Arizona Blues Hall of Fame Showcase “Northern Meets Southern:Blues from Northern and Central Arizona
The Arizona Blues Hall of Fame (ABHOF) is proud to announce the first ever ABHOF Showcase in the southern region of Arizona. The purpose of the Showcase is to bring Arizona Blues Hall of Fame musicians to regions of the state that might not otherwise get a chance to see them perform.
The Showcase is proudly sponsored by KXCI Community Radio 91.3 (kxci.org), the Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation (www.azblues.org), and Marty Kool’s Blues Review on KXCI (kxci.org/programs/blues-review).
The Showcase features three bands from Northern and Central Arizona whose members include several ABHOF inductees:
S.E. Willis and the Willing (https://sewillis.net/home) are the headliners. Leader and multi-instrumentalist Steve “S.E.” Willis, a former long-time member of the Elvin Bishop Band, is a 1998 inductee into the ABHOF for the Northern Region of Arizona. S.E. has been called “A commanding singer and keyboardist (piano, organ, and accordion) who delivers classic and original material with conviction and authenticity.” He has been performing his unique blend of Blues, Boogie, Rock, Zydeco, and Country since 1969. S.E. Willis and the Willing also includes two additional ABHOF Northern Region inductees: bassist Roger Smith (2023) and drummer Bob Blasi (1999).
Lucius Parr’s Blues Band (https://www.luciusparrband.com) is appearing second. Leader Lucius Parr has opened for Bobby Rush, BB King, and Buddy Guy. He has shared the stage with Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, and Charlie Daniels. A Texan living in Arizona since 1968, Lucius was inducted into the ABHOF for the Central Region in 2021. His band also includes 2006 inductee Geo Bowman and 2024 inductee Tommy Washington, both nominated for the Central Region.
The Sir Harrison Band (https://www.facebook.com/p/Sir-Harrison-Band-100083311338239/) is opening the show. Leader Harrison Begay is returning to his hometown of Tucson for the first time in many years. The band’s style is smooth, funky, and tastefully filled with blues overtones. He represented Arizona at the International Blues Challenge in 2020 and was nominated for Best of Phoenix in 2022. His self-produced 2007 album “Sir Harrison and the Blues Kings” was nominated by the Native American Music Awards for “Best Blues Album”. He is a 2025 inductee to the ABHOF for the Northern Region.
Tickets to the Showcase are $25 and can be purchased here:
https://tableagent.com/tucson/monterey-court-cafe/
PLEASE NOTE: PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS OF THE MUSICIANS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
The Arizona Blues Hall of Fame, a non-profit, 501c3 organization, was founded in 1995 to honor the musicians, bands, venues, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the blues culture of Arizona. Over 160 inductees have been honored into the ABHOF since its inception. To see all 150+ ABHOF inductees, please visit azblueshof.com.
Event Links
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