THE INTERNATIONAL CROSSROADS PROJECT

The International Crossroads Project is comprised of Alyssa Galvan (17, guitar/vocals), Valentin Vasseur (16, guitar), Matéo Perfetti (21, bass), Mighty Michael (14, harmonica) and Paige O'Rourke (18, drums). They share a love for funk, soul, and blues music. As a result of meeting during the Pinetop Perkins Masterclasses, friendships were born between the three American students and two French students, proving borders cannot limit driven creativity.

The band is honored to have been able to perform apart of the International Blues Challenge 2023, and for all of the experience and friendships they gained. After performing at the Hard Rock Cafe in Memphis, Tennessee apart of the youth showcase in the IBC 2023, legendary Bob Margolin stated, "The band is tight and accomplished, individually and together. You'd never know that they don't have a lot of bandstand experience."

As well as Liz Lottman, President of the Ozarks Blues Society, stating, "These young musicians collaborated across an ocean and somehow turned it into a real band making real music. With this extraordinary project, they show they have the three main talents for becoming professionals: natural musicality, organizational skills, and caring for each other as a group. I'm greatly charmed by their well-produced, thoughtful music, and so very moved by the young hearts that are making it. I hope everyone can someday see and hear what they're doing!"

Each individual member is becoming accomplished at young ages, including multiple members sharing the stage with Buddy Guy, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Bob Margolin , Billy Branch, Billy Davies and more.

The band is working hard over the internet, constantly learning and creating original material. During their stay in Memphis, they recorded both covers and original material, working towards releasing their first album this year. They are eagerly awaiting their next reunion and adventure as a band.

The International Crossroads Project gives big thanks to France Blues, European Blues Union, Pinetop Perkins Foundation, and Blues Society of the Ozarks, for their unconditional support. 

ALYSSA GALVAN

Alyssa Galvan (17), is following in the footsteps of some of the great female guitarists including Memphis Minnie, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Bonnie Raitt, and Susan Tedeschi. Alyssa has a powerful guitar/vocal combination which helps highlight her unique vocals that are rich in tone and timbre. She indulges in several genres of music, holding an especially close bond with blues and punk rock. At age 15 Alyssa released one full length self-titled album that can be found on all streaming platforms. Alyssa gigs full time and has performed at several festivals throughout the region. She is gaining respect from blues musicians in the scene near and far, having the opportunity to play a set with legendary Bob Margolin at the Hopson Commissary in Clarksdale, Mississippi. She is currently collaborating with several different musicians and projects, including internationally.

VALENTIN VASSEUR

Valentin Vasseur, age 16, known as ValentinV Blues, was born to a family of musicians. He began indulging in music at a young age, becoming fascinated with blues music, admiring artists such as Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, etc. As well as his involvement in The International Crossroads Project, he fronts French band "Blue Angels". Blue Angels were finalist in "Tremplin International IMAGINE" of the Jeunesses Musicales de France in Paris, Bruxelles. 

He has had the opportunity to play alongside Buddy Guy, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Bob Margolin, Bob Stroger, Billy Branch, to name a few. He is developing a name for himself, constantly growing his skill and furthering his talent.

MATÉO PERFETTI

Matéo Perfetti, 21, is deeply indulged in music and dreams of a career as an arranger. His musical background begins from as early as the age of 6 when he learned violin. At 15, he self taught himself bass guitar, formed a band, and played his first gigs at 17. After obtaining a bachelor's degree in music in 2019, he validated a degree in jazz musicology in 2022. It was precisely this year that he met the members of The International Crossroads Project in Clarksdale, Mississippi during the Pinetop Perkins Foundation's Blues Workshop.

MIGHTY MICHAEL

Mighty Michael is a 14 year old multi instrumentalist who carries a skill for harmonica that is beyond his years. He has been playing harmonica since the age of 7 and guitar since the age of 9, he also is a trumpet player for his high school. He is a regular performer with and good friend of legendary three time hall of famer, Billy Davis. Joining him for gigs with his band "Billy Davis and The Billy Davis Rhythm Machine Band" on harmonica, guitar, and vocals. Michael, who resides near Detroit, has performed at numerous festivals, gigs weekly, and constantly is improving his skills.

LUCAS LOPES

22 years old, has accomplished his classes in the music schoo with a great A grade diploma.

Then he carried on in an upper level school for professionals, in Dante Agostini 
Lucas is our Mozart drum player ! At 5, he started in Baroque Versailles conservatoire, performing drums and singing on stage !

He stayed there 5 years, then moved to the south of France in a music conservatoire, where he learned classic drums.
He also created his first group at school , « Cosmic five ».
In 2020, after he graduated, he also created Univers-L, still touring today.
In 2023, he will travel across Europe with the new Memphis created band ,The International Crossroads Projects, who invited him recently to join the tour !

PAIGE O'ROURKE

Paige O'Rourke, 18, of Bartlett, IL is a Senior at the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Larkin High School in Elgin, IL. Paige has been playing drums for 10 years. During the school year, Paige is a part of the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Marching band and the Pit Orchestra. Currently, Paige plays at the West Ridge Community Church and other venues across the city of Chicago including a weekly show with Linsey Alexander at Buddy Guy's Legends. Paige has had the opportunity to play on stage with Buddy Guy, Joanna Connor, Kingfish, Bob Margolin and Mike Wheeler to name a few.

Paige has attended the Pinetop Perkins Master Class for the last three years. With this group she made connections with members of DG & Co, and The International Crossroads Project Bands which has led to projects with both groups.