Our New EP "Brand New Shoes"

Cat Wells, born Cathrine Ann Lorena Peros (Cathy-Ann) in Toronto, Ontario, is a first-generation Canadian of Macedonian descent whose powerhouse voice and commanding stage presence have made her a standout in the blues world.

Drawn early to the haunting emotion of Billie Holiday, she later immersed herself in the fire and grit of Etta James and Janis Joplin—artists whose influence helped shape her signature blend of soulful intensity and fearless delivery.

Although Cat began singing in choirs and school productions as a child, it wasn’t until she moved to Western Canada and turned 25 that she landed her first paying gig—marking the true beginning of her professional career. She plays rhythm guitar and harmonica, and is a charting songwriter whose style moves fluidly through blues, often infused with a funk undertone or a driving jump-blues feel.

For 14 years, Cat worked as a solo entertainer aboard cruise ships, performing for international audiences and honing her craft on stages around the world. That global experience helped forge the confident, versatile performer she is today.

Now based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Cat Wells has shared the stage with legendary artists including ZZ Top, Jeff Healey, and Honey Boy Edwards. Her band, the Cat Wells Blues Band, has performed at countless festivals, including the 2025 Women in Blues Showcase in Memphis, TN, the Rendezvous Blues Festival in Oroville, Washington, and the White Rock Blues Festival in White Rock, BC, among many others.

A two-time recipient of “Favourite Female Vocalist” from the Okanagan Arts Council, Cat has also been featured in Okanagan Life Magazine and Wild Life Magazine. Whether delivering smoky ballads, high-energy jump blues, or funk-laced originals, Cat Wells brings authenticity, power, and heart to every performance.

Cat has released four blues albums. Her latest release, Brand New Shoes (December 2025), features Jason Buie, Johnny Ferreira (Colin James Band), and the late Sonny Rhodes. The album saw two songs reach #1 on the Canadian Blues charts and finished the year ranking #33 for Canada’s most played blues album—an impressive national achievement..

Ian Freedman is known  for his soulful blues and infectious funk grooves. 

Drawing inspiration from legendary musicians such as Al Hurt, Chris  Squire (Yes), and the incomparable Stanley Clarke, Ian has developed a  distinctive sound . His  ability to seamlessly fuse blues and funk elements creates a dynamic and  energetic musical experience.

 Ian has graced the stages of renowned music  festivals, including the esteemed Blue Mountain Blues Festival, where  his performances left a lasting impression on both critics and fans alike. In addition, his exceptional talent has been showcased at  high-profile events such as The Vancouver Sun Run and the prestigious  2010 Olympics.

Currently, Ian can be found lending his musical prowess as the bass player for the acclaimed Cat Wells Blues Band. 

Henry  started playing piano in Niagara Falls at four years of age and grew up  learning songs recorded from the radio onto an ancient cassette  recorder. He skipped classes in high school to hang out in the band  room, where he learned all the instruments he could get his hands on. He went on to earn a music degree at the prestigious Berklee College of  Music in Boston; travelled and performed along the eastern US, and  throughout Canada. He teaches music privately, and has taught in grade  schools, high schools and colleges. Here in the Okanagan, Henry has written and directed live theatre  productions, performed as band leader/sideman for many bands, and  operates his own Pianojam Recording and Instruction studio <www.pianojam.com>. He enjoys physics and chemistry, cheese, travel, driving  tractor-trailers and pulling weeds along with his lovely Rosita in their  gardens. He feels honoured to have known and worked with Cat Wells for over 25  years and is having a gas in ‘The Cat Wells Blues Band’!