The Tristate blues scene is filled with women who hold their own with their male counterparts.

Bekah Williams

This jazzy blues singer most often pairs with piano man Ricky Nye. She can be found on the first Wednesday of each month at the Chez Nora Rooftop in Covington. www.bekahwilliams.com.

Dick and the Roadmasters (Shorty Starr)

Drummer Starr has played with a local who's who of blues and classic rock, including Alice Hoskins and Richie & the Students. Her latest band, Dick & the Roadmasters, won the local Blues Challenge competition and will be traveling to Memphis for the 2004 finals. The Roadmasters play Aug. 8 at Jazz Mania in Covington (859-491-2403).

Kelly Richey Band

No purist, Richey was a nationally known country rocker before she took up the blues in the mid-'90s. She describes her Kelly Richey Band as "female-fronted, blues-based rock power trio" and the singer/guitarist and her Fender Strat never fail to rock the house at clubs and concerts all over the Tristate. www.kellyrichey.com

Natalie Wells Band

At 20, this fresh-faced singer/guitar slinger is one of the newest players on the local blues scene. Based in Independence, Wells has been winning fans with her high-energy lead guitar at clubs on both sides of the river.

P. Ann Everson Price

A versatile singer who blends hard-driving blues a la vintage Tina Turner with smooth R&B and deep gospel. She can be seen at such clubs as Carlo & Johnny and is working on a solo album for J Curve records. She was featured on the King Records tribute CD, Hidden Treasures. www.pannentertainment.com/bio.html

Sweet Alice Hoskins & Unfinished Business

The local Queen of the Blues, Alice has been leading a band for 20 years, regularly touring Europe with her down-home brand of blues. She's working on her third CD with local blues guru Greg Schaber. She plays the Blues Fest at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. www.summitartists.com/alicehoskins