Cheryl Arena

One of only 30 artists featured in the book, Masters of the Harmonica, Cheryl Arena has been bringing the sound of authentic American blues music to audiences around the US and Europe for over 30 years. No one trick pony, she plays the urban electric blues of Chicago, the soulful Delta sounds of the deep south, and everything in between. Always with a soulful edge and a grooving beat, she channels the likes of Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin’ Wolf and many more of the immortal masters.

Raised in the Boston area, Cheryl Arena has shared the stage with such luminaries as James Cotton, Junior Wells, Charlie Musselwhite, Pinetop Perkins, Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson, Lazy Lester, R.L. Burnside and more. Cheryl has released several CDs, including the critically acclaimed Blues Got Me with 7 original songs featuring a stellar band & produced by Duke Robillard, who also plays on her album. She is a triple threat: great songwriter, powerful singer and smokin’ harmonica player.

In 2001 she started teaching harmonica lessons privately and currently runs The Harmonica Experience workshop at The Shack Up Inn in Clarkdale Mississippi twice a year. If asked, she will always tell you that teaching has been the most incredible gift and has made her a better player.

Cheryl is a Hohner endorsee & plays Marine Band Harmonicas.