Yvonne Schmidt Anyone who has been captivated by a Blues singer on stage knows that the hook is a deeply emotional experience. More than any other genre, Rhythm & Blues speaks directly to the soul. A Blues artist who never fails to moves people to their feet, Yvonne Schmidt takes her audience to that place. Artist with soul. Yvonne Schmidt’s powerful, seasoned voice turns classics like Sippie Wallace’s “Mighty Tight Woman” and Janis Joplin’s “Turtle Blues” into her own story. Luring her audience with songs like “Get You Back”, written by Tom Hambridge and Gary Nicholson, Yvonne lets you know she won’t be ignored. Yvonne Schmidt has been singing Rhythm & Blues since the 1980’s. Self- taught, she has been influenced by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Mama Thorton, Memphis Minnie, Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, Tommy Castro and Robert Cray. Yvonne began booking her own gigs with the Black Cat Blues Band in 1988. She moved on to form her own all-female group, Wild ‘N Blue. Yvonne hosted several Blues shows on the Miss Buffalo Cruise Line... She performs in a multitude of Blues events in and around Buffalo and Rochester, and has extended her reach throughout the East Coast. Her bookings within the past year have included venues in Florida, Maine, Long Island, Rhode Island, and Cleveland... Notable gigs include Darien Lake 2005, the Mall of Georgia 2004, the Blues Society of Western New York’s Annual Superjam, 2001 through 2005, the Taste of Buffalo, and the Blues Fest at the Pier. She has fronted well-known Buffalo performers such as Willie and the Rhinehardts, Y’s Guys, Doug Yeomans and the Lo Blue Flame, the Morvels, and the Mark Winsick Band. Recording with Wild ‘N Blue led Yvonne to projects with local Blues artists anproducers, as well as to be featured on a compilation Homegrown CD produced by 107.7 The Lake to benefit Robby Tacac’s Music is Art Foundation. Perhaps her most exciting project to date has been a collaboration with songwriter/producer, Tom Hambridge. This opened the door to her newest venture “Nothing But Blue,” Yvonne’s first solo CD. Yvonne and Tom joined forces on the 11-song recording, utilizing the songwriter/producer’s talents to showcase Yvonne’s strong vocal presence. Hambridge is best known for producing Susan Tedeschi’s debut CD, “Just Won’t Burn” and writing “It Hurts So Bad” and “Rock Me Right” Every time Yvonne leaves the stage, she leaves the crowd yelling for “One More!” She is a true performer who will satisfy your craving for a terrific evening of Blues.