South Orange International Blues Fest

Once again, celebrated SOPAC curator and local Blues legend Mike Griot brings his storied programming to the Mainstage to present the Winter Edition of SOPAC’s 2nd Annual South Orange International Blues Festival: “Women of the Blues” featuring three masters of incomparable depth and range: 2025 Grammy-nominated artist Sue Foley, Alexis P. Suter, and Rae Simone. 

A member of SOPAC’s Creative Community Brain Trust, Griot curates this annual event with longtime Blues fans, casual listeners, and curious newcomers in mind. Whether you’re seeking new music from contemporary artists to elevate your record collection or playlist; a range of live performances that share personal stories and deep-pocket shuffles; or a down-home warm-up away from the winter chill, this festival is the event for you. 

“It has been my honor and privilege to deliver world-class blues festivals and concerts for almost 15 years,” says Griot. “The 2025 South Orange International Blues Festival — Winter Edition — will celebrate Women in Blues, featuring three dynamic female artists. I hope you will join me again this February!”

The 2nd Annual South Orange International Blues Festival at SOPAC invites audiences of all ages to salute the women who continue the legacy of this music, creating diverse spaces for live performance and creative expression. Browse their bios to learn more about these groundbreaking artists. 

Meet the Artists  

Sue Foley 

A lead guitarist, singer and songwriter, and 2025 Grammy-nominated artist, Sue Foley has worked or shared the stage with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, and Billy F Gibbons. She spent her early childhood in Canada, mesmerized by her father’s guitar and started her professional career at 16. By 21, she had settled in Austin, Texas to record for Antone’s, the esteemed Blues label and historic nightclub that helped launch Stevie Ray Vaughan’s career. Foley is a four-time consecutive winner (2020-2024) of the Blues Music Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award) in Memphis, Tennessee. She received 2023 Guitarist of the Year and Blues Act of the Year titles at the at the Austin Music Awards, and the 2024 Lifetime Achievement/Blues with a Feeling title at the Maple Blues Awards. Her album Pinky’s Blues earned Best Traditional Blues Album at the 2022 Blues Music Awards. Sue Foley Live in Austin Vol. 1 has continued to top the charts and Foley’s first solo acoustic album One Guitar Woman released in March 29, 2024 to wide acclaim. 

Alexis P. Suter 

The Alexis P. Suter Band (APSB) is a powerful and unique six-piece ensemble bonding Blues, Soul, and Rock. Suter’s voice ranges from pained and passionate to explosive and soul bearing. When B.B. King first heard Suter sing, he said, “It’s a rare thing to share the stage with great talent like that young lady.” APSB burst on the scene as a regular performer at Levon Helm’s legendary Midnight Rambles in Woodstock, New York. Captivated by what he called the band’s wonderful spirit, Held invited APSB to open for him more than 100 times. Since then, APSB has been in high demand at North American Roots and Blues festivals, venues, and events. The band has opened for King several times at his New York club, as well as for Etta James and Johnny Winter. At the highly prestigious Blues Music Awards, Suter received a nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Artist, The Koko Taylor Vocalist, and for Best Soul/Blues Female Vocalist. The band has appeared for countless on-air radio performances and interviews. “All Over Again” from their release Two Sides received recognition as NPR’s “Song Of The Day.” The band has nine album-length releases to date.  

Rae Simone 

A native of the Hudson Valley with deep roots in Arkansas, Rae Simone fronts the newly formed outfit Rae Simone and the Fellas. This six-piece ensemble bonds R&B, Soul, Funk, Blues, and Rock, performing original compositions and beloved classics. Simone is know for her mesmerizing and soulful powerhouse vocals that awaken the senses, while the groove of the Fellas — Chogyi, Danny Jr, CJ, and Kerv — crafts a rich, warm sound that resonates intimately with listeners. 

Festival Curator

Mike Griot 

An internationally sought-after bass player and producer, Mike Griot has toured Europe and performed with the likes of Queen Latifah and Hezekiah Walker. A member of SOPAC’s illustrious Creative Brain Trust, Griot is proud to have founded SOPAC’s “In the Loft” series, and served for many years as curator of its “Blues in the Loft” events. He received the 2014 HANDS Community Leadership Award and is proud to call Orange Valley his home.

SOPAC Member Benefits

Member Discounts: Members at the Advocate Level or higher ($65+) will receive a discounted ticket price.

Accessibility & Accommodation

If you or a member of your party needs assistance, please notify SOPAC at the time your tickets are purchased. Contact the SOPAC Box Office at (973) 313-2787 or boxoffice@SOPACnow.org.