Blues-rock powerhouse Samantha Fish, opened night 5 of the Ruf Records 30th Anniversary tour last night at The Bluestone in Columbus, Ohio and what a night it was! Known for her ability to merge traditional blues with a modern rock edge, Fish captivated a crowd (containing many long-time fans) with an electrifying performance showcasing her versatility as both a musician and a performer.

Fish first discovered her love of songwriting as a mid-teen in Mississippi, channeling the influence that Tom Waits‘ and Leonard Cohen‘s music had on her. As those who have followed Fish’s subsequent rise in popularity know, she has established herself as a phenomenal live performer with a growing list of album releases and accompanying awards. This Ruf Records tour matchup only proves to further solidify her increasing Blues prowess.

Samantha started her recording career with Ruf Records in 2009 and from the moment she stepped onto the stage Monday at The Bluestone, she demonstrated the talent nurtured from the creative freedoms she enjoyed while at Ruf. Her energy and commanding stage presence were on full display throughout her set as she treated fans to many of her hits including, “Somebody’s Always Trying” and “Better Be Lonely.”

Joining Fish onstage for a couple of numbers was legendary Detroit rocker Mitch Ryder of Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels whose Blues and Soul hits of the mid-60’s had their influence on none other than Bob Seger, John Mellencamp, and Bruce Springsteen. Ryder was a perfect matchup with Fish and her band, as they drew rousing accolades from the crowd.

In addition to her straightforward guitar approach, Fish at times demonstrated her impressive slide guitar skills showing the influence Delta blues legends have had on her style over the years on hits like, “Bulletproof.”

Before Fish took the stage, the night got started with supporting artist, Belgium-born, Ghalia Volt who kicked off the evening with her distinctive one-woman band, blending North Mississippi Blues with a modern twist. Although her set was short, Volt certainly left a positive lasting impression on fans old and brand new.

After that, the legendary Canned Heat, known for hits like “Going Up The Country” and “On the Road Again,” hit the stage for a bit of historic flair which included a stop over from stellar Chicago Blues virtuoso Bernard Allison. Allison was a scorching hit and the lasting Canned Heat quartet showed they still have what it takes to wow a Blues crowd.

Be sure to catch the tour before it ends in Beverly, MA on November 24th, 2024.