The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce is turning up the volume on its 2025 Heart of the Hills Blues Blast with the return of one of modern blues’ most powerful guitar-slingers: Albert Cummings. Back by popular demand, Cummings is set to take the stage at the second annual one-day music festival on Saturday, May 10, delivering a performance that fans of blues, rock, and raw talent won’t want to miss.
A longtime favorite among local blues fans, Cummings made an unforgettable impression at Coloma Blues Live! during two of the festival’s earlier years. Since then, his star has only risen—along with the intensity, precision, and passion of his music. Known for his searing guitar work and deeply emotional songwriting, Cummings blends technical skill with soulful performance in a way few artists can match.
Though he picked up the guitar at 15, Cummings initially followed a different path as a builder, a career he pursued with award-winning success. But that all changed after witnessing a Stevie Ray Vaughan concert. Inspired and determined, he dove into music professionally, releasing his first recording in 1999 at the age of 32. Within two years, Vaughan’s former rhythm section—bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton—were producing his next album, From The Heart, a sign of the rising talent they saw in him.
Over the course of a relentless touring schedule and a steady output of 10 acclaimed albums, Cummings has continued to evolve. His 2022 album TEN was a career-defining moment. Produced by Grammy-winning legend Chuck Ainlay—known for his work with Mark Knopfler, Emmylou Harris, George Strait, and Miranda Lambert—it was a creative breakthrough that set a new standard for the artist.
“When you walk into a room with a producer like this, it feels like there is a whole new world of possibilities ready to open up,” Cummings shared at the time. “I felt like things were really turning in an exciting new direction.”
That album also saw country music star Vince Gill lend his vocals to the track “Last Call,” a moment Cummings described as symbolic of staying open to opportunity and creative growth. Now, with the release of his 11th album, Strong—which soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s Blues Chart—Cummings has reaffirmed his place as one of the genre’s top-tier performers.
Festivalgoers will experience that growth and passion firsthand when Cummings takes the stage at District Church’s scenic outdoor venue in El Dorado Hills Town Center (7000 Rossmore Lane). The festival runs from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., with gates opening at noon. Tickets are available at www.heartofthehillsmusicfest.org, with General Admission priced at $45 in advance and $55 at the gate (if available). VIP tickets are already sold out, a testament to the event’s growing popularity after last year’s inaugural sellout.
In addition to Cummings, the Laurie Morvan Band will open the day’s festivities with their electrifying blues-rock energy, paving the way for the evening’s headliners—none other than the legendary Fabulous Thunderbirds, led by Kim Wilson and known for hits like “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.”
The Heart of the Hills Blues Blast benefits the community through the El Dorado Hills Chamber’s wide array of local programs and initiatives. Guests are encouraged to review the event FAQ page for details on what to bring, available food trucks, beverage options, and other helpful tips at the official festival website.
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