The 8 Miles South Band! May 3, 2009

The 8 Miles South band is a union of seven very accomplished musicians from a vast array of musical backgrounds that includes Blues, Classic Rock, R&B, Soul, Funk, Country and Jazz. Keyboard player Bill LeClair had a vision to bring these talented players together to do what they do best…play some of the greatest feel good music you’ll ever hear. You’ve seen him most recently playing soul and funk with the “Mauds.” Bill’s blues background has seen him share the stage with Buddy Guy, Elvin Bishop, Wayne Baker Brooks and Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater to name a few. Rich Nelson, vocals and guitar and Dave Swanson, vocals and percussion both bring their talents to “8 Miles South” by way of the “White Saddle Band,” playing Country and Classic Rock. Their voices, while individually distinct, also blend to provide the foundation for a variety of vocal harmonies. Singer/songwriter/guitarist Rafael Mendez is the newest member of the band. Rafael heads his own band “The Fabulous House Rockers,” a staple on the Chicago Music scene for over a decade, playing Classic Rock, Blues and killer originals. Dave Salzman on guitar and vocals is a solid, soulful player who injects his own brand of cool into every tune. You’ve seen Dave playing blues and soul with the “The Tabasco Sound Kitchen.” Bill Bowden on bass and vocals is one of the premier first call bass players on the Chicago music scene. Bill’s feel for funk, and groove is second to none. Rounding out the band is Gary Donnelly on drums and vocals, a seasoned veteran who’s played everything from Blues and Rock to Pop, Funk, Country, Jazz and Classical.

When you look at who these players have shared the stage with from Albert King, Paul Butterfield, the Allman Brothers, The Marshall Tucker Band, Delbert Mc Clinton, Credence Clearwater, Steve Miller, Alabama, Travis Tritt, Asleep at the Wheel, Ricky Skaggs just to name a few it becomes increasingly clear where their passion lies. They have also crossed such stages as Buddy Guys Legends, The House of Blues, The Allstate Arena and Ravinia if not at a festival or stage across the United States, Canada or Mexico. There is something special that happens when these 7 spirits are playing together that you must experience for yourself.