Blues Society of Western PA - Newsletter

Bubs McKeg
Singer/composer/guitarist Bubs McKeg has recorded for Atlantic, Buddah, and Phantom Records. In 2007 he was a finalist at the Puisto Blues Festival’s International Blues songwriting competition in Jarvenpaa, Finland. Bubs is a two time winner of Blues Society of Western Pennsylvania's IBC's. Mckeg was a finalist in the 2009 Internations Blues Challenge in Memphis.







Chris Nacy
Chris Nacy is a killer, on the money, harp player. There are plenty of licks to learn from Chris. He never overplays, lays that great harp right in there, and obviously has done his homework listening to the greats. Not too loud, not a ton of reverb and octave stuff, just harp. Chris is an official endorser for Seydel Harmonicas (http://www.seydelusa.com/) His work as an integral part of the Izzy and Chris duo has won them trips to Memphis, recordings contracts and many nods for festivals around the country.





Midnight Express
Midnight Express Midnight Express was formed in 2009 when four like minded, seasoned musicians came together to create a unique Pittsburgh Blues sound. A fusion of styles ranging from East Coast Jazz, Funk to Chicago Blues makes up their unique sound. Midnight Express' members include: George Kalantzis, (guitar, vocals) originally from Chicago, immersed himself in the Pittsburgh music scene in 2001. His multiple influences reflect the many colors and textures that the Blues has to offer.  John DeCola (keyboards), a veteran of the Pittsburgh music scene, started playing professionally at age 13. John's playing reflects his years of ardent, dedicated playing and he brings a fire to Midnight Express. Jim Spears (bass) grew up with music always on the radio or "hi-fi." It was a snooping 16-year old Jimmie that found an abandoned Silvertone acoustic guitar in a closet. That discovery lit a spark that led Jim into a life-long love of making music. Mark Chemini (Drums) has been playing drums for over 35 years and is a self taught musician.


Rumpshakers
The Rumpshakers are a band of musicians from the Tri-State area. Each with over twenty-five years experience playing blues, jazz, and rock. With many influences from early blues players to modern jazz, and soul. So, if you’re looking for a foot stomping, rump shaking, good time, come out and listen to The Rumpshakers play Blues and Soul to make you shake rattle and roll. Members of the band are: Ron "Lucky" Vis on guitar/vocals, Keith "Fingers" Gamble on bass, Joe Romeo on sax, Greg Eggert on trumpet and Greg Stewart on drums.


Wayne and Wild Root
Mention great blues cities to most people and they likely think of Chicago, Memphis, St. Louis or New Orleans...maybe even Clarksdale, Mississippi. But for James Dougherty, that city is Pittsburgh.

“When I began putting this project together, I wanted to dive into the blues and jazz roots in the Pittsburgh area,” says Dougherty, who enlisted renowned engineer Buddy Hall to produce Wayne & Wildroot: One Hell of a Ride (Release date: Sept. 21). “Organizing the players for the Wayne and Wildroot project gave me an opportunity to once again familiarize myself with Pittsburgh’s deep pool of talent."