Article & Photos: Linda Carlson

Cincinnati, OH – Cincinnati had experienced a steady snowfall all day long that made evening rush hour traffic thick and slow.  Just the sort of weather that could cause events to be cancelled, and I wondered how many people would brave the evening snow-covered roads to attend Ana Popovic’s performance at Ludlow Garage.

It turns out… quite a lot!  Ana Popovic fans are hearty, dedicated folk who did not let mere snow deter them from a splendid evening of soulful blues.

Popovic is an acclaimed blues guitarist and singer songwriter from Serbia.  Her credentials and accolades run quite long, including seven Blues Music Awards nominations.  She has graced the cover of Vintage Guitar magazine (and others), and nearly all of her albums have ascended to the top of the Billboard Blues Chart.

Ludlow Garage was brimming with anticipation, and with a crowd that lit up when the band entered the stage.  No opening act needed to warm up this crowd.  As each member of the band came onto the stage, the applause progressively increased, and when Popovic entered the spotlight… cheers erupted.  Sporting a stylish short haircut under a brimmed, slightly a-kilter hat, tall leopard print boots and a crisp mini skirt, she beamed modestly and appreciatively, and then the music flowed.

For the next 90 minutes (plus an encore), fans were treated to a range of blue music from her vast repertoire, with Popovic on vocals as well as lead guitar.  At times, she was lost in the music, and it seemed that the audience faded away as she was consumed by the sheer emotion of the moment.  Then, as awareness of the audience returned, she would smile in acknowledgement.

Popovic’s riveting guitar was supported by an impressive band: Jeremy Thomas on keys, Evan Knight on saxophone, Jordan Carr on trumpet, Buthel Burns on bass, and Kwesi Robinson on drums.  Each band member gave memorable solos throughout the evening.  A really top notch show.

If you have a passion for blues, and an appreciation for a sizzling live performance, this is a show that should be at the top of your list.  Check Ana Popovic’s website for a tour stop near you: https://anapopovic.com/tour/.