On this episode of Sullivan’s Backstage Pass, Shawn sits down with Nelson Kerr of the Bonton Rulers for a warm, wide-ranging conversation about music, blues, performance, and the joy of playing live. Nelson shares how music was part of his life from childhood, from listening to records at home to discovering the blues and falling hard for the expressive power of guitar-driven music.

The conversation explores what makes the blues so powerful, how Nelson developed as a self-taught musician, and why live performance means so much to him. He talks about learning to read the room, communicate with bandmates through stage cues, and stay flexible enough to follow the energy of the audience rather than stay locked to a rigid set list.

Shawn also brings the discussion into the disability community perspective, asking Nelson what signs he looks for from the crowd beyond dancing. Nelson reflects on eye contact, head nods, and audience energy as meaningful signs of connection, and he emphasizes that positive feedback after a show matters deeply to working musicians.

The episode also highlights the Bonton Rulers’ New Orleans-inspired sound, the importance of professionalism in music, and the role of Portland’s jam scene in helping musicians grow and connect. Nelson shares advice for aspiring players about preparation, communication, humility, and persistence, while also talking about the venues and events he hopes to play next.