2012 Indie Music Channel Award winners for "Best Blues Recording" Hillbilly Burlesque continue to make their mark on the national and international music scene. 

Established in 2001, alt-country blues team Hillbilly Burlesque build rootsy originals and renovate classic blues from the 20s, 30s and 40s. Boiling slide guitar, gut-wrenching harmonica and a funky, rocking rhythm section pay tribute to the kings and queens of blues writers and performers of the past like Leadbelly, Willie Dixon, Memphis Minnie, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Sippie Wallace and Jimmie Rodgers.

With powerful and soulful lead vocals and a magic blend of harmonies by band leaders Angel Calnek and Darrell Slide-Boy Sandmoen, the 'Billies' enthuse audiences with their upbeat energy and a down home stage presence.

Don't be fooled by the name - Hillbilly Burlesque is suitable for all audiences. They perform as a duo (acoustic and electric guitars), trio (with Harmonica or piano) or a full five or six piece main course.

Hillbilly Burlesque are: Angel Calnek - vocals and acoustic guitar, Slideboy Sandmoen - vocals and electric guitars, Julene Gravett - drums and background vocals, John Neal - bass and background vocals, Kansas City Cramer - harmonica.

"Hillbilly Burlesque is exactly what it sounds like: A Midwestern rebellious and risque interpretation of last century’s speakeasy blues. It’s almost unnervingly exciting, prohibition-era, party-like-we’re-breaking-the-law music." Jon Thompson, Daily Miner and News, Kenora.