Ruf Records 30th Anniversary Tour, Celebrating Three Decades of Blues Excellence

Danny P Verret

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Ruf Records is proud to announce a monumental tour that will showcase the legacy of one of the most influential labels in modern blues history.

The Ruf Records 30th Anniversary Tour, headlined by Samantha Fish and Canned Heat, with special guests Mitch Ryder and Bernard Allison, and a special performance by Ghalia Volt’s One Woman Band, kicks off Thursday, November 7 at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, 510 E. 20th Ave. Show: 8:00pm. Tickets: $49.75-$79.75. Info: librarymusichall.com.

Ruf Records has been a cornerstone of the blues genre, nurturing some of the most renowned and respected artists in the world, Since its founding in 1994 by Thomas Ruf. Indeed, the 30th Anniversary Tour is not just a celebration of the label’s past, but a testament to its ongoing commitment to preserving and advancing the blues tradition.

Headlining Ruf Records 30th Anniversary Tour is Samantha Fish, one of the most dynamic and electrifying performers in the modern blues scene. Fish’s live performances are nothing short of spectacular, blending raw blues with rock, country, and even punk influences. 2024 saw some of the popular guitarist’s biggest career accomplishments to date, including opening for The Rolling Stones and performing on Slash’s S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Tour. samanthafish.com.

Mitch Ryder, a rock ‘n’ roll icon whose career spans over five decades who’s known for his high-energy performances and hits like “Devil with Blue Dress On,” joins the Ruf 30th Anniversary Tour as Samantha Fish’s Special Guest, bringing an added layer of intensity to her already-explosive set. Together, they are sure to deliver a performance that will be a highlight of the tour and a fitting tribute to Ruf Records’ legacy. Ruf Records released The Roof Is On Fire, a two-disc live album recorded by Ryder, last January. mitchryder.net.

Legendary blues-rockers Canned Heat bring their longtime music pedigree to the Ruf 30th Tour. The quartet known for timeless hits “Let’s Work Together” and “Going Up The Country” performed at the iconic Woodstock Music & Arts Festival in 1969, and are still going strong –evidenced by their recent release Finyl Vinyl on Ruf Records, earning them a prestigious nomination for the 2024 Blues Blast Awards. For the Ruf 40th, they’ll be joined by Special Guest, Bernard Allison. cannedheatmusic.com.

Bernard Allison, the son of blues legend Luther Allison, the first Ruf Records artist signed to the label, joins label-mate Canned Heat as their Special Guest. The Chicago-born musician has carved out his own path in the blues world; known for his fiery guitar skills and emotive performances. Allison’s presence both honors his father’s legacy and adds a unique and powerful dynamic to Canned Heat’s performance. Last January Ruf Records released Luther’s Blues, a tribute to his dad’s songs, re-imagined in Allison Jr.’s unique style. bernardallison.com.

Adding a fresh and modern twist to the tour is Ghalia Volt, whose ‘One Woman Band’ has been turning heads since its inception during the Covid pandemic. Born in Belgium, Volt has always been a restless spirit; when the world shut down in 2020, she found a unique way to keep her music alive. Armed with just her guitar, foot-drums, and a suitcase of bluesy tunes, Volt embarked on a month-long Amtrak journey across America, writing songs and performing solo shows from the train. Ruf dropped her most recent release, Shout Sister Shout, last October. ghaliavolt.com.

Founded by Thomas Ruf in Germany, Ruf Records has always been more than just a label—it’s been a movement. With a mission to bring blues music to the forefront of the global stage, Ruf Records has been home to an array of legendary artists, including Luther Allison, Devon Allman, Ana Popovic, and Walter Trout. The label’s impact on the blues genre is undeniable, having introduced a new generation of listeners to the raw power and emotional depth of blues music. Ruf Records has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre, with artists whose music resonates with both purists and newcomers alike.

As Ruf Records celebrates its 30th anniversary, this tour serves as a tribute to both the artists who have shaped its legacy and to the future of the blues, which the label continues to champion. The tour brings together a diverse lineup of performers, each of whom represents a different facet of the blues spectrum, ensuring that the genre’s rich history is honored while also paving the way for its future.

Ruf Records 30th Anniversary Tour 2024 – Shows Itinerary

Nov. 7 (Thu) – Pittsburgh PA@Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead

Nov. 8 (Fri) – Warren OH@Robins Theatre

Nov. 9 (Sat) – Cincinnati OH@Ludlow Garage

Nov. 10 (Sun) – St. Charles IL@Arcada Theatre

Nov. 11 (Mon) – Columbus OH@Bluestone

Nov. 15 (Fri) – Virginia Beach VA@Elevation 27

Nov. 16 (Sat) – Hopewell VA@Beacon Theatre

Nov. 20 (Wed) – Washington DC@Warner Theatre

Nov. 21 (Thur) – Glenside PA@Keswick Theatre

Nov. 22 (Fri) – Jim Thorpe PA@Penn’s Peak

Nov. 23 (Sat.) – New York NY@Sony Hall