Andy Coats
That's What they Call the Blues
Compelling acoustic blues and original songwriting
Bringing a fresh attitude but vintage tone to the blues scene, Andy Coats is a seasoned performer and multifaceted singer-songwriter-guitarist. He has lived and performed in Southern California, the Midwest, and is currently back in the region where he was born and raised—the Piedmont of North Carolina.
Recently (June, 2007), Andy won the Triangle Blues Society (TBS) Blues Challenge – in the solo/duo category. In so doing, he earned the right to represent the TBS at the International Blues Challenge, to be held in Memphis, TN, Jan-31-Feb. 2., 2008. Sherry Johnson, of the TBS, has called Andy "one of North Carolina's most gifted young bluesmen".
His victory in the Blues Challenge follows upon another great honor he received in 2006, when he was selected as an Emerging Artist for the King Biscuit Blues Festival (now called Arkansas Blues & Heritage Fest.) in Helena, Arkansas. Andy had a great experience in the Delta, and ended up performing on both the solo/duo and the band stages for Emerging Artists. He also spent much time making new fans and friends during informal performances at the Amistar guitar booth, and looks forward to playing again at the 2007 festival.
Andy has played at the full gamut of venues, from the Iowa State Fair and Arts Festival, to clubs like the following: B.B. Kings Blues Club (Hollywood, CA), the Blue Café (Long Beach, CA), Martini Blues (Huntington Beach, CA), the Blue Bayou Club (Hillsborough, NC), Yancy's (Raleigh, NC), All Peoples Grill (Durham, NC), and many more.
He has also gotten extensive airplay and performed live on various NPR radio stations throughout the US, such as: WSHA (88.9 FM, Raleigh, NC), WCOM (103.1 FM, Carrboro, NC), KUNI (Iowa Public Radio, Cedar Falls, IA), and others.
To date, Andy has released 3 independent CDs, consisting of original and traditional music, and which are detailed on his website: www.andycoats.com. (Music also available through www.cdbaby.com, iTunes, etc.).
He is excited about being based in the Southeast again, and having the chance to give back to the region–for example, by playing at events held by the Music Maker Relief Foundation. He's inspired by sharing the stage with local living legends such as John Dee Holeman and Cool John Ferguson, as well as national level acts like Rod Piazza and Eric Sardinas.
In addition to performing solo acoustic, Andy often performs with a band called "The Bank Walkers," for those venues that are band-oriented.
You can find further details at any of the following:
www.andycoats.com
www.sonicbids.com/andycoats
www.myspace.com/andycoats
or by emailing your request to: andy-at-andycoats.com.
Blues: Piedmont Blues