Great Northern Blues Society

09/08/2026

Hey blues fans, looks like we've been nominated for the Olson Cares 12 Months of giving presented by Olson Tire & Auto. We need your help, please consider dropping us a vote. Thank You.

Olson Cares

09/03/2026

🎸🔥 GET READY, BLUES FANS! 🔥🎸

We're thrilled to announce that The Hi-Jivers are headlining Saturday night at the 27th Annual Blues Café — and if you haven't caught these Nashville Bluesers live yet, you're in for a treat.

The Hi-Jivers are a 4-piece Rock n' Roll / Rhythm & Blues band built on 50s and 60s roots, but they play it with a wild, modern edge that's all their own.

🎤 Frontwoman Dawna Zahn is a powerhouse vocalist who channels blues legends like Howlin' Wolf and Big Mama Thornton with total ease. 🎸 She's joined by her husband, guitarist Austin John, whose playing blends the maturity of a seasoned bluesman with the sting of an explosive rock n' roller.

This isn't a band just starting out. The Hi-Jivers have performed across the U.S. and throughout Europe, took home a 2023 Ameripolitan Music Award, and have been featured in Vintage Guitar Magazine, Vintage Rock Magazine, and Blue Suede News. If you're a fan of JD McPherson, Nikki Hill, GA-20, Imelda May, Delta Bombers, or Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys — this is a band you need on your radar.

📅 Catch them LIVE headlining Saturday, March 13, 2027 (8:00 PM) at the 27th Annual Blues Café — Rothschild Pavilion, Rothschild, WI. Doors open at 1:00 PM for a full day of blues.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now — weekend passes are $50 in advance ($60 at the door), and kids 12 & under get in free with a paying adult. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/27th-annual-blues-cafe

Two nights, six incredible acts, and The Hi-Jivers closing it all out. You won't want to miss this one. 🔥

08/27/2026

🔥 HOT OFF THE PRESS 🔥Give it a listen...we'll be seeing these fine musicians in March.

Our newest album “Where you been, Babe?” Is now available everywhere! We worked really hard on this one so give it a listen!

08/24/2026

🎸🔥 THE 27th ANNUAL BLUES CAFE LINEUP IS HERE! 🔥🎸

Mark your calendars, Wausau — Friday & Saturday, March 12 & 13, 2027 at the Rothschild Pavilion, The Blues Cafe is back and bringing the heat!

🎤 FRIDAY (Doors 5:30pm)
▪️ Jon Peck & the Bad Dogs with Stefan Geisinger — 6:30pm
▪️ Andrew Duncanson and Take a Ride — 8:30pm

🎤 SATURDAY (Doors 1:00pm)
▪️ Madtown Mannish Boys — 2pm
▪️ Stephen Lear Band — 4pm
▪️ Jeni Grouws — 6pm
▪️ The Hi-Jivers — 8pm
▪️ Plus acoustic sets between shows Saturday, artist TBA!

🎟️ TICKETS ARE LIVE NOW! $50 Weekend Pass (advance) | $15 Friday Only or $60 Weekend Pass (at the door)

Get yours before prices go up at the door 👉 https://gnbs.org/blues-cafe-2027/

Two days. Six incredible acts. One unforgettable blues weekend. See you at the Pavilion! 💙

08/24/2026

05/21/2026

05/15/2026

13th August - Omaha, Playing With Fire Festival https://www.playingwithfireomaha.net/14th August - New Hampshire, White Mountain Blues 'N' Boogie Festival ht...

05/09/2026

DK is a treasure for us all to share! Great performer, humble guy, and an excellent torch-bearer to help bring the blues to the generations to come. God Bless, and Thank You for what you do DK!!!

05/08/2026

Congratulations to DK Harrell on the awards his band has won. Great Guy Great Band. It so Utterly disappointing that the weather took a dump on our 26th Annual Blues Cafe! Many more people would have gotten to see him there if not for 36" of Snow!

05/02/2026

It is with the heaviest hearts that we share the news that the voice of Altered Five Blues Band, Jeff Taylor, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, in his sleep on April 30, 2026, at his home in West Allis, Wisconsin. He was 64 years old.
There are no words big enough for a man with a voice like Jeff's—and no words adequate for the hole his passing leaves in all of us. For more than two decades, Jeff was the soul of the Altered Five Blues Band. His warmth, his generosity, his great big heart—those were just as much a part of him as his voice.
This is horrible news. We absolutely loved Jeff. A Fabulous Singer with a Huge and beautiful voice, and a Great Guy! One of the most talented Guys in the Blues World.........His shoes will be HUGE shoes to fill. Jeff, along with his mutually talented bandmates in the Altered Five Blues Band have played for the Great Northern Blues Society in Wausau on several occasions, all of which were spectacular shows. R.I.P. Jeff. May the Lord have mercy on your soul!.......