Aki Kumar and Alabama Mike

Mumbai-born, San Jose blues artist on Sony Music; fuses Indian music/visuals with blues. Played Hardly Strictly Bluegrass; featured on PRI The World; toured Russia.

Born in Talladega, Alabama, Alabama Mike (Michael Benjamin) is known for his soulful, gospel-infused blues style. Influenced by ZZ Hill and Johnnie Taylor, he settled in Oakland, CA after his Navy service. Celebrated as the "Future of the Blues," he's released solo projects like "Upset The Status Quo" and performed internationally. He's collaborated with legends like Kid Andersen and Bob Corritore. His songs "MISSISSIPPI" and "Restraining Order" are popular hits. He frequently performs with The Mighty Revelators and recently toured with the Andy T Band featuring Anson Funderburgh.