Now in its 11th year, the Blues & Boogie Piano Summit features American specialists Lisa Otey (from Tuscon, Ariz.) and Barrelhouse Chuck (Chicago), plus Spain's Lluis Coloma. Organizer Ricky Nye, of course, also performs, while local musicians Brian Aylor (drums), Steve Perkakis (upright bass) and George Bedard (guitar) provide accompaniment throughout the night.  

Singer/songwriter Eric Falstrom has been performing locally for several years, including with the rockin' Mystery Wagon in the early '90s. Since then, he's been working the solo route, releasing his own records off and on since the end of the Wagon. But Falstrom's latest CD, 'Love Will Come Through,' feels much like a reintroduction, featuring some of the best writing and performing of his career so far.   

Starting with an appearance at the Blues Fest Arches Stage, Ricky Nye met like-minded pianists worldwide and began the hard work of securing sponsors and funding; the Blues & Boogie Piano Summit was officially conceived. The Summit has naturally spun off into other opportunities as well, serving as an exchange program in which the international pianists Nye invites to Cincinnati have returned the favor offering him slots at their home country events.