South Orange International Blues Festival

Experience the soul-stirring sound of the South Orange International Blues Festival: Winter Edition, curated by celebrated Blues legend Mike Griot. This will be a Blues explosion for North Jersey/NYC!

• World-Class Performers: Features an exciting lineup of Blues artists showcasing incredible depth, range, and passion.
• Curated Excellence: Organized by Grammy-winning producer and bassist Mike Griot, who has spent over 15 years delivering exceptional Blues programming to SOPAC audiences.
• Blues for Everyone: Perfect for longtime fans, casual listeners, and curious newcomers looking to explore the rich tradition of Blues music.

It’s sure to be night filled with stories, deep-pocket grooves, and electrifying performances that warm up the winter chill.

Meet the Artists  

King Solomon Hicks 

King Solomon Hicks is a guitar phenom known for his mastery as a guitarist, vocalist, and composer. He grew up immersed in Harlem’s vibrant music scene, drawing inspiration from legendary musicians. He won the 2021 Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist with his acclaimed album “Harlem”. He has performed alongside legends like Buddy Guy, Tony Bennett, and Jeff Beck. His music blends blues, jazz, and R&B with a modern touch that reflects both tradition and innovation.  

Blues People 

BLUES People is a dynamic NY/NJ blues band known for their powerful musicianship and early comparisons to legends like The Meters and Buddy Guy. They released their debut album “The Skin I’m In” in 2024, which was nominated by BLUES BLAST MAGAZINE as Best New Artist Debut Album. The band members bring decades of experience, having supported major artists like Sue Foley and Bo Diddley Jr., and they won the North Jersey Blues Society International Blues Challenge in 2023 and 2024. BLUES People explores modern American blues through original songs that reflect urban life and struggle. Their fierce commitment to authenticity and roots makes them a standout force in contemporary blues.  

Eliza Neals 

Eliza Neals is an award-winning musician, pianist, producer, and bandleader whose powerhouse vocals and fiery stage presence are redefining modern blues-rock. A graduate with a BA in opera and protégé of Motown legend Barrett Strong Jr. (I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Papa Was a Rolling Stone), Eliza fuses blues, rock, and soul into unforgettable songs heard daily on SiriusXM’s B.B. King’s Bluesville. Praised by icons like Buddy Guy, Mick Jagger, Joe Louis Walker, and Walter Trout, she’s been invited four times to the Mustique Blues Festival, where Mick Jagger called her “a voice I soon won’t forget.” Recent honors include two 2024 Independent Blues Awards (“Road Warrior” plus “Best Blues-Rock Song” for Candy Store), 2024 Music Connection’s Hot 100 Unsigned Artist, and the 2018 Detroit Black Music Award for Blues Artist of the Year. With a three-and-a-half-octave range and a fearless creative spirit, Eliza Neals continues to break boundaries and electrify audiences worldwide. 

New Moon Acoustic Blues 

New Moon Acoustic Blues is a high energy traditional blues outfit led by guitarist and singer Karl Schwarz.. The band performs all manner of Acoustic Blues typified by artists such as the Reverend Gary Davis, Robert Johnson and RL Burnside. Joining Karl on stage, his good friend and harmonica player, David A. Barnes, of James Blood Ulmer’s Memphis Blood, and on  guitar, Mr. Jack O’Hara, who’s many musical credits include the late BB King and Lightning Hopkins. New Moon Acoustic Blues never fails to resurrect on stage the powerful feelings of Hill Country, Delta and Piedmont Blues. 

Festival Curator 

Mike Griot 

MIKE GRIOT has criss-crossed the world for several decades as a sought-after bass player in a variety of musical genres including, blues, soul, jazz, gospel, and hip-hop.  His diverse credits include Grammy-nominee SUE FOLEY (blues), UK-soul pioneer OMAR (soul), Grammy-nominee RUSSELL GUNN (jazz), Grammy-winner HEZEKIAHWALKER (gospel),
GANGSTARR/GURU’s JAZMATTAZZ (hip hop) and dozens of globally-recognized artists.

Griot is proud to have founded SOPAC’s “In the Loft” series, and has served for many years as curator of its “Blues in the Loft” events. He has received the 2014 HANDS Community Leadership Award… and is a proud, longtime resident of both South Orange and Orange.

SOPAC Member Benefits

Member Discounts: Members at the Advocate Level or higher ($65+) will receive a discounted ticket price.

Accessibility & Accommodation

If you or a member of your party needs assistance, please notify SOPAC at the time your tickets are purchased. Contact the SOPAC Box Office at (973) 313-2787 or boxoffice@SOPACnow.org.