Eureka Springs Blues Weekend 2012
May 31 through June 3, 2012
Artist Bios

Ruthie Foster- The Aduitorium
Web Site

Those who have followed Ruthie Foster's eclectic musical history know that she can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk and gospel. Ruthie's astonishing voice has taken her on an amazing ride. She came from humble church choir beginnings in rural Texas, followed by a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy Band, and ended up in New York City with a major-label development deal that went sour. After she moved back to Texas to care for her ailing mother, Foster took a break from singing professionally for a couple of years. When she resumed her music career in Austin, she became a regular nominee at the Austin Music Awards, winning Best Folk Artist in 2004-05 and Best Female Vocalist in 2007-08.

Broadening her sound by blending blues and soul aspects into her folk roots, Ruthie added a Grammy nomination to her list of achievements (Best Contemporary Blues Album for her last studio release, 2009's The Truth According to Ruthie Foster). And, in a nod to her astounding range, she then won seemingly contradictory Blues Music Awards for both Best Traditional and Best Contemporary Female Blues Artist in back-to-back years. This year Ruthie is nominated for three Blues Music Awards: the BB King Entertainer of the Year Award, the Koko Taylor Award for Traditional Blues Female and DVD of the Year for Live At Antone's. In total, she has seven BMA nominations. She has also been honored with the Living Blues Award for Female Blues Artist of the Year.

Ruthie will release her new album Let It Burn on January 30, 2012. It smolders, sizzles and ignites with an intensity born from her vibrant voice and indelible presence. The ingredients for Let It Burn, recorded at New Orleans' Piety Street Studios, start with some of that city's most respected players: The Funky Meters' rhythm section of bassist George Porter Jr. and drummer Russell Batiste, guitarist Dave Easley, and renowned saxophonist James Rivers collectively infuse the tracks with the groove-based, in-the-pocket vibe that comes naturally to New Orleans-bred musicians. The addition of Hammond B3 wizard Ike Stubblefield, who has toured and recorded with everyone from Curtis Mayfield to Eric Clapton, gives the album a jazzy organ-combo feel. Finally, legendary gospel singers the Blind Boys of Alabama and soul icon William Bell add extra depth to the project's surprisingly eclectic collection of cover songs and fresh originals.

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