Fall 2026

Y es, the blues has also been an integral part of MJF’s DNA for most of its exis- tence. Blues legends, including B.B. King, Etta James, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, have brought audiences to their feet many times over the decades. And now, guitarist Kingfish returns for the first time since his electrifying 2019 set that fans still rave about. “Kingfish is one of the most exciting young gui- tarists in years, with a sound that encompasses B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix and Prince,” raved Rolling Stone . Joining Kingfish and his band of young, up- and-coming blues performers is the Grammy nominated powerhouse vocalist Shemekia Copeland. TheWashington Post anointed her “… the greatest blues singer of her generation.”This show will be talked about for years to come. 132 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 6 T H E 6 9 T H A N N UA L MO N T E R E Y J A Z Z F E S T I VA L Shemekia Copeland was named the “New Queen of the Blues” by the daughter of the legendary Koko Taylor. A Grammy nominated singer, she delivers unmatched intensity and fire to every performance. Her MJF show is a must see. Blues Jam With Christone “Kingfish” Ingram & Friends Featuring Shemekia Copeland Saturday, September 26, 12:30 pm, Jimmy Lyons Stage Photo: Jim Summaria