Tonio K. (a.k.a. Steven M. Krikorian, b. July 4, 1950) is an American singer/songwriter who has released eight critically acclaimed albums and has had original songs recorded by many of Pop, Rock, Country and R&B’s leading artists ranging from Al Green, Aaron Neville and Burt Bacharach to Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd and Vanessa Williams. His song, “16 Tons Of Monkeys,” co-written with guitarist Steve Schiff, was the featured tune in the 1992 Academy Award winning Live Action Short Film, Session Man. His work with Bacharach and Hip-Hop impresario Dr. Dre won the Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Recording in 2005.
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Albert Castiglia
Albert Castiglia
“It may be a bit premature to crown Albert Castiglia America’s newest King of the Blues, but there’s little doubt that he at least deserves the title of heir apparent.” — Miami New Times
As most artists will attest, the most unexpected circumstance can spark artistic inspiration. That’s a fact that hasn’t been lost on singer, songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire Albert Castiglia. With his latest album, the aptly named Masterpiece, he celebrates an unforeseen triumph — a connection with a daughter he never knew he had. The result is a work that’s both personal and provocative all at the same time.
Castiglia calls this the most meaningful album he’s ever made. “My daughter finding me and opening up my world to an additional family, including two grandchildren, brought out the deepest material I’ve ever created,” he notes, “along with my wife, they were my muses.” Indeed, songs such as “Keep On Swinging”, “Masterpiece” and “Bring on the Rain” address the unexpected emotions that infused his psyche with the discovery of a family he never knew.
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Ronnie Baker Brooks
Ronnie Baker Brooks is a prominent American Chicago blues and soul blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has carved out a unique identity while honoring his “blues royalty” lineage as the eldest musical son of the late legendary Lonnie Brooks. Born in Chicago in 1967, he has emerged as one of the most electrifying and innovative bluesmen, blending traditional Chicago blues with elements of soul, electric blues, rock, and funk.
Brooks began his musical journey at an early age, first performing on stage with his father at just nine years old. He initially joined his father’s band as a roadie, working his way up through hard work and determination before becoming the full-time second guitarist. He learned not only from his father but also from blues greats such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, and Koko Taylor. Koko Taylor notably told him, “You learn from your daddy everything you can. And one day, it’ll be up to you to carry the blues forward,” a mandate he took to heart.
Embarking on a solo career in 1998 with his debut album Golddigger, Brooks established his own sound and label, Watchdog Records, which also released Take Me Witcha (2001) and the critically acclaimed The Torch (2006). His music is often described as witty, soulful, and ferociously energetic, with “astonishing guitar work” and a powerful stage presence. He views his role as a bridge between the traditional blues of his mentors and the younger generation, incorporating modern musical influences like hip-hop to ensure the genre’s continued evolution.
Ronnie’s 2017 album, Times Have Changed, produced by Steve Jordan, featured collaborations with an array of talent, including Bobby “Blue” Bland in one of his final recorded works.
Blues in My DNA, released in October 2024 on Alligator Records, marks his debut on the prestigious label that was home to his father. The album has been a major success, earning Brooks three 2025 Blues Music Awards: “Song of the Year” for the title track, “Contemporary Blues Album of the Year,” and “Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year”. This recognition solidifies his place in the upper echelons of the blues world, an honor he now embraces with pride rather than obligation.
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Victoria Vox
Victoria Vox
Victoria has taken the artful sound of the ukulele into eclectic new directions. Her music ranges from upbeat and clever to honest and moving, while incorporating her signature “mouth trumpet” and occasionally singing in French. Her delightful songwriting uses a unique palette of sounds and beats that delight audiences of all ages.
For a taste of Victoria combining Mouth Trumpet and Ukulele check out this Video
Check out Jack & the Vox. Another dimension when Victoria and her husband hit the road.
2020 diversions – see facebook posts for over 100 mini-sets which kept us company during the pandemic.
