The Performers

The Informants

For the second straight year the Informants have been nominated for a 2009 Westword Music Showcase Award in the Blues category. The Informants won the "Best Blues Band" award in 2008.

Following the November 2007 release of the band's debut recording, Stiletto Angel, the Informants quickly established themselves as rising stars on the burgeoning Denver music scene.

Look for the Informants' second album in July 2009.

Mike Maurer

(Denver, CO) Mike Maurer is doing what he has always set out to do: play blues and soul music. His debut album, Chasing Pearl, has been met with wild success on the Internet and radio stations, earning high ratings that are creating a buzz in the blues community nationwide. Mike is a versatile musician, covering anything from Sublime to B.B. King with a captivating live guitar and so ulful vocal s that are a constant in his live performances. Mike has shared the stage with notable acts such as Earth Wind and Fire, Tab Benoit, David Booker, Michael Hornbuckle, and Steve Crenshaw. His passion and energy on stage are complimented by the masterful bass techniques of Chris Harris, whose tour credits include Bo Diddley and Matt Guitar Murphy, and former Julliard percussion instructor Peter Gregory. Mike Maurer's guitar and vocals bring the perfect balance to this fresh and energetic Denver-based blues band.

Bill Lupkin

(Ft Wayne, IN) For most musicians it would be enough to say you worked, toured and recorded with Jimmy Rogers, served residencies at Pepper's and Ma Bea's on Chicago's south and west sides and that Howlin' Wolf sat in on your gigs-but Bill Lupkin doesn't let that alone define him. He's a well-seasoned singer, songwriter and master harpist and as fine and physical a player as you can find today. Lupkin lays it all down every outing with bedrock old-school blues and freshly-penned number that showcase chops, swing, muscle and deft loving for the blues.

Jimi Dick Haddix & Friends

Featured lead guitarist, Jimi (Dick) Haddix takes the listener on a musical journey every time he plays. Drawing upon over 40 years of playing experience, he takes a backseat to nobody. Jimi started playing music sometime early in his childhood, but took up the guitar at age 13, self-taught, he has performed throughout the United States, Europe, the Orient, and Austin too. Studied at Berklee School of Music, Boston, MA , Kearney State and Chadron State, NE. Jim now lives in Sidney, NE.