As the Hot August Blues & Roots Festival nears its two-decade mark, momentum for the event surges as exciting acts continue to play the show each year. This year is no exception as the Tedeschi Trucks Band lights up the stage on Saturday, August 20 at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville.

She’s a multiple Grammy-nominated blues belter; he’s the amazing guitarist who took the world by storm as the youngest player to make Rolling Stones’ list of Top 100 Guitarists of All Times. Together they’re the Tedeschi Trucks Band and they’re ready to unleash their unbridled brand of soul inspired, southern-drenched blues as they tour in support of their debut release due out later this year.

The husband and wife duo of Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks is a match made in musical heaven and fans have been eagerly waiting for the couple to officially tour. That day is finally here as they front an 11-piece band that is selling out shows nationwide.

"Tedeschi, whose singing never ceases to amaze, mixed with Trucks' jaw-dropping solos left everyone in the crowd -- and on the stage -- breathless." (Deseret News)

Robert Randolph and The Family Band are certain to bring down the house as they deliver a fiery, no holds barred performance that’s become the hallmark of their live shows. Randolph, a widely recognized pedal steel virtuoso, mixes influences of his beloved sacred steel with blues, rock and reggae, punctuated by uplifting messages of hope. His latest release, We Walk This Road pays homage to his African-American heritage and is a celebration of one hundred years of music. Notes Randolph, “Those are the real roots of rock and roll, where everything else comes from.”

“Randolph has become a master of flashy funk and rock riffs and the owner of a tone so gargantuan it’s earned him a place in rock-guitar Olympus -- if not Heaven.” (Reviewer: Ted Drozdowski)

Milwaukee may not immediately spring to mind when you think of great soul, but that’s exactly what it’s spawned in the form of Kings Go Forth. Co-founded by record shop owner and bassist, Andy Noble along with vocalist Black Wolf, KGF is a 10-piece outfit complete with keyboards, congas, and horns that lays down a highbred of classic R&B, soul and funk. Their 2010 debut release, The Outsiders Are Back has opened doors well beyond their Wisconsin borders as they continue to tour nationwide.

“Shades of Motown, Stax-Volt Memphis-simmered soul, New Orleans horn and percussion grooves and gritty Southern R&B . . .” (www.austin360.com)

With a philosophy of, “just have fun” who could refuse the infectious brand of rock ‘n roll by Baltimore-based J. Roddy Walston and the Business. Aptly compared to, “AC/DC fronted by Jerry Lee Lewis” the humorous quartet is making a name for themselves opening for acts like The Drive-By Truckers and the Black Keys as well as appearing at SXSW and on NPR’s World Café.

East coast bluesman Tom Larsen opens the show at noon with a mix of traditional blues classics along with originals penned by the prolific guitarist whose songs have been covered by the likes of Delbert McClinton and Johnny Winter.

Once again, WTMD disc jockey John Mathews will emcee the event and additional live music will be held at the B-Side Stage (artists TBA). Baltimore harmonica veteran Choo Choo Charlie Williams will host a workshop in the Kids Korner, stilt walkers will delight audience members, and artists will be on hand selling their wares. A wide array of local restaurants will be dishing up great food and drink. For a small per vehicle fee, ample parking will be provided with complimentary shuttle service to and from the overflow lot.

Funds raised benefit Common Ground On the Hill, the Baltimore Blues Society, and Marcia’s Kids Endowment for the Arts. No food, cans, bottles or coolers are permitted. For a complete list of guidelines and restrictions, visit www.hotaugustblues.com.