Returning to the Cairo Blues Festival state is regionally-based Cat Daddy'O, the kind of hard-working band that epitomizes the soulful stylings of old-school rhythm and blues.

Described by Nightlife as packing "a powerful punch with a hurt-so-good feeling", this Southern Illinois blues trio rocks and rolls under the arrangement of 40-year Chicago blues veteran Johnny Shea (lead guitar) and a thundering rhythm section of Uncle Lou Thery (bass), Kyle Docherty (drums), formerly a staple in the Nashville music scene manning the kit for country star Jeremy Kent, and Omni recording artist Chris Thornton (saxophone/vocals).

Returning to the Cairo Blues Festival stage is southern Illinois favorite, The J Sound, crafting a one-of-a-kind blend of R&B, soul, and pop that's as infectious as it is irresistible.

At the heart of the band is the rhythmic powerhouse Joe Basden, laying down the grooves on bass guitar that'll make you move and groove all night. Kenny Grundy, the keyboardist extraordinaire, not only dazzles with his ivories but also serenades with his velvety vocals, adding layers of depth to every song. Mike Peterson keeps the beat tight and the energy high, commanding the rhythm with his impeccable drumming skills.

Joseph Stacy's guitar riffs add a fiery edge to the band's sound, blending seamlessly with the smooth vocals of Neimoya Basden, Vyta Copeland, and Steven L. Earl. Their voices intertwine in perfect harmony, filling the air with emotion and joy.

Together, The J Sound creates an unforgettable musical experience that transcends genres and captivates audiences of all kinds. So get ready to let loose, dance like nobody's watching.

Returning after an electric performance last year is Anthony “Big A” Sherrod, multi-instrumentalist and international touring artist who personifies the living legacy of Delta Blues. 

A native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, Sherrod’s journey began at just five years old when he picked up the bass under the guidance  of his mentor, the legendary Mr. Johnnie Billington. 

As the godson of blues icon Big Jack Johnson and a proud graduate of the Delta Blues Museum’s educational program, Sherrod embodies a direct line to the greats who shaped the genre. His performances carry  the soul of the Delta in every note, keeping the tradition alive while inspiring the next generation of blues artists. 

This Cairo-based band, originally known as The Soul Phonics, first got together in 1969 as kids. In the 70's, working with the Shadow Record Company label, they got a few 45 single records under their belt.  Years later, several of the original band members reformed the band with some new outstanding musicians from right here in Southern Illinois. Performing R&B, Motown, Jazz & Blues, the longest running band in Southern Illinois is The Phonics!

Returning again this year is the Sheryl Youngblood Blues Band all the way from Chicago, IL.  

Sheryl is a powerhouse vocalist and entertainer. She got her start in the church at a very young age. She recorded and sang with The Thompson Community Singers of Chicago, which won a Grammy and 2 stellar awards. 

She is a Delmark recording Artists. Her single "Live Every Day like it's  your last" was released in 2024. She is a 2015 Chicago Blues Hall of Fame Inductee. She is a recipient of the 2024 Denise Lasalle Recording of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award. Sheryl is a Songwriter, Musician, Audio Video Technician, and more.

It's been some time since Sweet Angel rocked the stage at the Cairo Blues Festival, but she's back better than ever. 

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Sweet Angel is an an American soul-blues saxophonist, singer and songwriter.  While she didn't start singing in church like many in her genre, her musical journey began with the Orff Music Program in elementary school, where she played the xylophone and sang in the chorus. She later learned the clarinet in middle school and eventually gravitated towards the tenor saxophone, excelling in both jazz and marching bands. . Sweet Angel has been heavily compared to Millie Jackson, the late Denise LaSalle and Jackie Neal.