Shemekia Copeland

Dimitriou's Jazz Alley presents 4X Grammy-nominated blues/roots singer and national treasure, Shemekia Copeland for two nights. Band members joining: Arthur Neilson (lead guitar), Willie Scandlyn (rhythm guitar), Kevin Jenkins (bass) and Robin Gould III (drums). Showtimes Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30pm. Doors open at 6:00pm each night.
artist info
Shemekia Copeland possesses one of the most instantly recognizable and deeply soulful roots music voices of our time. The multi-GRAMMY nominee is beloved and honored worldwide for the fearlessness, honesty and humor of her revelatory songs, as well as for her winning, engaging personality. The Chicago Tribune says, “Copeland is the greatest female blues vocalist working today. There’s no mistaking the majesty of her instrument, nor the ferocity of her delivery.”
On Copeland’s new album, the GRAMMY-nominated Blame It On Eve, the songs all hit hard, with jaw-dropping performances that instantly take hold and command repeated listening. “There’s serious business on the new album,” Copeland says, “but there are a lot of smiles here too, a lot of joyous moments. It’s my blues for sure but it’s the brighter side. Issues are always important to me, but so is rocking, dancing and just having fun. And that’s something we all can all agree on.”
The album has become a fan and media favorite, winning a slew of “Album Of The Year” awards, including the DownBeat Critics Award; the Living Blues Readers’ and Critics’ Awards, and the Album Of The Year Blues Music Award. Additionally, Copeland won Living Blues and Blues Music Awards for Artist Of The Year.
Forbes declared, “Shemekia is fearless, honest and hopeful...she holds back nothing as she delivers hard-hitting musical truths.” The late John Prine paid her a huge compliment when he said, “She simply doesn’t sound like anybody else.” And none other than Copeland’s friend, the legendary Mavis Staples, announced, “I am so happy Shemekia is delivering these songs that the world needs to hear. Her voice is strong and soulful, and her message comes from her heart.”
With Blame It On Eve, Copeland embarks on what she calls “a vacation from all the heaviness.” Blame It On Eve contains plenty of Copeland’s trademark bold and courageous songs, but here Copeland is also looking to unplug from the weight of world. “My last three records have dealt with breaking news,” she says. “This record is for people like me who want a break from the news.”