Alvon Johnson has traveled the world singing and swinging Jazz standards with Big Bands, playing the Blues, and rocking hard. When he travels to Russia he is referred to as the "Ambassador of the Blues". His love and respect for the American art form is shared by large and enthusiastic audiences all over the world. This will be a terrific show.
His early influences were Guitar players such as Wes Montgomery, Andre Segovia, Charlie Christian, and of course Jimi Hendrix. His vocalist influences were Joe Williams, Johnny Hartman, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra.
Throughout his career he has performed with many well known artists, including The Drifters, The Shirelles, Bobby Day of Rocking' Robin fame, Otis Day and the Knights, and Jimmie Rodgers of Country and Western fame. Alvon sought out, and learned, at the feet of many icons of the blues, including: John Lee Hooker, Pee Wee Crayton, Little Joe Blue, Harmonica Fats, Sonny Green, Frankie Lee, Guitar Shorty, Lowell Folsom, and Buddy Ace.
Alvon worked with comedians such as Renaldo Rey, Robin Harris, Skillet and Leroy, and Lawanda Paige (Aunt Ester), from the Redd Foxx show. Having the opportunity to learn from these outstanding comedians helped to develop Alvon's own special sense of humor. Alvon has performed on the international level as well as nationally in such places as Malaysia, Russia, China, France, Italy, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, The Bahamas, Australia, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City and many other cities all across the United States.
Ben Rice is a three-time Blues Music Award nominee whose blend of guitar fire, soulful vocals, and heartfelt songwriting has earned him acclaim across the roots and blues world. Raised in Portland, Oregon, on his parents’ eclectic vinyl collection, Rice developed a fearless guitar style that draws from Mississippi blues, soul, R&B, folk, and country. His music carries the spirit of timeless tradition while sounding fresh, inventive, and deeply personal.
Over the years, Rice has shared stages with Curtis Salgado, Johnny Rawls, and Vanessa Collier, and toured widely as both a bandleader and sideman. In 2023, he launched Ben Rice & The PDX Hustle, a horn-driven ensemble that channels the raw intensity of his live shows and gets audiences on their feet. With his new album Fallen Angel (2025), Rice continues to carve out his place as one of the most compelling voices in modern Americana and blues.