Representing Chicago @ The International Blues Challenge
Stefan Hillesheim Trio
Stefan Hillesheim is a German Native who moved to Los Angeles, California at age 27 to attend Musicians Institute (GIT). Soon after his arrival Stefan began to play gospel churches and live music venues around the country.
In 2022 Stefan relocated to Chicago in pursuit of his love of the blues. Stefan formed a power trio with bassist Darryl Wright and drummer Dionte McMusick.
Stefan is best known for his slide guitar playing, soulful vocals and dynamic live performances. Stefan's main musical influences are Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf, Albert King and Jimi Hendrix.
Windy City Rev Ups Duet
The Windy City Rev Ups sound transcends generational boundaries by fusing Chicago-style R&B with soulful harmonica and guitar-driven rock n' roll. Their repertoire features original songs. With two decades of collaboration, the band has established itself performing thousands of live shows including the Chicago Blues Festival, House of Blues residency and headlining Ireland's Danny Boy Jazz & Blues Festival. Their discography showcases 8 titles streaming worldwide with bandleader Rich Rev undertaking solo international tours to reinforce the band's status as a modern blues-rock innovator.
Alex Olson
Alex Olson is a 14-year-old blues guitarist and vocalist from Oswego, Illinois. He began playing the guitar at the age of 10 and became emersed in the Western Chicagoland blues scene at the age of 11 after attending a local blues jam. Since, he has been navigating the Chicago blues scene taking in all that he can from the many generous musicians he has met along the way. His early influences include Buddy Guy, Freddie King and B.B. King. Alex has a deep passion for the blues and looks forward to carrying on the blues tradition to the next generation.
Best Self Produced CD
Live at Rosa's Lounge (2024)
Live Album - 12 original Tracks - Recorded in front of a live audience at Rosa's Lounge, Chicago.
Band:
Stefan Hillesheim - Guitar / Vocal
Dionte McMusick - Drums
Darryl Wright - Bass
Sumito "Ariyo" Ariyoshi - Piano
Recording:
Live at Rosa's Lounge, Chicago
Mixed, mastered and engineered by 3011 Studios -
Engineer Pete Galanis.
Best Self Produced CD
Stefan Hillesheim
Live at Rosa's Lounge