Reading Blues Fest Sunday November 23 Day Pass

A member of the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame, inducted in 2019, Burt’s career spans nearly three decades, during which he has become a celebrated figure in the blues community. Burt's music is characterized by his powerful and soulful voice, often compared to artists like Bill Withers and Aaron Neville.High praise indeed. During concerts, he is a skilled storyteller, sharing personal narratives both through his songs and his stage presence – performing a mix of soul, funk, and blues. 

Burt's path to music began unexpectedly when his boss encouraged him to audition for a blues band after hearing him sing. This led to him becoming the frontman of the band the Blues Instigators, who won the 1995 Iowa Blues Challenge. After the Blues Instigators, Burt embarked on a solo career, teaching himself guitar and harmonica. He gained international recognition in 2018 at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, where he won top honors in the Solo/Duo category, including awards for best harmonica player and best solo/duo guitarist. Burt has released several albums, including "Heartland and Soul" (2018) and "Stone Crazy" (2020). "Stone Crazy" debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Rhythm and Blues Chart. His latest release is a wonderful tribute album to Bill Withers -- "Thank You Brother Bill.”

Artist Website: Kevin Burt(opens in a new tab)

The Three Kings is a dynamic tribute act honoring blues legends B.B. King, Albert King, and Freddie King, brought to life by three amazing contemporary blues guitarists -- D.K. Harrell, Chris Cain, and Albert Castiglia.D.K. Harrell was deeply inspired by B.B. King from a young age. After a moving encounter with B.B. in 2013, where he received personal advice and a guitar pick from the legend, Harrell dedicated himself to carrying on King’s legacy. His stage presence and playing style strongly mirror B.B.’s.Chris Cain reveres both B.B. and Albert King. A pivotal moment in his career came when Albert King invited him on stage, leading to a friendship that left a lasting impact on Cain. Albert would attend Cain’s shows in Memphis, fostering a bond built on mutual respect.Albert Castiglia discovered Freddie King through his admiration for Eric Clapton. After diving deep into Freddie’s discography, he came to idolize Freddie’s raw power and soulful voice. Castiglia now collaborates with Freddie King’s former keyboardist, Lewis Stephens, in the Blood Brothers band.The trio, each deeply connected to one of the original Kings, unites to celebrate their legacies with electrifying performances.The Three Kings show blends technical prowess, heartfelt blues, and joyful chemistry, backed by a full band including brass and keys.

Artist Website: The Three Kings(opens in a new tab)