With summer heating up in Historic Folsom, there’s no better way to cool down than with the smooth, soulful sounds of blues master Chris Cain. The celebrated guitarist returns this Sunday to Powerhouse Pub, bringing his dynamic talent and unmistakable style to the afternoon installment of Powerhouse of Blues. The show begins at 3 p.m.

Cain, still reeling off the success of his latest album Good Intentions Gone Bad, continues to draw fans from across the blues world with his explosive guitar riffs and deep, expressive vocals. A Sunday with Cain is more than a performance—it’s a masterclass in blues artistry, shaped by decades of experience and fueled by raw, emotional power.

Cain’s sound is steeped in Memphis-style electric blues, blending jazz-infused solos with powerful vocals that have been compared to the greats. It’s a style uniquely his own but carries the unmistakable fingerprints of his early heroes, B.B. King and Albert King. Influenced by the stories of his father’s childhood on Memphis’ famed Beale Street and the records that spun endlessly in his youth, Cain’s music carries the spirit of classic blues forward with fire and finesse.

“I remember when I was a kid, my Dad would be mowing the lawn with the stereo blasting Muddy Waters,” Cain recalls. “When I look back, that was pretty cool!”

That early exposure paid off. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Cain has earned acclaim from fans, critics, and fellow musicians alike. B.B. King himself once praised Cain, saying, “Now that boy can play the guitar.” Other legends have echoed the sentiment. Guitarist Joe Bonamassa calls Cain his favorite blues player on the scene today, while Robben Ford hails him as a force of nature with “the intensity that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”

Cain made his debut on the blues scene in 1987 with an award-winning album that immediately turned heads. Since then, he’s released 15 albums, performed on major stages around the world, and collaborated with some of the genre’s finest. His latest album, recorded at San Jose’s iconic Greaseland USA studio with producer Kid Andersen, features 13 original tracks that showcase his signature blend of lyrical storytelling, humor, and heartache. From the soulful duet “Thankful” with Tommy Castro to the aching “Waiting for the Sun to Rise,” the album is being hailed as Cain’s best yet.

Chris Cain

“This is the best album I’ve ever made, thanks to Kid,” Cain said of Good Intentions Gone Bad. With a full horn section and Cain’s searing guitar leading the charge, the album delivers high-octane blues from the first note to the last.

Cain’s musical roots run deep. A self-taught guitarist by the age of eight, he began performing professionally at 18. He later studied jazz at San Jose City College, where he also taught improvisation, and eventually mastered multiple instruments, including the piano, clarinet, and saxophone. This fusion of deep blues heritage and jazz education fuels his dynamic playing today.

Cain’s previous release, Raisin’ Cain, earned four nominations at the 2022 Blues Music Awards and cemented his place among the elite in modern blues. With his latest work and growing recognition, he continues to reach new fans without losing his timeless appeal.

Powerhouse Pub, located at 614 Sutter St., remains one of the region’s best spots for live music, and Sunday’s show is a chance to experience a true blues legend up close. Tickets and additional details are available by calling (916) 355-8586 or visiting powerhousepub.com.

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