Annika Chambers and Paul DesLauriers first saw each other in the crowded lobby of the historic Orpheum Theatre during the 2018 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and this event left a lasting impression on both of them. Only a year later, during a recording session of the 2019 IBC, their professional encounter Flourished into a love affair, and ultimately in marriage in August 2019. Since then, renowned Canadian blues rocker Paul DesLauriers and renowned American soul-blues singer Annika Chambers have united their artistic destinies, much to the delight of all who have had the pleasure of hearing and seeing them together!

 

A native of Houston, Texas, Annika, like many great American singers, began singing as a child in the Southern Baptist Church. Although gospel music is her mother tongue, she found her true voice in the blues, and what a voice it is! She has won the Blues Music Award for Best Soul Blues Female Artist 3 times in the last 4 years.

 

Deeply rooted in the blues-rock idiom, guitarist-singer Paul DesLauriers is the winner of the Maple Blues Awards (Canada's national blues award) for Entertainer of the Year (2016, 2017), Electric Act of the Year (2016), Guitarist of the Year (2013, 2019) and Acoustic Act of the Year (2013). In 2016, he took second place at the 32nd International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

 

Both on stage and in private life, these two internationally acclaimed artists share an incredible chemistry that you get to witness at Swing.