'Louisiana's Living Legend,' Tab Benoit Brings His 2026 'Soul of the Swamp' Tour to AC Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk Concerts

(Atlantic City NJ) - 'Louisiana's living Legend,' Bayou Blues guitarist-vocalist Tab Benoit has embarked on his 2026 year-long "Soul Of The Swamp" Tour, with a local performance in Atlantic City at Tony Mart AC Mardi Gras On The Boardwalk, Kennedy Plaza, 2498 Boardwalk, Wednesday, July 8. Show: 7:00PM. Free (all ages). Info: (609) 653-6069 or visit www.tonymart.com.

The last time the Houma, Louisiana-based Benoit performed in the Southern New Jersey area was in May of 2022, at the Exit Zero Jazz Festival in Cape May.

Opening for Benoit on this leg of the tour: Sgt. Splendor, consisting of road-tested rockers Kate Vargas and Eric McFadden.

"You could certainly feel (Tab's) ’72 Telecaster, plugged straight into his amp, scream, cry, laugh, and love from the first note," writes Atlanta Concert Reviews' Andrew Argresta in a mid-April 2026 review. (Benoit's) entire performance was driven by feel. No setlist, no rules, just what felt right. "The way he plays is encompassing, and being in the room felt therapeutic." As for the band, Agresta enthused, "they were completely locked in. It was hard to believe that wall of sound was coming from just three musicians."

I Hear Thunder marked Benoit's triumphant return to releasing new albums, charting #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart during September 2024. The following year, 2025, saw the Bayou Blues guitarist win four Blues Blast Music Awards: "Rock Blues Album;' (I Hear Thunder); "Blues Band;" "Male Blues Artist;" and Electric Guitarist of the Year." The victories was real acknowledgement by Tab's peers for a much-deserving longtime musician.

Benoit's journey began in 1992 with a radio hit from his debut record Nice and Warm. Since then, he has received multiple Blues Music Awards and four Grammy nominations. Beyond the music, Benoit is celebrated for his years of activism, particularly concerning the Louisiana Wetlands and coastal erosion. He seamlessly intertwines his artistic brilliance with a profound commitment to environmental advocacy, ensuring his legacy extends beyond the stage into the heart of the land that inspires his bluesy soul. Benoit does more than play the blues; he defines its future while paying homage to its rich past.

AC Mardi Gras On The Boardwalk Concerts in Atlantic City

Wednesday, July 8 - Show: 7:00PM - All Ages - Free!