Kelli Baker

Recently named the winner of the 2024 615 Blues Revival Competition at Papa Turney’s in Nashville, Kelli Baker is known in some circles as “The Phoenix,”. Kelli was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona before moving to New York in 2012, where she quickly became a vibrant presence in the city’s music scene. Her journey began in the church choir, later evolving into fronting a hard rock band, forming a folk duo, and finally, honing her craft in New York’s renowned blues jams. She closed 2024 with an awesome run in Florida, where she supported and shared the stage with the multi-awarded blues icon, Mike Zito. She returns to the stage with Mike in 2025.

Kelli achieved the #1 Blues Song on the Roots Music Report with her rendition of “Dr. Feelgood (Love is a Serious Business)” won the Long Island/Brooklyn/Queens division of the International Blues Challenge, and was honored by the National Women in Blues. She has opened for prestigious artists Ally Venable and Danielle Nicole.

Kelli has headlined the Women of the Blues Fest in McIntosh, MN, and the Paxico Blues Fest in Paxico, KS, which attracts 5,000+ attendees annually. She will return to Paxico in 2025. Kelli is a regular performer at prestigious blues clubs, including The Rhythm Room in Phoenix, AZ, and The Sand Dollar in Las Vegas, NV. In New York City, she regularly graces stages like The Bitter End and The Cutting Room. As a brand ambassador, Kelli represents Monster Products, Fishman, ADV, Dark Matter Audio Labs, and Modern Vintage Guitars.