MARCH 19 / 7 PM
MARY C O'KEEFE
CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

David Blackwell is a country music singer/songwriter whose sound bridges traditional country music with the soul of blues & jazz. Born in Mobile, AL, and raised in New Orleans, LA, Blackwell blends his Gulf Coast roots with influences ranging from Waylon Jennings & George Strait to Tom Petty & the Eagles.
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Performing both as a solo artist and with his band “The Big Easy”, his songs draw from personal experiences, hard-won lessons, dreams, and the real stories of people he’s met along the way—capturing the humor, heartbreak, and resilience of everyday life. Blackwell spent roughly a decade writing and performing professionally, traveling regularly between Birmingham, Alabama, and Nashville, Tennessee, honing his craft on small stages and coffeehouses across the Southeast. After stepping away from music for several years during a career transition, he has returned with renewed purpose, deeper perspective, and a stronger connection to the stories that first inspired him to write.
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In addition to performing, Blackwell created “Play More Country Music”, a personal brand dedicated to supporting fellow artists and encouraging audiences to rediscover the depth and diversity of country music. He is driven by a true love for the country music genre.
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His passions are baseball, country music, and helping others. He works full time in the Biloxi Shuckers baseball team Front Office and is dedicated to investing in his community, helping and encouraging others to chase and achieve their dreams..

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Bio Joe Sims is a Slidell-based singer-songwriter whose music is a soulful reflection of over 20 years in the New Orleans music scene. A registered nurse by trade and a musician by heart, Joe weaves his unique life experiences into a "musical gumbo" of blues, rock, and heartfelt Americana. His authentic storytelling and seasoned performance style have earned him coveted spots sharing the stage with some of the finest names in the industry. Joe has opened for a diverse roster of acclaimed artists, including The Band of Heathens, Shinyribs, Chuck Cannon, Andrew Duhon, and Country hitmaker Deana Carter. Whether performing in intimate songwriter rounds or at festivals, Joe continues to deliver a sound that is deeply rooted in the grit and melody of South Louisiana.