THE 8TH ANNUAL QUEEN CITY BLUES FESTIVAL COMES TO OVENS AUDITORIUM SATURDAY, MARCH 7

CHARLOTTE (November 17, 2025) – The Blues Is Alright Tour returns this Spring 2026 with a sound that’s different than the rest and with a soul that remains the same. The 8th Annual Queen City Blues Festival comes to Ovens Auditorium on Saturday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m. Today’s Southern Soul and modern Blues scene blends old-school storytelling with the smooth, feel-good groove of contemporary R&B. It’s music born from Saturday night dance floors, Sunday morning truth-telling, and every moment in between. This show features the incredible sounds of King George, Pokey Bear, Lenny Williams, West Love, Tonio Armani, Mike Clark Jr., EJ Jones, Stephanie Luckett & the YP Band, and Henry Welch.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, November 21 at 10 a.m. Pre-sale tickets go on sale Wednesday, November 19 at 10 a.m. local time (code: BLUES). Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

SHOW DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, March 7

Showtime: 7:00 p.m.
Venue: Ovens Auditorium, 2900 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205

Pre-Sale Code: BLUES

Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2D006367DA7D5C21

ABOUT KING GEORGE

Bursting onto the Southern Soul scene with his signature party-centric sound filled with R&B flair, King George has quickly become a fan-favorite. Based out of Hopkins, SC, King George exploded on the Southern Soul scene and rose quickly to headliner status on The Blues Is Alright Tour this past Spring 2024. His highly anticipated album, Juke Joint Music was released in 2022 after launching onto the music scene via YouTube in 2020.  For old-school music lovers, King George’s music is the perfect combination of R&B, soul, and funk that is sure to get anyone to do a little two-step. With his rich tone and satin-smooth vocals, his songs, “Keep on Rollin”, “Too Long”, “Friday Night” and “Leave & Party” are his top hits. There can only be one king: King George. For more information on King George, visit www.803kinggeorge.com and follow @King George on Facebook and @803kinggeorge on Instagram.

ABOUT POKEY BEAR

Wardell “Pokey Bear” Brown was born on February 2, 1970 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is known for his soulful sound of music in the Blues/Southern Soul genre; however, he did not start out that way. Pokey Bear began his career as a rap music artist, but after doing it for a while decided to try other styles. His venture off into other styles of music would lead him to be the soulful singer that he is today. He was first recognized in music for his first two projects produced by Beat Flippa. Particularly his songs entitled “They Call Me Pokey” and “Side Piece,” The song “Side Piece” happened as a result of a hook that was written by Heavy in which he asked Pokey to write lyrics to. He has worked with artists such as Tyree Neal, Adrian Bagher, Ms. Pat, Veronica Raelle, and Cupid. For more information on Pokey Bear, follow @Big Pokey Bear-JSP on Facebook and @bigpokeybearjsp on Instagram.

ABOUT LENNY WILLIAMS

The ultimate soul crooner, Oakland, California native Lenny Williams possesses one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. With his rich, passionate vocal style, he is rightfully regarded as one of R & B’s most influential soul men. Williams began his musical career making records that have subsequently become R&B and Pop classics, tunes like the mega-hit “Cause I Love You” (recorded on his solo album) and “So Very Hard to Go” which he recorded as the lead singer for Tower of Power. Lenny Williams' style has transcended into the new millennium, influencing many of today’s newest R&B and Pop vocalists. He is able to take the listener to the heart of love with such soulful composure because love will never go out of style. For more information on Lenny Williams, visit www.Lenny Williams.com. You can also follow @Lenny Williams on Facebook and @thereallennywilliams on Instagram.

ABOUT WEST LOVE

Hailing from the Mississippi Delta, West's voice carries the weight of generations of blues legends and the passion of her own experiences. With a mesmerizing stage presence and a voice that's equal parts gravel and honey, West Love has earned a reputation as a modern-day blues torchbearer. She weaves tales of love, loss, and life's struggles into every note, evoking raw emotions that resonate deep within the listener's soul. West's distinctive guitar skills, inspired by the greats like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, complement her evocative vocals, creating a sound that's both timeless and contemporary. She has graced stages worldwide, leaving audiences enchanted with her authentic blues sound. West Love is a true testament to the enduring power of the blues and a reminder that its heartbeat continues to thrive in the hands of exceptional artists like her.

