2016 Chicago Blues Hall of fame inductee
2026 International Blues Challenge semi-finalist
A towering force in modern blues and rock, delivering high-voltage Chicago blues, ferocious Southpaw guitar, and commanding vocals that take over the room. Mercer brings a relentless, crowd-owning live show built to hit hard, groove deep, and leave a mark.
Marty "Big Dog" Mercer band
Chicago blues and rock
Known for their exceptional performances; they take the stage nearly 150 times each year, captivating audiences both in the Midwest and abroad. They define professionalism.
This versatile band is ready to make any event unforgettable, whether a concert, festival, corporate gathering, theater production, private party, wedding, or a night out at pubs, taverns, or restaurants. They are also well-prepared to contribute their musical talents to radio and television projects, recording sessions, jingles, and sound bytes.
With their impressive musical skills and commitment to delivering top-notch performances, Marty "Big Dog" Mercer and his band are the ideal choice to elevate any occasion or project, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and clients.
(Photo by Don Laferty)
In November of 2025, Aiden and I participated in the Chicago Blues Challenge, where we were chosen to represent Chicago in the 2026 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. We performed on Beale Street 3 nights in a row and we made it all the way to the semi-finals. While we were down south, we took a trip with Dave Madlener, president of the Windy City Blues Society, to Helena Arkansas where we performed live on the King Biscuit Time Blues Hour - the longest running Blues program, ever.
Live from King Lawler's on Beale Street. Memphis TN.
Best self-produced album of the year!
The Blue Steel Blues Society's choice for their representative in the 2026 Best Self-Produced Album competition at The Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge (IBC) is "Big Dog" Mercer and his band for their album Live At The Roxy. Each affiliated blues society, such as the Blue Steel Blues Society, holds its own local competition to select one album to represent them at the international level. The regional winner then becomes a nominee from that specific society at the Blues Foundation's annual competition, which takes place during the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis.
