Born from good times, hard times, and a deep connection to the blues, the Resurrection Blues Band has carved out a reputation as one of the most exciting and versatile acts on the scene today. Their journey, fueled by passion and grit, led them to win the Herald-Palladium Readers’ Choice Award in 2024 for Best Local Entertainment and Best Blues Rock Band—a recognition that reflects both their musicianship and their ability to connect with audiences on a soul-deep level.

The band features the powerhouse lineup of Rodney Mills on vocals and guitar, Frank Rotondo on bass, and Billy Canty driving the groove on drums and percussion. Together, they bring an energy that is equal parts raw blues tradition and forward-thinking rock innovation.

Their songs are resonating across borders and radio formats. Broke Down in Clarksville has become a favorite on UK blues radio, while tracks like Blame Game and Sugar Daddy keep the blues faithful hooked. At the same time, Happy Days has found contemporary rock success, proving that the band’s appeal stretches far beyond traditional boundaries.

What sets Resurrection Blues Band apart is their refusal to be boxed into a single category. They embody the restless spirit of artists who honor tradition while blazing their own trail. Whether it’s blues, rock, or something in between, their music speaks to anyone who has lived through struggle, celebrated joy, and found redemption in the power of song.

Born Jan 17th, 1987 in Koblenz, Germany Stefan is best known for his fingerstyle and slide guitar playing, soulful vocals and songwriting skills. Stefan Hillesheim studied classical guitar in Germany under Hubert Käppel – one of the most influential classical guitarists and teachers of his time. Stefan moved to Los Aneles, California at age 27 to attend Musicians Institute (GIT) where he was awarded "Most Improved Student" of the Year 2015.

Soon after he started playing at renowned gospel churches and live music clubs across the country. His signature guitar tone and driving rhythm guitar skills make Stefan a high demand session player. Stefan has worked with, and is working with, many notable artists, including Ellis Hall (former Tower of Power), Brent Carter (Average White Band), Tony Llorenz (former Albert King Band, former Stevie Ray Vaughan), Emerson Cardenas (former Santana), Bobby Kimball (former Toto), Frank Nitty (former 2Pac), James Fortune (gospel recording artist) Regardless of the genre and band configuration Stefan convinces as a straight from the heart musician, who's passionate and inspired live performances leave no one untouched.

In a time where more common rock-based music is passing for contemporary blues, Little Frank & the Premiers are out there keeping the traditional roots music torch aglow. By making the blues & rockabilly styles of Chess and Sun records sound fresh and vital, they have been taking the Midwest by storm. Since forming in the late 1990s, they have been performing on some of the finest festivals and concert venues in the country. While still in his mid teens, bandleader 'Little Frank' Krakowski, began seeking out the traditional '50s & '60s style blues that he heard from Chicago’s South and West sides, and delving deep into the big guitar sounds from the Southwest and California. Frequenting such local Chicago clubs as the Checkerboard and the 5105 Club in search of the old-timers still performing. This was where it was at. Before he knew it he was gigging and touring with the likes of Pinetop Perkins, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Hubert Sumlin, Lazy Lester and "Little Arthur" Duncan to name a few. These experiences helped to shape his guitar style into one that has been sought after by some of the great traditionalists out there today.

Drawing from these influences, Little Frank & the Premiers play American Roots music with no jive gimmicks... with a wide variety of blues, surf, rockabilly, '60s soul, country and New Orleans R&B, they may be a throw back to some, but to many they preserve forms of American Music that never needed to be changed in the first place!

-Hi-Fi Sum, Musicologist

Wayne Baker Brooks is considered one of todays top guitarists who's signature style combines powerful vocals with liquid fire guitar playing that honors his rich blues heritage yet effortlessly expands the boundaries of the genre. Born and raised in Chicago, IL amongst the most prolific blues legends and blues masters in the world, Wayne Baker Brook's blues roots may run deeper and wider than the Great Lakes themselves.

Chicago Blues laid the foundation to Wayne's innovative style. Growing up Brooks was a regular visitor to such historic places as Chess Studios, Checkerboard Lounge, Wisefools, and many other blues landmarks at which he witnessed many live performances by blues masters like Buddy Guy, Jr. Wells, Luther Allison, KoKo Taylor, the great Muddy Waters and his father. The youngest son of blues master Lonnie Brooks - Wayne Brooks was literally born into the blues!

In 2004 Brooks released his debut CD "Mystery", an album that brilliantly draws on blues, rock, soul, funk and beyond. "Mystery" received multiple awards and praise from the music world. Wayne Baker Brooks and his Band continue to play the world over with WBB's signature top shelf brand of guitar playing and a live show that should not be missed.

Throughout the history of Chicago blues, the intensely competitive local club scene has served as a proving ground, where only the best musicians rise to the top. Iconic blues artists from Muddy Waters to Howlin’ Wolf to Koko Taylor to Hound Dog Taylor to Luther Allison all paid their dues in the Chicago blues bars before making their mark on the world. The same holds true today, as newcomers look to living legends like Buddy Guy, Eddy Clearwater and Lil’ Ed Williams for inspiration in taking their music from Chicago to fans across the globe. Now, Chicago-born-and-raised blues guitarist /vocalist/ songwriter Toronzo Cannon is ready to write his own story as he claims his place as one of the city’s most popular and innovative blues musicians.