Doors 4pm, Music 7:30pm

The Gabe Stillman Band

“Gabe plays the blues with strength, personality, and a depth of both feeling and musicianship.” —Nighthawks’ founder and frontman Mark Wenner

“Gabe Stillman has got the chops and the intensity the blues should have. Keep your eye on him!” —Toronzo Cannon, Alligator Recording Artist

“One of the most promising young blues talents on the scene today. He’s a fine songwriter, excellent guitarist and strong singer, plus he puts on an exciting, energized show. His talent has grown by leaps and bounds over the last couple years. Don’t miss him!”  - Bruce Iglauer, Founder and President, Alligator Records.

“Gabe is somebody who has it all.  His songs move me, he has a way with words.  He is an amazing singer, a great songwriter and a wonderful musician.”  - Anson Funderburgh, Producer

The Gabe Stillman Band is a three-piece machine that runs at full tilt for every performance. While their sound is unmistakably rooted in the blues, the band draws from the deep well of all American roots music.

Since landing in the final 8 of the 35th Annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN, and being further honored as the recipient of the esteemed Gibson Guitar Award, Gabe and his band have been focused on expanding their footprint on a national and international level.  

Based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Gabe formed the band in 2015, shortly after graduating from Boston’s Berklee College of Music.  

Gabe’s first self-produced release “The Grind” received wide acclaim. Gabe’s 2nd release, “Flying’ High” features him backed by legendary band, The Nighthawks. Gabe’s most current project, his first full-length release with 15 tracks and 13 originals, is on the Boston-based, Vizztone Record Label.  This robust project was guided by famed musician and producer Anson Funderburgh.

“Just Say the Word” has connected with radio, industry reviews, and the enthusiastic buying power of Stillman’s growing fanbase.  “Just Say the Word” continues to chart on the Roots Music Radio chart, recently reaching #5.  Singles from the release continue to chart as well.  Fan support is evident with “Just Say the Word” debuting at #10 on the Billboard Blues Chart.  Release reviews are strong as evident and consistent with this recent review from Jim Hynes and Music Scene:  [Just Say The Word], is a brilliant, auspicious debut from one who has the complete package.   Gabe Stillman’s future is bright.  Jim Hynes, Music Scene Magazine.

https://www.gabestillman.com/

With Special Guest..

Anson Funderburgh

"AS LONG AS I'M IN THE CONVERSATION, I'M GOOD....."

IT REALLY IS THAT SIMPLE FOR BLUES GUITAR LEGEND ANSON FUNDERBURGH FROM PLANO, TEXAS

For close to 50 years, those words pretty well sum up Funderburgh’s life and love of just being “in the moment” when he’s on stage coaxing some of the very best blues guitar sounds in the world from his Fender Stratocaster.

In the moment indeed. That’s where Funderburgh lives every day. “I’m just a simple country boy,” he says. But this is one country boy who felt the call of the blues early on and turned his love of country music into blistering blues that tell the tale of the working man. The every-day, simple man. People just like Funderburgh himself.

Funderburgh isn’t like a lot of other musicians and performers. He shuns the spotlight….  He’s not big on small talk, either. He’s more than happy to let his guitar do all the talking. And man, do people listen. At 5’9, Funderburgh is an unassuming figure. With his understated Southern manners and laid-back conversational style, it would be easy to mistake him as a wallflower.

Until he straps on his Strat.

That’s when he says all he needs to say. And people love it. From local joints in Texas to blues clubs and festivals around the world, Funderburgh has earned his reputation as one of contemporary blues music’s most relevant and esteemed guitar players with his unmistakable style, tone and sensibility.

While he takes it all in his typically mellow stride, Funderburgh is beloved and respected by fans and fellow musicians alike. Just don’t ask him to talk about himself. “I’d rather let the conversation on stage be what people remember and react to. It's the conversation without the big words. I want to play music. I want to play music that moves me and moves who I'm playing with and, hopefully, it moves the people that come to see us.”

Man, does it ever.

https://ansonfunderburgh.com/

Tickets: $25 advance, $30 day of show and on sale now at https://abilene.showare.com/

Please note: Abilene Bar and Lounge requires proof of vaccination