Events
What a great show and class act by Piper and the Hard Times, with special guest appearance, Teeny Tucker!
Dear Wiregrass Blues Society Members, Sponsors, and Special Guests,
The Wiregrass Blues Society is honored to invite you to a private celebration recognizing a truly historic achievement for our region.
International Blues Challenge Winner - Derrick Dove & the Peacekeepers Celebration
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
5:30 PM
The Plant – Downtown Dothan
Catered by Blue Moon Cafe
Live Performance by Tony Hawthorne
The Wiregrass Blues Society is overflowing with pride following an unforgettable showing at the 2026 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, hosted by The Blues Foundation.
Representing the Wiregrass Blues Society on one of the world’s most respected blues stages, Derrick Dove and the Peacekeepers delivered a performance that will forever be etched in our history.
Almost a Clean Sweep on the International Stage
1st Place Winners – International Blues Challenge
Finalists – Best Self-Produced CD and
Best Guitarist Award – Derrick Dove
These extraordinary honors firmly establish Derrick Dove and the Peacekeepers among the very best in contemporary blues — and shine a national spotlight on the Wiregrass as a powerhouse of authentic blues talent.
From Local Introduction to International Champions
Our journey with Derrick Dove and the Peacekeepers began through our cherished late friend, Michael Miller. After hearing something truly special, WBS member Lan Berry introduced the band to our organization. From that moment forward, the connection was undeniable.
Since then, they have become an integral part of our mission, proudly participating in:
Blues in Schools educational programs, Monthly WBS Gatherings, and Wiregrass Blues Festival performances
Their heart for education, community, and authentic blues music reflects the very soul of the Wiregrass Blues Society.
Coming Home as Champions. We are thrilled to welcome them home as international champions and to celebrate together before they co-headline the: 13th Annual Wiregrass Blues Festival on March 21, 2026
The Plant – Downtown Dothan
The evening of February 24th will be an intimate time of fellowship, gratitude, and celebration with our members, sponsors, and special guests — the people who help make moments like this possible.
This is a private event. Please RSVP accordingly.
13th Annual Wiregrass Blues Festival
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: Gates open at 2 PM
Meet & Greet 12 PM – 2 PM (VIP ticket holders, sponsors, and special guests)
Where:
The Plant
Featuring:
Crystal Shawanda
(IBC Champions) Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers
Jimmy Wooten
Bridget Kelly Band
The Steve Wiggins Band
The 13th Annual Wiregrass Blues Festival
will be held at The Plant in Downtown Dothan, Al,
and will feature:
5 Dynamic Blues Bands
Gumbo Cookoff Competition
Arts & Crafts Vendors
Car Show
Kids Activities
and more...
VIP Tickets $125
Includes: meet & greet invitation,
Artist meet & greet day of, private seating, private bar,
2 drink tickets, and food.
General Admission $25 Advanced $30 @ The Gate
WBS Member Ticket $15 (Deadline Dec 31, 2025)
*Children 12 & Under are FREE with a paying adult.
*Bring Your Lawn Chair
When Two Tours Collide!
We’re thrilled to partner with Six Strings Southern Productions and the Dothan Opera House to bring you an unforgettable night of blues featuring Tab Benoit and Samantha Fish — two powerhouse artists sharing one incredible stage!
Dothan Opera House – Dothan, AL
Friday, April 17, 2026
Doors Open: 7:00 PM | Show Starts: 8:00 PM CT
Get ready for soul-stirring guitar licks, smoky vocals, and the kind of blues that moves you deep down inside.
Quarterly Gathering
THE YATES McKENDREE BAND
📅
April 21, 2026
⏰
6:00 – 9:00 PM
📍
The Blue Moon Café Courtyard
🎟️
FREE SHOW
for WBS members and the public
💙 Donations are appreciated
Please allow us to introduce one of the most brilliant young talents on today’s blues, jazz, and R&B circuit.
An old soul with extraordinary skill, Yates McKendree is a gifted guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and stylistic force whose artistry defies his age. Many describe Yates as to blues and jazz what Mozart is to classical music—a pure musical genius whose command, feel, and authenticity leave audiences in awe.
The Yates McKendree Band features Grammy Award winners Yates and Kevin McKendree, a powerful father-and-son collaboration rooted in deep musical heritage. Kevin McKendree, longtime keyboardist for blues legend Delbert McClinton, passed the torch forward after Delbert’s retirement—bringing his then 20-year-old son into the studio and onto the world stage.
Before that, whenever school allowed, Yates toured with his father and Delbert McClinton as a young teenager, performing at major events including:
- New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
- The Sandy Beaches Cruise
- Numerous premier blues and jazz venues nationwide
In 2023, Kevin and Yates took their dynamic collaboration international, performing together in Lucerne, Switzerland, as a celebrated father-and-son duo.
🎸 Performance Highlights
Florida appearances include:
Earl’s Hideaway • The Funky Biscuit • The Palladium Side Door •
Springing the Blues 2025
2026 performances include:
Tampa Bay Blues Festival • Arts Bonita • Safety Harbor Arts & Music • Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center •
Wiregrass Blues Society • The Sandy Beaches Cruise
✨ Join the Wiregrass Blues Society for an unforgettable evening of jaw-dropping musicianship, soulful expression, and world-class blues, jazz, and R&B—set under the stars in the Blue Moon Café Courtyard.
🎶 Bring a chair. Bring a friend. Bring your love for the blues.
