![Southern Avenue and Alexis P. Suter](https://render.vivenu.com/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com%2Fyt-s3%2F1fbe4c5d-cff4-4821-a4b5-2dba66e44403.png&forceJPEG=true&blur=40&width=1200)
Southern Avenue and Alexis P. Suter
Memphis-based, GRAMMY®-nominated Southern Avenue inked their first record deal with legendary Stax Records in 2016. The first Memphis band signed to Stax in over 40 years, their self-titled debut was an immediate phenomenon, reaching #1 on iTunes’ “Top Blues Albums” chart before being honored with the 2018 Blues Music Award for “Best Emerging Artist Album.” 2019’s KEEP ON proved an even greater success, debuting among the top 5 on Billboard’s “Top Blues Albums” chart amidst worldwide critical acclaim, ultimately earning Southern Avenue their first GRAMMY® Award nomination, for “Best Contemporary Blues Album.”
In addition to the early success that the band has had with their recordings, they have also found a home on the road. The band has performed in 15 countries on three continents and averages over 150 shows in a typical year, making the group one of the most sought-after live performance experiences. Their high-energy shows have captivated audiences around the globe, making this eclectic group a must-see at venues and festivals alike.
In 2021, Southern Avenue released their third full-length LP, "Be The Love You Want" (Renew Records/BMG). Produced by Multi-GRAMMY® winner Steve Berlin (Los Lobos, Susan Tedeschi, Deer Tick), American Songwriter called it “A potent soul force!” and No Depression proclaimed it’s “one of the most listenable, and danceable, records of the year.”
Since this release, the band has continued its breakneck touring schedule with 2022 highlights including Bonnaroo, the Austin City Limits Festival, supporting Sheryl Crow in multiple cities, and three separate tours in Europe.
On November 11, 2022, Southern Avenue released their latest single, a funky reinterpretation of the 1983 Genesis hit, “That’s All.” Their version gives a soulful spin to the classic track taking an already groovy pop-rock song, and translating it into an electrifying banger driven by luscious vocal harmonies and vintage organ and guitar tones. The song is now available worldwide via Color Red Music.(opens in a new tab)
https://www.southernavenuemusic.com/(opens in a new tab)
3-time Blues Music Award nominee Alexis P. Suter is the owner of that big, booming voice you can hear roaring out of Brooklyn into the heart of North America and beyond. The Alexis P. Suter Band is on the rise as accolades pour in and they continue to captivate audiences from town to town.
APSB is a powerful and unique 6 piece ensemble who artfully blend the lines between Blues, Soul, and Rock music. Alexis' voice ranges from a pained passion to explosive and soul-bearing. Her band is also on fire manned by the power trio of Bennett, Bennett, and Grappone. Jimmy Bennett is a guitar phenomenon with a fierce and ferocious tone. Drummer Ray Grappone and Peter Bennett on bass lay down the groove like a heavy-duty Rhythm and Blues machine. Dan Weiss is absolutely masterful on keyboard and piano, and rounding out the group is the very talented backing vocalist Vicki Bell.
When the late, great Bluesman B.B. King first heard Alexis sing, he was visibly impressed and said so after her opening set for him at BB Kings in NYC. Shaking his head in wonder in his characteristic way, he remarked:
“It’s a rare thing to share the stage with great talent like that young lady.”
Alexis and the band have earned similar honors from other well-known musicians and performers, including Dan Aykroyd and Levon Helm of The Band. Suter and her band have been blazing trails and taking their music to festivals and venues both nationally and internationally.
The band burst onto the music scene as regular performers at Levon Helm’s legendary Midnight Rambles in Woodstock, NY. Levon was captured by what he called Alexis’ wonderful spirit and had the band open for him nearly 100 times. "She is one of those wonderful spirits, she's got her arms around you; you can feel that” Helm has said.
APSB has been in high demand at North American Roots and Blues festivals, venues and events. They have opened for BB King several times at his club in New York, as well as Etta James and Johnny Winter. At the highly prestigious Blues Music Awards, Alexis was nominated in the Best Contemporary Blues Artist, The Koko Taylor Vocalist, and for Best Soul/Blues Female Vocalist categories.
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Berks Arts
Berks Arts is a nonprofit organization based in Reading, Pa. whose mission is to Inspire, Engage, and Unite communities through the arts.