ROBBIN KAPSALIS
Robbin Kapsalis was born on the Southside of Chicago and soaked up the sounds of the legendary blues city before moving to be raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Featuring a powerful and commanding voice that is steeped in the greasy and dirty but still emotionally affecting side of blues, Robbin has all the understanding of the classic phrasing, textures, rhythm, and attitude of the music. She adds something fresh and sassy to the mix too - so is very much rooted in our time. And as a charismatic frontwoman, she is second to none with an energy level that is unrivaled in the blues scene today. Think Sharon Jones of the Dap Kings meets Koko Taylor and you might have an idea of the talent level on display here.
Robbin’s repertoire ranges from blues and soul standards to her scintillating originals. A feature story in Living Blues Magazine (#284) details the challenges she endured growing up on Chicago’s Southside allowing her to overcome and inspire others with palpable passion. Kapsalis’s “Poor Me” awarded her a semi-finalist in the 2019 (ISC) International Songwriting Competition and “From the Heart of The One” was awarded best Blues Song for 2022 by the Washington Area Music Association; securing her foothold as a lyricist to watch.
“Robbin Kapsalis needs to be your new favorite vocalist”
Rock & Blues Muse (USA)
For a decade, Robbin fronted the DC-based soul blues band Vintage#18; and was a featured artist across North America from Memphis, TN to the Kennedy Center’s New Year’s Eve Celebration. Their 2017 debut album “Grit” was nominated for a Blues Blast Music Award (New Artist Debut Album); and their sophomore album, “Soul Shaker” – released in October 2021 – landed a coveted spot on the Living Blues charts, placement in the top 15 of B.B. King’s Bluesville Rack of Blues on Sirius XM radio and earned two Blues Blast Music Award nominations (Soul Blues Album and the Sean Costello Rising Star Award). Robbin Kapsalis and Vintage#18 were also voted Best Blues Band for 2022 by the Washington Area Music Association.
Becoming a much sought-after performer on the U.S. national festival circuit, and in-demand throughout the UK and Europe.
2023 Robbin was chosen to fill a prestigious slot with The Living Legends Of Chicago Blues Tour alongside Grammy nominated Blues Legend John Primer and Emmy Award Winner blues harmonica master Billy Branch She has performed at the legendary 100 Club in London, the Banana Peel - Belgium, and the Blues Alive Festivals in both the Czech Republic and Poland.
Robbin delivers mesmerizing performances mixed with charisma and passion. The celebration of Robbin Kapsalis is justified.
“They still exist, the real Soul singers like Robbin Kapsalis...”
Rootstime.Be (Belgium)
“Kapsalis’s rich sultry alto voice is clearly the star attraction… her vocals seem to effortlessly flow… her voice is filled with the passion and grit of a self-made woman.”
Jon Kleinman, Living Blues Magazine (USA)
“ ...She’s a beyond-capable vocalist who easily moves in and out of these different vibes and moods in a way that makes each cut a must-hear situation."
Mike O' Cull, Rock & Blues Muse (USA)
