Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers

What began as the summer of Nicki Bluhm has quickly turned into what is clearly her year, and San Francisco's "It Girl" is only gaining more momentum. 2011 has seen Nicki take her own brand of vintage-tinged rocking country soul from the studio to the main stages of some of the nation's largest and most revered music festivals (Outside Lands, High Sierra, Strawberry), where her strong voice, striking presence and penchant for songcraft have made an undeniable impression and received rousing reception from audiences of all ages.

Nicki's story began at a New Year's Eve party where she sang an Allman Brothers song that caught the attention of musician/producer Tim Bluhm (The Mother Hips). With Tim's encouragement, Nicki began to write her own songs and perform in public. The two went on to record her debut album, Toby's Song (2008), which was named one of Jambase's top ten albums of the year. With her marriage to Tim and the formation of a band with childhood friend and lead guitarist Deren Ney, Nicki's music took on a life of its own. Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers grew with the addition of drummer Mike Curry (Jackpot), bassist/vocalist Steve Adams (ALO), and rhythm guitarist/vocalist Dave Mulligan.

Her sophomore album "Driftwood" (2011) ranges from the AM magic of Linda Ronstadt to the honest charm of Johnny and June Cash's duets and the stoney sounds of retro Memphis soul. Since its release, there is hardly a stage that Nicki hasn't graced in San Francisco's storied music scene. Whether performing as frontwoman of her own band, as a duo with her husband Tim, as a vocalist for west coast supergroup Brokedown in Bakersfield, or as a special guest for countless musical legends, Nicki has shared the stage with Chris Robinson, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Steve Kimock, Jackie Greene, Pegi Young and Josh Ritter, as well as performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She is currently touring and has a new album with her husband and musical partner Tim Bluhm called "Duets".

There's no question that Nicki Bluhm is in the midst of a breakout year. Luckily for us, the future is looking even brighter for rock's rising star.