Cigar box guitar owner-operator
Too Sick Charlie and his genuine one man band have gained a reputation of playing uncompromising, no-nonsence roots-music, deeply influenced by the blues of the north Mississippi Hill country. With his 3 string cigar box guitar he picks out hip-shakin’ licks and lays down some solid beats with his drum kit. And throw in some harp for good measure. It’s the best low-down boogie in the neighborhood.
2021 Paramount Blues Challenge Winner (solo/duo)
“It was a true pleasure to host you! You are oozing with talent and fun! Thank you so much for joining our party! ” - Home Grown Music Festival
“Too Sick is Too Sick: Gut bucket guitar, blues, and smooth, high-livin' honey in a whiskey jar for pipes.”
— Lynnea and Ted Lauffer, Owners, Gray Dog Deli
“You've got a blues act that sends me straight down South. Inspired swamp slide sounds.”
— Ryan McGrath, The Ryan McGrath Band
“OMG is this guy is good! Epic night of Blues Music... ”
— Tony Koenk, Owner, Brix 340
Project Name
Short BIO: Too Sick Charlie and his genuine one man band have gained a reputation of playing uncompromising, no-nonsence roots-music, deeply influenced by the blues of the north Mississippi Hill country. With his 3 string cigar box guitar he picks out hip-shakin’ licks and lays down some solid beats with his drum kit. And throw in some harp for good measure. It’s the best low-down boogie in the neighborhood.
LONG BIO: Too Sick was born in a Nassau blue Chevy Bel Air that was being used as a beagle pen on the outskirts of Belleville, Illinois. He performed on the Mississippi River Medicine Show Circuit for several years before transitioning into a practice of medicine. After developing various snake oil cures for ailments that proved unfounded (but very, very profitable) he made his way to Madison, Wisconsin where he lives a quiet, ascetic life of medical study, song writing and robustly varied acquiescence to almost constant temptation.
Too Sick Charlie is currently booking shows & festivals for 2023 and beyond.
Notable past shows: International Blues Challenge, Waukesha Blues Festival, Mineral Point Blues and Roots Festival, Oostburg Boogie Festival, Fitchrona Blues Festival, Red Rooster Fest, Homegrown Music Festival, Chicago Cigar Box Festival, and the New Orleans Cigar Box Festival.
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