This new theatrical concert by San Francisco jazz and blues vocalist Pamela Rose celebrates the powerful contribution women in early Blues gave to American culture. These stories and songs from the early 1900’s feature outstanding Bay Area women blues musicians. Their collective voices onstage represent the myriad unheard voices of the past.

Storytelling is woven around the music, augmenting the powerful, truth-telling, original songs written and popularized by early Blues Women Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Sophie Tucker. Without ever sacrificing the improvisational magic of a great blues concert, this work creates a narrative presence as authentic as the music itself.

Pamela Rose has thrilled local and international audiences for decades with her swinging, soulful style. Rose has performed at jazz and blues clubs and festivals throughout the US, Germany, and Denmark, and has six recordings to her name, including the NPR-featured You Could Have It All.

Performing with Rose are renowned Bay Area musicians: keyboardist Jennifer Jolly specializes in blues, boogie-woogie, R&B, funk, Americana, rock’n’roll, and African roots music.

Guitarist Pat Wilder has spent the past 30 years working in Bay Area funk, rock, and blues bands.

Ruth Davies has lent her fluid, expressive upright bass stylings to jazz and blues stars such as Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt, and Van Morrison.

Kristen Strom, Saxophone / Vocals, has performed with Manhattan Transfer, Natalie Cole, the Temptations, and Beach Blanket Babylon.

Drummer Daria 'Shani' Johnson, one of the most sought-after drummers in the Bay Area, has a smooth, sensual style and dynamic spirit on stage.