GA-20 and Jontavious Willis Bring Traditional Blues Revival to Chicago

The dynamic throwback trio GA-20 and acoustic blues artist Jontavious Willis team up for a can't-miss show at The Garden Club West End.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:00am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a weathered, distressed wooden surface in shades of brown and gray, with dramatic high-contrast lighting creating a gritty, vintage aesthetic that conceptually represents the traditional blues music of the performers.The weathered, textured surface of a vintage guitar evokes the timeless, soulful nature of the blues music performed by GA-20 and Jontavious Willis.Chicago Today

GA-20, a Chicago-styled electric blues band, and Georgia-based acoustic blues artist Jontavious Willis are set to perform a show at The Garden Club West End in Chicago. GA-20, a trio featuring guitarist Matt Stubbs, guitarist and vocalist Cody Nilsen, and drummer Josh Kiggans, has been at the forefront of a traditional blues revival since 2018. Meanwhile, Willis is known for his stirring, unplugged honesty and homey approach to Piedmont and Delta blues.

Why it matters

The show brings together two acts that are helping to revive traditional blues music in different ways. GA-20's roaring boogie and love of classic 60s, plugged-in, raucous swampy blues contrasts with Willis' genuine, acoustic-based approach, creating a unique and compelling musical experience for fans of the genre.

The details

GA-20 has changed personnel over the past few years but has maintained its unrelentingly gutsy sound, with a two-guitar, drums (no bass) lineup. Vocalist Cody Nilsen's gritty delivery complements the band's blustery, swampy blues. In contrast, Willis is known for his stirring, unplugged honesty and homey approach to Piedmont and Delta blues, providing a stark counterpoint to GA-20's electric intensity.

  • The show is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

GA-20

A Chicago-styled electric blues band that has been at the forefront of a traditional blues revival since 2018. The trio features guitarist Matt Stubbs, guitarist and vocalist Cody Nilsen, and drummer Josh Kiggans.

Jontavious Willis

A Georgia-based acoustic blues artist known for his stirring, unplugged honesty and homey approach to Piedmont and Delta blues.

The Garden Club West End

The venue hosting the show in Chicago, Illinois.

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What they’re saying

“We make records that we would want to listen to. It's our take on the song-based traditional electric Blues we love.”

— Matt Stubbs, Guitarist, GA-20

“The focus for us has always been on the story, the melody, and on creating a mood. Traditional Country and Soul have all had these massive recent revivals. We want to be part of doing that for traditional Blues music.”

— Matt Stubbs, Guitarist, GA-20

The takeaway

This show brings together two acts that are helping to revive traditional blues music in different ways, creating a unique and compelling musical experience for fans of the genre. GA-20's roaring electric blues and Jontavious Willis' stirring acoustic approach offer a dynamic contrast that highlights the enduring appeal and diversity of the blues.