(Colorado Springs CO) – The ‘Soul of the Swamp’ is not just the catchy name of blues guitarist Tab Benoit‘s new tour. For the Houma, Louisiana-born, Grammy-nominated lifelong musician, it’s home. Come find out why Benoit is affectionately called “Louisiana’s Living Legend” when he performs at Phil Long Music Hall, 13071 Base Pro Drive, Friday, May 22. Show: 7:30PM. Tickets start at $36.84. Info: (719) 401-0600 or visit phillongmusichall.com/.
Opening for Benoit on this leg of the tour, through mid-June: Ghalia Volt Band, fronted by dynamic, “One Woman Band” guitarist-vocalist Ghalia Volt, whose new album, Burn The House Down, drops May 15 on Ruf Records.
Here’s What A Tab Benoit Live Show is Like…
“You could certainly feel (Tab’s) ’72 Telecaster, plugged straight into his amp, scream, cry, laugh, and love from the first note,” writes Atlanta Concert Reviews‘ Andrew Argresta in a mid-April 2026 review. (Benoit’s) entire performance was driven by feel. No setlist, no rules, just what felt right. “The way he plays is encompassing, and being in the room felt therapeutic.” As for the band, Agresta enthused, “they were completely locked in. It was hard to believe that wall of sound was coming from just three musicians.”
I Hear Thunder marked Benoit’s triumphant return to releasing new albums, charting #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart during September 2024. The following year, 2025, saw the Bayou Blues guitarist win four Blues Blast Music Awards: “Rock Blues Album;’ (I Hear Thunder); “Blues Band;” “Male Blues Artist;” and Electric Guitarist of the Year.” The victories was real acknowledgement by Tab’s peers for a much-deserving longtime musician.
Benoit’s journey began in 1992 with a radio hit from his debut record *Nice and Warm*. Since then, he has received multiple Blues Music Awards and four Grammy nominations. Beyond the music, Benoit is celebrated for his years of activism, particularly concerning the Louisiana Wetlands and coastal erosion. He seamlessly intertwines his artistic brilliance with a profound commitment to environmental advocacy, ensuring his legacy extends beyond the stage into the heart of the land that inspires his bluesy soul. Benoit does more than play the blues; he defines its future while paying homage to its rich past.
I Hear Thunder was released in 2024 via Benoit’s imprint, Whiskey Bayou Records, formed in 2017 with Tab’s partner and manager, Rueben Williams. Since its inception, the label has released albums by established artists such as Eric McFadden, Damon Fowler, Eric Johanson, Jeff McCarty, and Dash Rip Rock. Tab also proudly features his touring band on the record, with bassist Corey Duplechin and drummer Terence Higgins solidifying the powerhouse lineup.
Tab Benoit “Overdue” (Click Video Link To View)