ABOUT MIKE CLARK JR.

Mike Clark Jr., a Macon, Georgia native, began singing in church choirs and first gained online attention as a teen with powerful TikTok performances. After going viral with his sensational single “Auntie Outside,” he was signed by Collipark Music and has since been hailed as a rising star in Southern soul and R&B. His breakout track captured regional airplay and millions of views, leading to bookings across the Southeast. At just 19, Mike released the club hit “Keep On Steppin’,” which topped Southern Soul charts and solidified his dance-floor appeal. Balancing gritty storytelling with smooth vocals, he continues to carve out a space in contemporary soul music. Mike remains grounded and hard-working, guided by family roots and a clear vision for his musical future. Connect with him on Instagram @official_mikeclarkjr.

ABOUT TONIO ARMANI

Tonio Armani is redefining modern Southern Soul with his signature blend of soul, country, and blues, delivered with raw emotion and swagger. Recently signed under Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Records, he’s emerging as one of the genre’s most dynamic voices. His breakout hits like “Help Me Find My Drawls” and “Country Girl” highlight his storytelling roots and trail-ride flair, connecting deeply with fans across the South. Tonio brings a modern edge to traditional blues, pairing heartfelt lyrics with contemporary production. Connect with Tonio on Instagram (@tonioarmani) and Facebook (Tonio Armani).

ABOUT EJ JONES

EJ Jones is a compelling modern soul-blues vocalist who blends gritty Southern blues with smooth R&B influences, bringing a fresh yet deeply rooted sound to each track. He’s made waves with songs like “Gas Station Love” and “Too Good,” showcasing his raw vocal power and a style that bridges church-inspired soul and barroom blues. With a magnetic stage presence and growing fan base, EJ Jones is carving out his place in the contemporary blues scene. Connect with EJ on Instagram (@chosenchild.official) and Facebook (EJ Jones).

ABOUT STEPHANIE LUCKETT & THE YP BAND

Stephanie Luckett, often known by her stage name Stefunie, is a dynamic Southern soul and blues vocalist hailing from Jackson, Mississippi. She first made her mark as a background singer before stepping into the spotlight with her powerful, emotive voice and a string of soul-infused originals including "She’ll Never Be Me" and "Thinking of You." Follow Stephanie on Instagram (@stefuniemusic) and Facebook (Stephanie Luckett).

ABOUT HENRY WELCH

Henry Welch is a soulful, high-energy blues artist celebrated for his powerhouse vocals and charismatic stage presence that blend traditional Southern roots with a modern twist. Known for his rich storytelling and deep groove, he’s become a staple on the contemporary Southern Soul circuit. Recent releases like “Southern Gentleman” and “Blues Ain’t Dead” highlight his ability to fuse humor, heart, and heat in every performance. Follow Henry on Instagram (@kinghenrywelch).


ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT GROUP:
North American Entertainment Group, Inc. is one of the largest independent promoters of entertainment tours and live events in the United States. With more than 25 years in the industry and an extensive history in venue management, NAEG has consistently delivered the hottest concerts, comedy shows and theatrical entertainment to venues in more than 100 markets. Beyond the stage, NAEG has produced television specials, concert DVD’s, online content and branded merchandise. A company distinguished by creativity in tour packaging and marketing strategy, NAEG’s success resounds in the memories of those who have attended their events. North American Entertainment Group is an umbrella company of several popular, hit subdivisions. With experience in all types of entertainment (comedy, hip hop, jazz and more), North American Entertainment Group is always searching the horizon for pinnacles of new entertainment to deliver to cities around the country. For more information, visit northamericanentertainment.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Therese Faherty, Marketing Director | North American Entertainment Group | therese@northamericanent.com