JC and The Backscratchers
​Seasoned Chicago Style Blues band, playing a great variety of danceable blues tunes from the 40s to the present. The band brings originals, and covers by Jr. Wells, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, James Harman, Gary Primich and many more.
The Backscratchers are lead by front man, harmonica player, JC "Chris" Balding. Chris is backed by three seasoned musicians; Zavian Orton on guitar, Dave Messer on bass, and Deborah Berlinger on drums.
Endorsements
Phenomenal old school blues show and line-up! Thanks, gang! ~ Gary Anton (BBC owner), March 19, 2023 Bradfordville Blues Club
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Who's that harp man,,,(bad boi)!!! ~ JW Gilmore (and the Blues Authority), March 19, 2023 Bradfordville Blues Club
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"Your closer, Mojo Working, breathed a long-overdue new life into that great song for me. Thank you!"~ Charlie Boyer, Florida Jazz and Blues Magazine; Blues Showcase at North Florida Blues Society - September 14, 2025
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
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B.B. King’s Blues Club Orlando - Orlando, FL
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Bradfordville Blues Club - Tallahassee, FL
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Florida Folk Festival - White Springs, FL
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Florida Jazz & Blues Festival - Tallahassee, FL
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International Blues Challenge - Regional Event - Gainesville, FL
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Southern Pines Blues & BBQ Festival - Perry, FL
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Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival - Tallahassee, FL
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The Alley Blues -Sanford, FL
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The Moon - Opening band for Tab Benoit - Tallahassee, FL
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The Moon - Opening band for Tinsley Ellis - Tallahassee, FL
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The Moon - Opening for Ally Venable - Tallahassee, FL
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The Moon - Opening for Elle King - Tallahassee, FL
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Blues in the Lot Festival - Port St. Joe, FL
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Blues On Reid Festival - Port St. Joe, FL
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Ground Zero - Clarksdale, MS
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Backyard Blues Festival - Tallahassee, FL
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Opening for Mr. Sipp & The True Believers - Tallahassee, FL
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Main Street, Chattahoochee, FL
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Blues & Brews Festival, Chipley, FL
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Bluesberry Festival, Valdosta, GA
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Blues Showcase, North Florida Blues Society, Gainesville, FL
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Women in Blues, North Florida Blues Society, Gainesville, FL
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Porch Fest Apalach, Apalachicola, FL
LINKS
Website: https://www.jcbackscratchers.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jcandthebackscratchers
Video/You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@jcandthebackscratchers
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Calendar of Performances:
https://www.jcbackscratchers.com/shows
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Backscatchers:
Dave Messer - Bass
Deb Berlinger - Drums
Guitarist: Zavian Orton
PRESS PHOTOS
