Magic happens when Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia join forces as Blood Brothers - multiple Blues Music Awards, a Billboard Chart-topping release, and mind-blowing live shows. Powerhouse Misty Blues and finger-picking Piedmont Bluz round out this triple bill… with a smokin’ BBQ to boot!

In Blood Brothers – the band, and their album – established blues stars Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia “complete each other’s sentences musically.” So says their fellow guitarist and producer Joe Bonamassa who combined their two bands in a Louisiana recording studio. Successful on their own, both are fiery guitarists and soulful singers, joining their talents in the dynamic Blood Brothers, a performing juggernaut.

“The album was a blast to make, and I am even more excited to take this music on the road and perform for the people,” says Castiglia in the new duo’s website. Both contributed songs, Zito going deep to mourn his wife’s passing, for example, while musician fans and friends also contributed.

Before blending bands and sharing skills, Zito’s two-disc live set “Blues for the Southside” (2021) topped Billboard’s Blues Chart on release while Castiglia’s solo disc “I Got Love” (2022) also zipped up the charts. Reflective of the magic that happens when they perform together, “Blood Brothers” debuted at #1 on both the Billboard and iTunes US Blues Albums charts.

Both Zito and Castiglia have racked up individual Blues Music Awards over the years. Zito is the reigning “Blues Rock Artist” while “Blood Brothers” just earned them the 2024 BMA in the “Blues Rock Album” category.

At Music Haven, Blood Brothers Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia will play with the same band of artists who recorded and toured with them since they joined forces - Doug Byrkit, bass guitar; Matt Johnson and Ephraim Lowell, drums and percussion; and Lewis Stephens, keyboards.

Based in western Mass., Gina Coleman’s Misty Blues band recently celebrated 25 years together, releasing their 15th album, “Silver Lining.” Other albums include live sets  – one recorded at the Beatles’ famed Cavern Club hangout in Liverpool – and a tribute to Odetta. Core band members include Seth Fleischmann (guitar/vocals), Bill Patriquin (bass/vocals), Ben Kohn (Keys), Rob Tatten (drums) and Aaron Dean (sax).

Valerie and Benedict Turner are Piedmont Bluz. Recently inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame (2018), they play in the basic 1930s and 20s ragtime-based southeastern coastal style. Valerie finger-picks guitar while Benedict plays lap-style washboard with drummer’s brushes.

They appear in the documentary film HURT – A Mississippi Inspiration honoring Mississippi John Hurt who pioneered their sparse, agile style. Valerie has also written on “Undersung Women of the Blues” and the desecration of African American cemeteries in the south including Hurt’s burial place.