Memphis Crew Entertainment presents Blues in the Vines 2026
Frank Sultana (NSW)
After his historic January 2023 Memphis International Blues Challenge win, Frank Sultana, the globe-trotting Australian bluesman continues to build his reputation as a powerful, authentic blues singer, multi instrumentalist and songwriter. In the last 2 years he has collected 5 Sydney Blues Society Music Blues Awards for Best Songwriter (2023/2024) Best Traditional Blues , Artists Choice and Artist of the Year.
Whether is solo or fronting the Frank Sultana Blues Band, he is an exciting , raw performer. His ‘Ghosts of Sun’ album, recorded at the famed Sun Studio in Memphis just days after his IBC win spent 6 months in the Australian Blues Roots Radio Airplay Charts
In August 2023 he joined forces with the only other Australian winners of the prestigious Memphis International Blues Challenge Fiona Boyes (2003) and Jimi Hocking (2005) and they performed across Victoria and NSW to packed houses, and have subsequently been invited to perform at the 2025 Byron Bay Bluesfest
ISEULA (VIC)
Australian/Tongan artist ISEULA has a style inspired by Soul, Blues and Jazz artists ranging from the 50’s through to current day.
ISEULA has an eclectic taste in music, from an early age listening to her mother’s vinyl collection to traveling and living overseas, she has developed her own sound which leans towards a Soul, Neo soul, alternative RnB vibe, with powerful rich vocals that can elevate the listener into both the dark and light.
Having performed and toured with various bands over the years, ISEULA’s first (solo) release ‘My Man’ is the rework of a 1960’s classic with a twist.
Jesse Valach (VIC)
After experiencing a stroke in 2021, amidst the peak of COVID-19 pandemic, that significantly impacted his life Melbourne's fiery blues/soul infused, reggae/roots inspired, singer/songwriter, and lead guitarist Jesse Valach is finally stepping back onto the blues stage with a new upcoming release titled; “Stroke of Luck”. Having performed alongside some of Australia's biggest names in blues music including Russell Morris, Geoff Achison, Jeff Lang, Lloyd Spiegel, Jimi Hocking, Ray Beadle and on numerous occasions he was the dynamic guitarist behind renowned harmonica player Mr Chris Wilson. Mr Valach first made a name for himself honing his craft at local blues jams and after being selected to perform on the “Unearthed Stage” at The Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival and Winter Blues Festival in Echuca by the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society alongside his former outfit Blues Mountain their sound caught the rapt attention of everyone from the loyal traditional blues followers to the casual-part time listener.
Blues Roulette (VIC)
Get ready for a night where the unpredictable meets the unstoppable. Blues Roulette is back, and we’re upping the ante by stripping away the safety net. The concept is simple but electric: we take Australia’s most elite blues legends, put them on the spot with the formidable Roulette rhythm section, and let the sparks fly in a high-stakes, one-time-only performance.
This session features a truly triumphant return. We are thrilled to welcome back Melbourne’s own Jesse Valach. After a life-altering stroke in 2021, the fiery singer and lead guitarist is proving his resilience with his upcoming release, Stroke of Luck. Having cut his teeth alongside icons like Russell Morris and the late Chris Wilson, Jesse is back to reclaim his reputation as one of the most soulful, formidable performers in the country.
Joining the fray is the powerhouse Iseula. Best known as the driving force behind Blue Eyes Cry, she’s now carving a solo path that highlights her incredible vocal range and deeply evocative songwriting. Whether she’s channeling raw blues or soulful fusion, Iseula brings a level of intensity that demands your full attention.
The Honey Badgers (SA)
A band forged in Adelaide Australia, The Honey Badgers feature an incredible line up playing mainly original music that makes people feel good. Rooted in the blues with sprinkles of soul and funk, this band made the top six at the International Blues Challenge in the USA in 2023. The debut album, Shakin’ (peaked at #1 on the ABARAC charts) was recorded over a three year period and showcases the band’s development from SA southern vales favorites to an international level powerhouse that wowed the judges in the home of Stax Records, Sun Studios and the hallowed ground of the Beale Street clubs.
Progressing all the way to the Grand Finale at the Orpheum Theatre, this band did what only one other Australian band in the history of the IBC challenge, the legendary “Collard, Greens and Gravy”from Melbourne, had achieved at that time. The new live album, released earlier this year, hit #3 on the national blues chart in May 2025. The boys also won the ARBA album of the year in 2025 and the Music SA People's choice award for Blues and Roots.
