Veteran Sacramento band delivers soulful blend of blues, R&B and swing rooted in decades of experience
A deep sense of groove, storytelling and musical craftsmanship will take center stage Sunday afternoon as Red’s Blues featuring Steve Freund brings its signature sound to Powerhouse Pub at 3 p.m. as part of the venue’s ongoing Powerhouse of Blues series.
Grounded in tradition but shaped by decades of experience, Red’s Blues offers a performance style that leans into feel, rhythm and connection—drawing audiences into a sound that blends blues, R&B and swing with a natural, unforced energy. It’s a style built not on volume or spectacle, but on nuance, phrasing and the kind of musical chemistry that only develops over time.
At the core of the band are Beth Reid-Grigsby, known as “Red,” and bassist, singer and songwriter Richard “RW” Grigsby, a husband-and-wife duo whose musical journey has spanned generations and regions. Their partnership, both personal and professional, has shaped a sound that is as reflective as it is engaging, blending personal storytelling with broader themes that resonate beyond the stage.
That storytelling approach runs throughout their work, where real-life experiences often become the foundation for songs that feel both intimate and universal. Whether drawing from moments on the road or observations of the world around them, the duo has a long-standing ability to transform personal history into music that connects on a deeper level.
Richard “RW” Grigsby brings a lifetime of experience to the stage, having toured extensively across the United States, Canada and Europe since the 1980s. A Grammy-nominated musician and Blues Music Award winner, he has performed and recorded alongside some of the genre’s most respected names, earning recognition for both his technical skill and musical versatility.
Reid-Grigsby’s vocal style adds a distinctive layer to the band’s sound, often described as smoky and restrained, with a delivery that emphasizes phrasing and tone over power. Drawing comparisons to classic vocalists like Peggy Lee and Bobbie Gentry, her approach invites listeners in, creating a more intimate and immersive experience.
Backing the duo is a seasoned group of musicians who bring both history and cohesion to the performance. Guitarist Doug Crumpacker, a longtime presence in Sacramento’s blues scene, has been a defining force in shaping the region’s sound for decades, while drummer Tim Wilbur, a Sacramento Blues Society Hall of Fame member, adds depth and rhythmic creativity that complements the band’s dynamic style.
Joining the group on Sunday is guitarist Steve Freund, a nationally recognized blues artist whose career includes collaborations with some of the genre’s most respected figures. His presence brings an added layer of depth to the performance, blending traditional Chicago-style blues with the band’s broader range of influences.
Red’s Blues has built its reputation on what many describe as “grown-up music”—a blend of blues, R&B and swing that values groove, storytelling and musicianship over volume. It’s a sound rooted in an era when dance floors were filled with shuffles, slow drags and tightly woven rhythms, and where subtlety carried as much weight as intensity.
That philosophy carries through to their live performances, where the band’s chemistry creates a balance between polish and spontaneity. Whether delivering original material or reinterpreting classic songs, the group maintains a steady connection with the audience, allowing the music to unfold naturally while still holding a strong sense of direction.
Sunday’s show offers a chance to experience that approach firsthand, bringing together seasoned musicianship, layered storytelling and a sound that continues to evolve while staying rooted in tradition.
Powerhouse Pub, located in the heart of Historic Folsom, continues to serve as a destination for a wide range of live music experiences, with the Powerhouse of Blues series highlighting artists who bring depth, history and authenticity to the stage.
All shows at Powerhouse are 21 and over. For tickets and more details, visitwww.powerhousepub.com.
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