Spring Fever - 2026
JAMES ARMSTRONG
Born into a musical family in 1957 in Los Angeles, James Armstrong had blues music in his blood from the very start. His Mom was a blues singer, his Dad played jazz guitar. Armstrong formed his first band in the 7th grade, and by age 17 he was touring the country.
James would start making waves on the local California blues circuit by his 20s, becoming the youngest member of Smokey Wilson’s band. In the 1980s, James was a founding member of the band Mama Roo and received his first recording contract for Crescendo Records.
In the early 90s, James got plenty of exposure from his musical influences, including Albert Collins, and Sam Taylor. Shortly after that, he was discovered and signed by HighTone Records owner Bruce Bromberg, who had discovered and signed Robert Cray and Joe Louis Walker.
Over the years, Armstrong has performed in many countries throughout North America, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia and the Middle East. Armstrong has shared the stage with many artists like ‘Keb Mo’, Coco Montoya, ChakaKahn, Tommy Castro, Shemekia Copeland, Tab Benoit, Charlie Musselwhite, Walter Trout, Doug MacLeod, Roy Brown, Ricky Lee Jones, Jan and Dean, Mitch Mitchell, and many more.
James was also noticed by the music industry, having songs in three major motion pictures. “Bank of Love” was used in Hear No Evil, with Martin Sheen and Marlee Matlin. “Two Sides to Every Story” was featured in Speechless with Michael Keaton and Geena Davis, and also in The Florentine with Jeremy Davies and Luke Perry. Armstrong continues to tour extensively. He pays tribute to the past withthe traditional blues, and his unique songwriting skills. Using both slide and pick, James’ guitar playing is some of the smoothest in the business. James regularly brings his vibrant and welcoming live shows to people around the globe.
FAST EDDIE & THE SLOWPOKES
Fast Eddie & The Slowpokes are guaranteed to get you up on your feet! TheSlowpokes playlist is inspired by classic blues material from Chicago to West Coast Swing, Motown to Muscle Shoals, and all the rock n’ roll in-between.
Fast Eddie & The Slowpokes have performed from Philly to Memphis, from The Kennedy Center to festivals to roadhouses. They have shared the stage with Mark Hummel, Victor Wainwright (2016 BMA Entertainer of the Year), The Nighthawks, Junior Watson, Big Joe & The Dynaflows, TheAndy T Band, Jimmy Thackery, and Phil Pemberton of Roomful of Blues. They won the 2016 and 2012 DC Blues Society Battle of the Bands and represented the DC Blues Society at the 2017 and 2013 The International Blues Challenge in Memphis! In 2017, they were Semi-Finalists at the International Blues Challenge! In 2024, they were finalists for Best BluesBand by the Maryland Music Awards.
