Jon Shain jonshain.com

2019 International Blues Challenge Winner

Jon took first place in the solo/duo category of the 2019 International Blues Challengein Memphis, besting over 260 competitors for the win. Watch video of Jon’s winning performance and read the News & Observer’s feature.

Last August at Durham’s Blue Note Grill, Jon won the 2018 Triangle Blues Society‘s Blues Challenge in the solo/duo category, sending him on to the International Challenge. The band Chicken Shack won in their category.

Jon Shain is a veteran singer-songwriter who’s been turning heads for years with his words, his fiery acoustic guitar work, and his evolved musical style – combining improvised piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing, and ragtime. Shain’s latest solo disc, Gettin’ Handy with the Blues – a Tribute to the Legacy of WC Handy, was released in January, 2018. Shain’s newest release is Tomorrow Will Be Yesterday Soon, with long-time collaborator FJ Ventre.

FJ Ventre reverbnation.com/fjventre

Based in Chapel Hill, NC, FJ Ventre plays upright and electric bass and sings with several acts from The Triangle area, including Jon Shain, Wyatt Easterling, Wes Collins, the Bennys, Nantahala and others.

He has also played with the Chris Stamey Group, the Swang Brothers, Rebecca and The Hi-Tones, Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos, The Stars Explode, and Tom Maxwell. FJ is the owner-operator of Good Luck Studio and has recorded and mixed projects for Jon Shain, The Swang Brothers, Jeff Hart, Hailey Clark, The Infidels, Tad Walters, and Tom Maxwell, to name a few.