Utter the phrase "young blues rock guitarist" within earshot of anyone with even a cursory knowledge of the modern musical vanguard and the first name they are most likely to respond with will be Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The Louisiana born axeman and songsmith has sold millions of albums while throwing singles into the Top 10, shining a light on the rich blues of the past and forging ahead with his own modern twist on a classic sound he has embodied since his teens.

In a 20-year recording career that began when he was just 16, Shepherd has established himself as an immensely popular recording artist, a consistently in-demand live act and an influential force in a worldwide resurgence of interest in the blues.

From television performances on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Late Show with David Letterman," "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" to features in "Rolling Stone," "Vanity Fair," "Maxim magazine," "USA Today" and more, his musical career has been nothing short of phenomenal.

The Kenney Wayne Shepherd Band with special guest Ally Venable Band will take the Saenger Theatre stage July 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale March 3 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or in person at the Mobile City Center Box Office located at 401 Civic Center Drive or the Saenger Theatre Box Office located at 6 South Joachim St. Tickets start at $35.50.