balkun Brothers are creating a name for themselves among the top rock-blues bands in the USA and worldwide. Founding members Steve Balkun (guitar/vocals) and Nick “The Hammer” Balkun (drums/vocals) are gaining followers across the world, becoming known for their high-energy live shows. Balkun Brothers bring a fresh mixture of funk, rock, blues, and intense improvisation that has been impressing crowds from Paris to New York City. The brothers, both in their 20’s, are solidifying themselves as top musicians in the rock and blues scenes of this generation.
The Balkun Brothers: The Iridium w/ Jake Kulak, NY/NY
December 03, 2016
Winner of the 2016 CTBS Solo/Duo Challenge
After recently exploding onto the music scene with their powerful brand of psychedelic rock n’ roll, Balkun Brothers are creating a name for themselves among the top rock-blues bands in the USA and worldwide. Founding members Steve Balkun (guitar/vocals) and Nick “The Hammer” Balkun (drums/vocals) are gaining followers across the world, becoming known for their high-energy live shows. Balkun Brothers bring a fresh mixture of funk, rock, blues, and intense improvisation that has been impressing crowds from Paris to New York City. The brothers, both in their 20’s, are solidifying themselves as top musicians in the rock and blues scenes of this generation.
Danny Draher Band: Fast Eddie's Billiards Cafe - New Milford, CT
December 03, 2016
Winner of the 2016 CTBS Blues Band Challenge
This journeyman of multi-faceted talent and passion has mesmerized audiences internationally including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Madison Square Garden. Danny also appeared on Delmark Records Fifty Year Anniversary Jazz and Blues Collection CD. He has a great reputation within the industry and he is known for his style and finesse.
Fast Eddie's Billiards Cafe - December 3rd @ 8:00pm
The Balkun Brothers: Infinity Music Hall w/ Gary Hoey, Norwich
December 04, 2016
Winner of the 2016 CTBS Solo/Duo Challenge
After recently exploding onto the music scene with their powerful brand of psychedelic rock n’ roll, Balkun Brothers are creating a name for themselves among the top rock-blues bands in the USA and worldwide. Founding members Steve Balkun (guitar/vocals) and Nick “The Hammer” Balkun (drums/vocals) are gaining followers across the world, becoming known for their high-energy live shows. Balkun Brothers bring a fresh mixture of funk, rock, blues, and intense improvisation that has been impressing crowds from Paris to New York City. The brothers, both in their 20’s, are solidifying themselves as top musicians in the rock and blues scenes of this generation.
EasyBaby: Theodore's - Springfield, MA
December 11, 2016
Winner of the CTBS 2016 Best Self Produced Album, "Going Upstairs"
To call EASYBABY a blues band misses the point. There are many bands that call themselves blues. But a pedestrian knowledge of blues chord changes and tired old standards is not what EASYBABY is about. What makes EASYBABY so unique is the way they can convey a deep understanding of why people play, listen and respond to the blues. It's about, love, hate, anger, lust, oppression, joy and despair. Wrap those emotions around skillfully written originals and perfectly selected covers of forgotten gems - play them with virtuosity in a modern yet strangely authentic style - and you've got something. EASYBABY have something.
EasyBaby: Black-Eyed Sally's - Hartford, CT
December 19, 2016
Winner of the CTBS 2016 Best Self Produced Album, "Going Upstairs"
To call EASYBABY a blues band misses the point. There are many bands that call themselves blues. But a pedestrian knowledge of blues chord changes and tired old standards is not what EASYBABY is about. What makes EASYBABY so unique is the way they can convey a deep understanding of why people play, listen and respond to the blues. It's about, love, hate, anger, lust, oppression, joy and despair. Wrap those emotions around skillfully written originals and perfectly selected covers of forgotten gems - play them with virtuosity in a modern yet strangely authentic style - and you've got something. EASYBABY have something.
Danny Draher - Memphis Fund Raiser - Black-eyed Sally's in Hartford, CT
January 07, 2017
Winner of the 2016 CTBS Blues Band Challenge
This journeyman of multi-faceted talent and passion has mesmerized audiences internationally including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Madison Square Garden. Danny also appeared on Delmark Records Fifty Year Anniversary Jazz and Blues Collection CD. He has a great reputation within the industry and he is known for his style and finesse.
Balkun Brothers - Memphis Fund Raiser - Pine Loft in Berlin, CT
January 14, 2017
Winner of the 2016 CTBS Solo/Duo Challenge
After recently exploding onto the music scene with their powerful brand of psychedelic rock n’ roll, Balkun Brothers are creating a name for themselves among the top rock-blues bands in the USA and worldwide. Founding members Steve Balkun (guitar/vocals) and Nick “The Hammer” Balkun (drums/vocals) are gaining followers across the world, becoming known for their high-energy live shows. Balkun Brothers bring a fresh mixture of funk, rock, blues, and intense improvisation that has been impressing crowds from Paris to New York City. The brothers, both in their 20’s, are solidifying themselves as top musicians in the rock and blues scenes of this generation.
