Alvin Nichols
Vocals, Trumpet and Flute

Alvin's musical roots took hold in Tennessee, where he began singing publicly at the age of four. He formed his first professional band (The Cameos) at 13, performing at universities, high schools and entertainment venues throughout the Southeast. A classically trained Choral Vocalist, Alvin's Blues Roots sprang from late night listening to the likes of blues artists Jimmy Reed, Lowell Fulson, Lightning Hopkins, Albert King, Muddy Waters, and BB King. Alvin studied voice under renowned contralto Jamesena Edwards, who herself was recognized in performances with Blues/Jazz Icon Ethel Waters. Alvin's performance passions range across vocals, trumpet and flute, but his first love is "singing the blues". With long-time friend Ross Hechinger, Alvin formed an R&B group in the mid-90s, which played embassies, private parties and sponsored events for over a dozen years. The "Upton Blues Band" taps deeply into all of Alvin's musical roots.