Ally Venable Plays The National Anthem with Category 5 Amplification’s Andrew!

The stage was set, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation, and then, like a bolt of lightning, Ally Venable took the spotlight. But this wasn’t just any performance; it was a powerful rendition of the National Anthem that left the audience in awe. What made this moment even more electrifying was the collaboration with Category 5 Amplification’s Andrew, whose expert touch on the amps brought the sound to life in a way that can only be described as pure magic.

Ally Venable: The Rising Star of Blues Rock

Ally Venable has been making waves in the blues-rock scene for years now. With her fiery guitar skills, soulful voice, and a stage presence that commands attention, she has quickly become one of the most exciting young artists in the genre. Whether she’s shredding through a blistering solo or pouring her heart out in a slow blues ballad, Ally’s performances are always unforgettable.

On this particular occasion, she was tasked with performing the National Anthem, a song that carries immense weight and significance. It’s a challenge for any musician, but Ally approached it with the same confidence and passion that has defined her career.

The Power of Category 5 Amplification

Behind every great guitar performance is an amplifier that can truly capture and project the sound. Enter Andrew from Category 5 Amplification. Known for their handcrafted, boutique amps, Category 5 has become a go-to for serious musicians who want the best tone possible. Their amps are not just tools; they are instruments in their own right, capable of delivering the rich, warm, and powerful sound that can turn a good performance into a great one.

For this performance, Andrew worked closely with Ally to dial in the perfect tone. The result was a sound that was both crisp and full-bodied, with just the right amount of grit to give the anthem a modern blues edge while respecting its traditional roots.

A Performance to Remember

As Ally Venable struck the first notes of the National Anthem, the audience knew they were in for something special. The combination of her passionate playing and the impeccable sound quality provided by Category 5’s amplification created an experience that was both emotionally stirring and sonically exhilarating.

Every note was clear, every bend and vibrato carried weight, and the amp’s responsiveness allowed Ally to express every nuance of her playing. The anthem, a song so familiar to many, felt fresh and powerful in her hands. It was a reminder of the unifying power of music and the importance of great craftsmanship in amplifying that power.

A Collaboration of Talent and Craft

Ally Venable’s performance of the National Anthem was more than just a musical moment—it was a testament to what happens when talent meets craftsmanship. Together, they created a rendition of the anthem that resonated deeply with everyone who heard it.

As Ally’s star continues to rise, performances like this one are sure to become legendary. And with the continued support of high-quality amplification from brands like Category 5, her sound will only get bigger, better, and more unforgettable.

Whether you’re a fan of blues, rock, or just great music in general, this was one of those moments that reminds you why live performances are so special. Here’s to more collaborations that push the boundaries of what music can be!

Samantha Fish and Category 5 amps on tour with Slash

Samantha Fish and Category 5 amps on tour with Slash

Samantha Fish first came to mainstream attention as part of a trio of artists on the 2011 Girls with Guitars record, but over the past decade or so she has proven to be a more singular – and much less easy to pigeonhole – talent. 

Over the course of seven studio albums, first for German indie label Ruf and more recently for blues and roots powerhouse Rounder, Fish has carved out a style that marries high-octane blues with raucous rock ’n’ roll, pop, country, punk, hip-hop and other sounds. 

Binding it all together are her commanding vocals and tasty, melodic guitar work, attributes that have over the years garnered a sizable audience that counts Slash amongst its members. 

“Samantha reminds me a little bit of Bonnie Raitt in some ways,” Slash says of his S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival mate. “She’s got this cool swagger and incredible blues tone and style. She’s a real natural, and somebody that sort of surprised me when I first heard her play. I was like, ‘Wow, this is great!’”

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Vintage Guitar Magazine: Review of Category 5 Amplification’s TBR-35

Don Ritter started Category 5 Amplification designing amps for blues players before expanding to other genres while holding to the philosophy that touring pros – not builders – should determine the sound and functionality of an amp. With early admirers like Tab Ben-oit, Jimmy Thackery, and Joe Bonamassa, word spread to artists such as Billy Gibbons, Samantha Fish, Ally Venable, and Luther Dickinson.

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Category 5 Amplification release TBR-35 amp as part of the Backline series

Category 5 Amplification release TBR-35 amp as part of the Backline series

The TBR-35 is a 2×10 combo amp with a tweed Bassman style circuit that includes a three knob reverb and power scaling.  This amp is focused on the smaller club and studio applications that do not require a full 4×10 50 watt version.  The amp was prototyped and tested for 6 months with the South Austin Moonlighters and covered all ground for a small to medium size club.  It has 2×5881 power section with 35 watts of output and power scaling to adjust the stage volume without loss of tone.   The three knob reverb is wired into the input jack as if it was a true outboard reverb unit.  The channels are internally bridged and the traditional 4 inputs are now a high and low, and an effects loop.  The amp has a 10”. eminence lil buddy and a 10” 1028 eminence legend for speakers.  All in a compact 22In wide by 18 tall by 10” deep tweed cabinet. 

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