Guitarist extraordinaire Ana Popovic returned recently to Rams Head on Stage with a stunning performance that proves why she is one of the finest blues guitarists on the planet. Highly versatile in playing different styles of music, Popovic was sensational throughout the evening playing her brand of funk and blues tracks for a packed audience that were in the mood for some blistering work by Popovic and her band.
Jax Hollow, a relatively new guitarist on the scene, set the stage with a blistering opening performance that made the stage extremely hot and ready for Popovic to take it away on March 16. Both shows were simply guitar slinging at its utmost finest and highlighted two of the best in the business right now. Look for more big things from Jax Hollow as she is only getting started after a successful launch of her last two albums. She is now opening for bigger names around the country and Europe and that will continue as she builds her following. Putting Popovic and Hollow on the same bill was a fantastic decision and allowed the audience to see the work of a seasoned veteran and the work of one of the next up and coming female guitarists in rock.
Ana Popovic is touring the USA currently touting a big, five-piece, dynamic band that is as much attitude as musicianship. The band is extremely talented, and integrates funk, blues, and jazz style music extremely well with Popovic’s intricate guitar solos. Popovic and band are playing numerous dates on this first leg of a 2025 US Tour that will see them finish this part of the tour in Avon, Colorado, on May 24 before heading to Serbia for shows, then back to the USA, and then a return to numerous shows in Europe.
Popovic’s performance at Rams Head on Stage was highlighted by her highly versatile blues guitar work, which she is known for around the planet, and the work of her band, all excellent musicians in their own right. Popovic’s new direction with the “big band” feel began last year with her new FANTASTAFUNK project. This high energy, high-volume sound and feel was on display all evening during Popovic standards such as “Rise Up” and “Queen of the Pack” to blues tunes she played with extended guitar solos featuring interactivity by this bigger band for a more robust and complete sound on this tour. Perhaps, Popovic has never played better or sounded better. The concert was outstanding with much applause and support from the audience.
Watch the official music video for “Queen of the Pack” by Ana Popovic on YouTube:
Popovic is a legend in her own right touring around the globe playing blues for years with numerous awards. It was apparent she likes playing Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis and yielded higher-energy due to her return after a long hiatus.
It is also worthy to mention how well the band interacts with Popovic as they easily play well together, with considerable eye contact during songs and movement on stage. This in-sync feel by the band allows Popovic to move more freely and concentrate on vocals as the band knows exactly how to play and how to handle the tempos of each song.
Great songs, vocals, and blistering guitar-work has pushed Popovic to the summit of blues players around the globe. The dynamic sound of her current band pushes her individual work higher as well with a fantastic huge sound helped out by such outstanding musicians she has chosen for her touring band.
Catch Ana Popovic on tour across the USA this spring!
Here are some photos of Ana Popovic performing at Rams Head on Stage on March 16, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.
Here are some photos of Jax Hollow opening Ana Popovic at Rams Head on Stage on March 16, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of James Todd Miller.
