Kicking off the evening is Beth Chia, a cherished Southwest WA favourite known for her ethereal yet edgy blend of blues, roots rock, sultry vocals, and captivating guitar work. Hailing from Balingup and a regular at Perth and regional blues scenes, she has supported Ash Grunwald, Abbe May, Dan Howls, Blue Shaddy and played 2025 Ravo Blues n roots. Beth brings her powerful, moody presence to set the perfect tone, blending exotic rhythms and heartfelt originals that honour the genre’s spirit while feeling utterly fresh and local.

The inspiration for this special show springs from our own powerhouse singer, Lauralee Faith, a third-generation Perth performer who grew up immersed in the voices of legends like Koko Taylor, Bessie Smith, Janis Joplin, Ella Fitzgerald, Amy Winehouse, and Aretha Franklin. “Honouring the women who defined the blues felt inevitable,” Lauralee says. “Their stories, struggles, and sheer emotion shaped me, and they deserve to be celebrated.”