Who: Big Will and The 360 Degrees Band

When: 9:30 p.m. Jan. 29.

Where: Dino's Lounge

What: Contemporary and roots blues straight from the soul

Ferndale Patch: Where are you from, and what is your favorite thing about playing the blues?

Big Will Elijah: Born and raised in Detroit, but now I reside in Troy. The great thing about the blues is that all music originates from its roots. Big Will and The 360 Degrees band is blessed to be able to pay tribute to the blues from that very viewpoint.

Ferndale Patch: What is your instrument? Are you a songwriter as well as a performer?

Big Will: I play my trumpet, as well as percussion, keys and some guitar.  I love performing live, there's nothing like it! I'm most at home on stage, but I like the creative process just the same. I am also a songwriter, arranger and producer.

Ferndale Patch: Who are some of your greatest influences?

Big Will: I was brought up with the motto: "All music has its soul." So it's really hard to narrow it down. When it comes to stage work, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Prince, The Stones. Songwriting is from Sting to Taylor Swift.

Ferndale Patch: Where can we hear your music?

Big Will: We play locally at clubs, casinos, festivals and are also available for weddings, parties and corporate events.

Ferndale Patch: What are your expectations for the fest, and what can we expect from your performance?

Big Will: BW360's focus for this year's fest is to show our pride for our great musical heritage. As always, we will  give the music lovers what they came for — a great show!