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“I grew up listening to B.B. King,” said Sena Ehrhardt. “He was my hero.” Now, Ehrhardt will have the thrill of a lifetime by opening up for B. B. King at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester May 19.

“I’ve flown to the East Coast, to Las Vegas, the Mayo Civic Center is a gorgeous venue,” she said. “It is significant to open for B.B. King at a beautiful place in my own backyard.”

King is still the pinnacle of Blues Music to Ehrhardt. “A lot of kids in elementary school write to Santa Claus,” said Ehrhardt. “I sent him (King) a letter and a picture every year.” She said the letters have been a good source for a laugh for her and her father.

Her father, Ed Ehrhardt, was a guitarist who played in clubs and provided the fuel to ignite Sena’s fire for blues music. She grew up with blues music playing in their home. “My dad rehearsed in our home, and he had a beautiful place to practice,” Ehrhardt said.

Ehrhardt has been described by experts as one of the freshest and most dynamic young voices on the blues scene. You see words like “gritty and sultry with the ability to croon softly or wail with the best of them” used to describe her style. Her debut album, Leave The Light On was nominated for two awards at the 2012 Blues Blast Music Awards. She performed at the Blues Blast Awards in Memphis.

“It was special to get to perform at the awards,” Ehrhardt said. “Memphis has a significant blues scene.” She won the Sean Costello Rising Star Award. The award was named after Costello who was a gifted young star who died at a very young age. The award was extra special because all the songs performed on the album were written by Sena. It is very rare for a new artist to perform only material they have written.

This weekend Ehrhardt is shooting a video to promote the release of her second CD on March 12. She will be at the Wicked Moose in Rochester March 1 for a release party for the new CD. Ehrhardt recently sang a duet with Cole Allen from the Twin Cities for his new record coming out. But music isn’t all there is to this growing star. Ehrhardt recently completed her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota. Her day job is in the Cardiovascular Surgery unit at Mayo Clinic.

“My co-workers are very supportive,” Ehrhardt said. She said the Mayo Clinic side of her is analytical. “On stage it’s all about the music and connecting with the audience,” said Ehrhardt. “We surrender to the music and have a hell of a lot of fun.”

Ehrhardt’s father plays guitar in her band. “I’m pretty blessed to get to do it with my dad,” Ehrhardt said. “He is my best friend.” According to Ehrhardt, people sometimes relate blues music with older people, “but I am seeing a lot of young people. We are passing the tradition of blues music to another generation.” Other members of her band include Steve Hansen on bass and drummer Tim Hasler. Ehrhardt’s debut album was released by Blind Pig Records.

“The blues is about feeling and this feels so good,” Ehrhardt said. You can find more information about the singer and her upcoming tour events at www.senaehrhardt.com.

Fans and critics alike have taken notice. Living Blues said, “Sena Ehrhardt has a bright, soulful sound, and she doesn’t hold back - she can go from sultry and coaxing to gritty and gusty in an instant,” while Blues Revue added, “she is capable of crooning softly or wailing with the best of them.” And, the Blues Foundation has nominated Leave The Light On for the prestigious Blues Music Award in the “Best New Artist Debut” category.