
Biography
Robbin Kapsalis carries Chicago's soul in her commanding voice, blending traditional blues grit with contemporary spirit. Born on the Southside, amid the city's legendary blues scene and later shaped by Atlanta's musical heritage, she delivers performances with the passionate power of Sharon Jones and the raw intensity of Koko Taylor while crafting her own distinctive sound.
Featured in Living Blues Magazine (#284), her story resonates with authenticity, from her early days on Chicago's Southside to her emergence as a compelling blues artist. Her songwriting talents shine through in works like "Poor Me," which earned semi-finalist recognition in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition, and "From the Heart of The One," named Best Blues Song by the Washington Area Music Association in 2022.
For a decade, she led DC-based soul blues band Vintage#18, performing across North America from intimate Memphis venues to the Kennedy Center's New Year's Eve Celebration. Their debut album "Grit" earned a Blues Blast Music Award nomination for New Artist Debut Album, while their 2021 release "Soul Shaker" made its mark on the Living Blues charts and B.B. King's Bluesville Rack of Blues on Sirius XM, garnering two more Blues Blast Music Award nominations.
Her reputation in the blues world continues to soar as she tours extensively throughout Europe, captivating audiences from intimate clubs to major festivals. Her musical journey includes sharing stages with Grammy-nominated Blues legends John Primer and Billy Branch on The Living Legends of Chicago Blues Tour. Branch, also an Emmy Award winner, and Primer represent the pinnacle of Chicago Blues artistry.
With her successful album release, Kapsalis demonstrates why she's not just preserving the blues tradition -- she's helping shape its future.
Photos
High-resolution photos available upon request
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Press & Reviews
Bill Kopp
Living Blues Magazine (USA)
"With her strong and assured vocals - displaying shades of Koko Taylor - Kapsalis is the undisputed star of the show here."
Frank-John Hadley DownBeat Magazine (USA)
"...she stands apart...singing with a cool sense of relaxation...her alto is strong and direct and her capacity to interpret words impressive."
Colin Campbell
Blues Matters Magazine (UK)
"...Kapsalis plants her flag firmly in the tradition...show's she's not just keeping the flame alive, she's fanning it higher. So, the blues is truly in the house"
Mladen Loncar
PopRock - Blues Corner (HR)
“...distinctive vocals, which literally burst throughout...excellent album. Robbin Kapsalis just glides and takes us to the very roots of this style..."
La Hora Del Blues (ES)
"Robbin has emerged as one of the most charismatic voices in the current blues scene."
Jim White
Blues Roadhouse (USA)
“The Blues Is In The House” is a superb collection of songs and styles from Robbin Kapsalis, whose voice needs to be added to the premier ranks of contemporary blues singers. Everything here crackles with vitality and authenticity, from the razor-sharp backing band to Kapsalis’ honey-dripping vocals.
Enjoy this album soon and often."
Dan Stevens
Blues Music Magazine (USA)
“Kapsalis is one of those deep-voiced female singers who can convey sad, sultry, saucy, and supple equally well”
Bluestown (NL)
"...A fantastic blues singer...!"
Jon Kleinman
Living Blues Magazine (USA)
"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."
Norman Darwen
Blues In The South (UK)
"Her Chicago roots shine through loud and clear throughout on an excellent selection of songs...there's just not anything about this set that is not top-notch, it's classy blues...a wonderful introduction to a woman who should become a household (blues) name."
Patrick Dallongeville Paris-Move (FR)
"A vocalist of temperament with a deep and powerful timbre. Robbin Kapsalis establishes herself, throughout this transatlantic album, as a talented blues entertainer whom we eagerly await seeing live."
Glenn Noble
Chicago Blues Guide (USA)
"The combination of Giles' harp and Robbin's velvety alto straight away makes an attention grabbing impression."
Notable Performance History
North America
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John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (NYE Celebration) - USA
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Springing the Blues - USA
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Spirit of Kansas - USA
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Buddy Guy's Legends - USA
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House of Blues - USA
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DC Blues Festival - USA
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Rhode Island Blues Festival - USA
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Soaring Wings Winery - USA
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Tinner Hill Music Festival - USA
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JVs - USA
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The Hamilton Live - USA
United Kingdom
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100 Club - UK
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Eel Pie - UK
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229 London - UK
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Long Street Blues Club - UK
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Old Brewery Store - UK
Central Asia
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MuzCafe - Kazakhstan
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Promzona Club - Kyrgyzstan
Europe
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Blues Alive - Czech Republic
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Santa Maria Blues Festival - Portugal
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Maia Blues Festival - Portugal
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Schmolzer Blues - Germany
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Gaildorf Blues Club - Germany
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Mustique Blues Festival - St. Vincent & the Grenadines
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Caslano Blues Festival - Italy
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Bejar Blues Festival - Spain
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Cazorla Blues - Spain
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Nigran Blues - Spain
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Brielle Blues Festival - Netherlands
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Utrecht Blues Festival - Netherlands
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Geveranwinkle Blues Festival - Belgium
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Blaublues Festival Haringe - Belgium
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Caveau Huchett - France
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Chedigny Blues Festival - France
















