The annual South Sound Blues Association Holiday Party is returning to the Spanish Ballroom on Sunday, December 6, from 5-9pm. The evening will feature musical performances by the Ben Rice and the PDX Hustle and Mark Dufresne and Billy Stapleton.

A three-time Blues Music Award nominee, Ben Rice has built a reputation as one of the most expressive and versatile artists in today's roots and blues scene. While he began in traditional blues, over the years he's expanded his sound with soul, R&B, folk, and country influence to connect with an ever-growing audience. Fans are equally drawn to his heartfelt songwriting, evocative vocals, and dynamic guitar work. In 2023, Ben unveiled a bold new chapter with his horn-driven ensemble, Ben Rice & The PDX Hustle. With its blend of horns, vocal harmonies, piano and organ, the group captures the raw energy of Rice's original music and delivers it with a commitment and drive that has been igniting audiences across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

The duo of vocalist/harmonica player Mark Dufresne and guitarist Billy Stapleton features two of the most recognizable and highly regarded figures on the Pacific Northwest blues scene. Each has won multiple awards from the Washington Blues Society and has been inducted into their Hall of Fame. Mark Dufresne toured the world as a member of the band Roomful of Blues, and is known for his rich, three octave tenor voice. Billy Stapleton is a wizard on both conventional and slide guitar and has played with and led multiple blues and rock bands over the past four decades.