The 18th annual Highland Jazz and Blues Festival is an event like no other. With delicious food and fun for everyone, this free festival will include unforgettable live music from start to end. Locals and visitors alike love this festival for many reasons, including its food and family-friendly atmosphere, but the music is the absolute showstopper. Here are the incredible musicians and bands set to appear at this year's Highland Jazz and Blues Festival.
1. Buddy Flett
Buddy Flett, a Shreveport native, launched his music career on the iconic Bossier Strip, where many famous musicians got their start. In the 1980s, he was part of the original A-Train. After the band split, he played with his brother’s group, the Bluebirds, before touring with Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
2. Shreveport Bone Society
The Shreveport Bone Society is a lively and welcoming community ensemble made up of trombone enthusiasts. Their performances feature a wide-ranging repertoire—from Louis Armstrong and Neil Diamond to John Philip Sousa and Billy Joel—all brought to life through the rich, soulful sound of the trombone!
3. Everett Street Jazz
Everett Street Jazz is a talented and versatile band based in the Shreveport/Bossier area, made up of classically trained musicians and music educators. They specialize in performing instrumental combo jazz from the 1920s to the 1950s, bringing timeless classics to life with skill and style.
4. Daniel Scott Quintet
The Daniel Scott Quintet is an international ensemble led by Shreveport native Daniel Scott. This dynamic jazz combo specializes in delivering powerful performances of works by legends like John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Weather Report, Chick Corea, and many others.
5. Floyd Grigsby and the 5GK Band
With over five years of performances at the Downtown Shreveport Riverfront and a residency as the house band at the iconic Chicago Nightclub, they’ve built a strong local legacy. The band has also had the honor of opening for music legends like The Temptations, Parliament Funkadelic, Bobby Bland, Percy Sledge, and other nationally acclaimed artists.
6. Lady Chops
Elizabeth Vidos, better known as THE Lady Chops, is a gifted percussionist with an impressive background that includes performing in the hit Broadway show STOMP. Her high-energy program, Drum Roll Please, is an interactive and engaging experience for all ages, featuring over 15 instruments—from buckets and body percussion to the Cajun rub board—guaranteeing a fun and rhythmic adventure for everyone.
7. Kenny Neal
Kenny Neal, hailing from New Orleans, is the real deal when it comes to blues and roots music. A second-generation bluesman, he stands as one of the leading voices in modern Louisiana Swamp Blues. Music runs deep in his blood—his father, a talented harmonica player, performed alongside legends like Buddy Guy and Slim Harpo. Slim Harpo gave Kenny his first harmonica at just three years old. By thirteen, Kenny was playing in his father's band, and at seventeen, he was recruited by none other than Buddy Guy to play bass in his touring group.
8. Curtis Mills Music
Curtis Mills is one of the region’s most sought-after musicians, known for his standout solo career as well as his work with popular regional bands Total Choice and Windstorm. A dedicated champion of jazz and music education, Curtis has spent over 15 years inspiring students as an exceptional high school band and jazz band director.
9. Josh Madden
Louisiana natives Josh Madden and his Blues Brothers Tribute Band are headed to the Highland Jazz & Blues Festival! Led by dynamic frontmen Josh Madden and Joel Jordan and backed by some of Northeast Louisiana’s finest musicians, this high-energy tribute delivers fun, crowd-pleasing performances that’ll have everyone singing along
10. Doug Duffy and The Bad
Doug Duffey, a multi-talented artist from Monroe, Louisiana, is a celebrated singer, songwriter, pianist, and producer. He’s been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Louisiana Hall of Fame, National Blues Hall of Fame, and Delta Music Museum Hall of Fame.
