The 18th Annual Motor City Blues Festival Featuring King George, Pokey Bear, Lenny Williams, West Love, Mike Clark Jr. And Ej Jones And Hosted By Henry Welch Comes To The Fox Theatre Saturday, March 21

(DETROIT – December 19, 2025) – The 18th Annual Motor City Blues Festival returns this Spring 2026 with a sound that’s different than the rest and with a soul that remains the same. Part of the popular Blues is Alright Tour, this show comes to Fox Theatre on Saturday, March 21 at 7 p.m. Today’s Southern Soul and modern Blues scene blends old-school storytelling with the smooth, feel-good groove of contemporary R&B. It’s music born from Saturday night dance floors, Sunday morning truth-telling, and every moment in between. The lineup features the incredible sounds of King George, Pokey Bear, Lenny Williams, West Love, Mike Clark Jr. and EJ Jones, and hosted by Henry Welch. Comerica Bank is the exclusive presenting partner of the Fox Theatre.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, December 23 at 10 a.m. at 313Presents.com and Ticketmaster.com. Tickets will be available starting with a presale on Monday, December 22 at 10 a.m.

About King George

Bursting onto the Southern Soul scene with his signature party-centric sound filled with R&B flair, King George has quickly become a fan-favorite. Based out of Hopkins, SC, King George exploded on the Southern Soul scene and rose quickly to headliner status on The Blues Is Alright Tour this past Spring 2024. His highly anticipated album, Juke Joint Music was released in 2022 after launching onto the music scene via YouTube in 2020. For old-school music lovers, King George’s music is the perfect combination of R&B, soul, and funk that is sure to get anyone to do a little two-step. With his rich tone and satin-smooth vocals, his songs, “Keep on Rollin,” “Too Long,” “Friday Night” and “Leave & Party” are his top hits. There can only be one king: King George. For more information on King George, visit www.803kinggeorge.com and follow @King George on Facebook and @803kinggeorge on Instagram.

About Pokey Bear

Wardell “Pokey Bear” Brown was born on February 2, 1970 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is known for his soulful sound of music in the Blues/Southern Soul genre; however, he did not start out that way. Pokey Bear began his career as a rap music artist, but after doing it for a while decided to try other styles. His venture off into other styles of music would lead him to be the soulful singer that he is today. He was first recognized in music for his first two projects produced by Beat Flippa, particularly his songs entitled “They Call me Pokey” and “Side Piece.” The song “Side Piece” happened as a result of a hook that was written by Heavy in which he asked Pokey to write lyrics to. He has worked with artists such as Tyree Neal, Adrian Bagher, Ms. Pat, Veronica Raelle and Cupid. For more information on Pokey Bear, follow @Big Pokey Bear-JSP on Facebook and @bigpokeybearjsp on Instagram.

About Lenny Williams

The ultimate soul crooner, Oakland, California native Lenny Williams possesses one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. With his rich, passionate vocal style, he is rightfully regarded as one of R&B’s most influential soul men. Williams began his musical career making records that have subsequently become R&B and Pop classics, tunes like the mega-hit “Cause I Love You” (recorded on his solo album) and “So Very Hard to Go” which he recorded as the lead singer for Tower of Power. Lenny Williams’ style has transcended into the new millennium, influencing many of today’s newest R&B and Pop vocalists. Lenny and Kanye West were honored recipients of the BMI Songwriter’s Award for the song “Over Night Celebrity,” recorded by rapper Twista. Lenny sounds better than ever as he continues to perform around the world focusing on love. “Love is what has gotten me thru all of these years. I look for love and I surround myself with it,” said Williams. He is able to take the listener to the heart of love with such soulful composure because love will never go out of style. For more information on Lenny Williams, visit  www.Lenny Williams.com and follow @Lenny Williams on Facebook and @thereallennywilliams on Instagram.

About West Love

Hailing from the Mississippi Delta, West's voice carries the weight of generations of blues legends and the passion of her own experiences. With a mesmerizing stage presence and a voice that's equal parts gravel and honey, West Love has earned a reputation as a modern-day blues torchbearer. She weaves tales of love, loss and life's struggles into every note, evoking raw emotions that resonate deep within the listener’s soul. West's distinctive guitar skills, inspired by the greats like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, complement her evocative vocals, creating a sound that's both timeless and contemporary. She has graced stages worldwide, leaving audiences enchanted with his authentic blues sound. West Love is a true testament to the enduring power of the blues and a reminder that its heartbeat continues to thrive in the hands of exceptional artists like her.

About Mike Clark Jr.

Mike Clark Jr., a Macon, Georgia native, began singing in church choirs and first gained online attention as a teen with powerful TikTok performances. After going viral with his sensational single “Auntie Outside,” he was signed by Collipark Music and has since been hailed as a rising star in Southern soul and R&B. His breakout track captured regional airplay and millions of views, leading to bookings across the Southeast. At just 19, Mike released the club hit “Keep On Steppin’,” which topped Southern Soul charts and solidified his dance-floor appeal. Balancing gritty storytelling with smooth vocals, he continues to carve out a space in contemporary soul music. Mike remains grounded and hard-working, guided by family roots and a clear vision for his musical future. Connect with him on Instagram @official_mikeclarkjr.

About EJ Jones

EJ Jones is a compelling modern soul-blues vocalist who blends gritty Southern blues with smooth R&B influences, bringing a fresh yet deeply rooted sound to each track. He’s made waves with songs like “Gas Station Love” and “Too Good,” showcasing his raw vocal power and a style that bridges church-inspired soul and barroom blues. With a magnetic stage presence and growing fan base, EJ Jones is carving out his place in the contemporary blues scene. Connect with EJ on Instagram (@chosenchild.official) and Facebook (EJ Jones).

About Host, Henry Welch

Henry Welch is a soulful, high-energy blues artist celebrated for his powerhouse vocals and charismatic stage presence that blend traditional Southern roots with a modern twist. Known for his rich storytelling and deep groove, he’s become a staple on the contemporary Southern Soul circuit. Recent releases like “Southern Gentleman” and “Blues Ain’t Dead” highlight his ability to fuse humor, heart and heat in every performance. Follow Henry on Instagram (@kinghenrywelch).