LeRoy Bell with Leon J
July 9, 2022 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
LeRoy Bell with special guest, Leon J
Saturday, July 9th at 7pm
On the Village Green
203 N Beach Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245
Tickets are complimentary thanks to our wonderful Summer Series Sponsors!
LeRoy Bell
LeRoy Bell appears courtesy of Doe Bay Resort
LeRoy Bell is an American singer and songwriter. He and his friend Casey James played in Special Blend, and then went on to form their own duo Bell and James, also composing songs that were hits for other artists most notably two charting hit singles for Elton John. Later Bell became a member of the trio Only Friends. In 2011, Bell applied for the American The X Factor and was chosen for the Final 16 and went on to the live shows being mentored by Nicole Scherzinger. He was eliminated after the fifth live show finishing 8th overall in the inaugural season of the American The X Factor when he was in bottom three with Marcus Canty and Lakoda Rayne.
LeRoy Bell has shared the stage with Idina Menzel, B.B. King, Etta James, Joe Cocker, Van Morrison, Sheryl Crow, Huey Lewis, The Steve Miller Band, Fitz and The Tantrums, Paolo Nutini, Zahara, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, The Wallflowers, Al Green, Keb Mo, Taj Mahal, The Temptations, The O’Jays, Mavis Staples, India.Arie, Erykah Badu, Los Lobos, Barenaked Ladies, Jonny Lang, Sergio Mendez, Leon Russell, Charlie Musslewhite and many more.
- Featured vocalist with Carlos Santana (EMP Founders Award), Zahara (South Africa), Paolo Noise (Italy).
- He’s written for Elton John, The O’Jays, The Temptations, Teddy Pendergrass, Rita Marley.
- Best acting debut: LeRoy Bell in “Passing Strange.” Seattle Times 12/22/14
- Nominated with Zahara and the Soweto Gospel Choir for a SAMA (South African Grammy) for Zahara “New Beginnings Live DVD” 2013
- Zahara “New Beginnings Live” reached double platinum status in South Africa. Moreover, the DVD was confirmed to be one of the fastest selling DVDs released in South Africa by a South African artist.
- X Factor USA, Singer/Songwriter, #8 Finalist, Season #1
Leon J
Leon’s musical focus is foot tapping, hand clapping – ‘Simply Good Music’, based in the Acoustic Rock & Blues format. Moden styles meet Delta Blues, Country, Country blues, and Americana Roots Music.
Inducted into The National Heritage Foundation Blues Hall of Fame in 2011 as Great Performing artist & as Ambassador to the blues, Leon’s fully produced historic showcase takes fans on a chronological timeline through the West African music influence on what we now call modern American Music across all genres.
Leon was selected to represent Arizona at the world famous International Blues Competition in Memphis, in 2013, he was the solo/duo winner of the Arizona Blues Showdown from the Blues society in both 2013 and 2012 as a duo competing in the full band format as well! Winner of the Telluride Acoustic Blues competition, The San Deigo Acoustic artist performer competition.
His music has been featured at renown venues and events across the nation and abroad… the Music Instrument Museum, the Phoenix Theater, Sturgis Bike Week, Telluride Blues Festival, YouBLoom Music Ireland, Glendale Jazz and Blues, a multi year feature at the Chandler Ostrich Festival, resorts and clubs nationally and abroad.
Leon shows an adept talent over a true variety of genre, uncommon in most artists today.
Leon has been “Edutaining” audiences while keeping this unique art of Acoustic based Roots Blues/folk music inherited from the West African influence alive and well. ‘Connecting the dots’ as to how it has evolved over the decades to be the American Modern Music we hear today. Traversing thru muddy waters, Leon’s notable style influence flows from the Delta. Acknowledged as a Music Historian and exceptional presenter, Leon has a passion for rhythmic interpretation and the stories behind it, in all of his music. His captivating live performances highlight his vocal and musical talent, and musical styles true to the original formats of the early JukeJoint’s on the plantations as featured traveling artists would bring a variety of influence and style to each show.
Leon has honed his art of performance of the early Delta Blues, & Country Blues masters, with the specific influence of Eddie ‘Son’ House The great Delta Musical Icon and Leon’s favorite character from that era. Passionate vocals, rhythm, and a powerful delivery are synonymous in both men’s musical style.