Jersey Shore band The Cadillac Cats and solo artist and Shippensburg resident Nick Andrew Staver have been selected the winners of the BBA’s Annual Audition Concert.

According to a news release, both winners will appear at the festival June 22. Both winners are now also eligible to participate in the International Blues Challenge in early January 2025 in Memphis.

The Cadillac Cats is a collaboration of seasoned players Urie Kline on drums, Garrett Gaetano on bass, Shawn Strickland on harmonica, Blair Mitcheltree on guitar and Becky Wool on lead vocals and are well known throughout the region for their energetic, thoughtful performances. The band is now focused on expanding their awareness throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding regions.

Nick Andrew Staver, the news release said, has three releases under his belt since 2014.

“Nick is now established as a prolific songwriter and accomplished guitarist, the news release said. “His vocals are captivating as he sings about his experiences drawing listeners into his lyrical stories.”

The 34th Annual Billtown Blues Festival officially begins at 6 p.m., June 21. The music continues at noon on June 22.

“The event offers world class blues music from twelve performances,” the news release said.

Festival details, including ticketing options, onsite camping accommodation, a link to the festival’s host hotel in downtown Williamsport, and the festival’s downtown bus service detail are available at www.billtownblues.org.

“There is a certain tradition in place with the Billtown Blues Festival, beginning on Friday at 6 p.m. when the Uptown Music Collective Blues Band once again sets the vibe for the next two days,” the news release said. “The band will deliver an energetic rousing display of blues music showcasing their UMC educational experience. The UMC has, from the beginning, included the history of and foundational impact of all modern music derived from the blues art form as part of their teaching curriculum.”

Also performing Friday will be Soulful Femme, Tas Cru and Annika Chambers and Paul Deslauriers. Saturday will feature the audition concert band winners, Houston-based Mathias Lattin, Duke Robillard and Al Copley’s Roomful of Blues, Jason Ricci, Carolyn Wonderland and others.

Music gates for campers and music only attendees open at 5 p.m. on Friday. With music starting at 6 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. Saturday gates open at 11 a.m. with music from 12 noon until 10:30 p.m. The festival’s host hotel is the Genetti Hotel in downtown Williamsport offering special festival lodging rates. Bus service is also offered between the Genetti to and from the Festival on both days.

All ticketing — by credit card and by check — general festival and onsite camping information is available at www.billtownblues.org. Local ticket outlets for cash sales will open May 1.