Stefan Hard / Staff Photo
Montpelier musician Dave Keller.

Based in Vermont, Dave Keller has performed for audiences across the U.S., including major festivals such as the North Atlantic Blues Fest, Discover Jazz Fest, and PA Blues Fest and many of the finest clubs, including B.B. King’s in Memphis and Biscuits and Blues in San Francisco.

Ever since renowned guitarist Ronnie Earl chose Dave Keller to sing on his 2010 album, Living In The Light, Keller has been on the rise, earning two nominations for a Blues Music Award for Best Soul/Blues Album, winning the International Blues Challenge ‘Best Self-Released CD Award’, and being chosen for Downbeat Magazine’s ‘Best Recordings of the Year.’

In addition to his own recordings, Keller has co-written and recorded with legendary guitarist Ronnie Earl (2010’s BMA-nominated Living In The Light). He tours regularly with Mississippi soul/blues master Johnny Rawls. Mentored by the late deep soul singer, Mighty Sam McClain, Keller continues to prove McClain’s words: “He’s for REAL!!”

Other well-regarded performers have invited him onstage, including but not limited to: Otis Clay, Fontella Bass, John Nemeth, Sugaray Rayford, John Primer, Mike Welch, Mike Ledbetter, Southern Avenue, Big Jack Johnson, Terrence Simien, Anthony Geraci, Alexis P. Suter, Dawn Tyler Watson, and Dwight and Nicole.

​A bit of a late bloomer, Keller grew up in Massachusetts, loving music, but not picking up a guitar until age 16, and not singing in his first band until age 20. But blessed with mentors including deep soul singer Mighty Sam McClain, mystical soul guitarist Robert Ward, acoustic blues master Paul Rishell, and soul/blues man Johnny Rawls, Keller made up for the lost time.

​Relocating to icy Vermont in 1993, Keller found fertile ground to grow his audience and has become a household name there. Famous for his live-wire shows, Keller can often be found fifty feet out in the crowd, teasing fiery licks from his trusty Stratocaster, and singing off-mike as the audience sings along.