Festival of Light Party

Keweenaw Storytelling Center

UNCLE PETE’S BARBECUE REVUE

There is nothing more American than the Blues! And Uncle Pete’sBarbecue Revue is ALL about the blues, rock, soul, jazz, and Electric Americana! Since forming in August of 2008, the band has thrilled audiences in clubs, at festivals,and in concerts in Michigan with their diverse and dynamic music. UPBR first home was the LibraryBrew Pub in Houghton where they played as a 4--‐piece band

every Wednesday from September 2008 through January of 2009 highlighting the Library’s Texas Barbeque night. Boisterous crowds started to frequent the Pub and Uncle Pete’s developed a loyal following. In response to audience enthusiasm, the band expanded its repertoire to include classic soul and R&B songs, and some of the great horn-band tunes. Riding on its initial wave of success, Uncle Pete’s started to perform at Summer Festivals, outdoor concerts, and clubs. In the summer of 2010 the original quartet added a unique 3-piece saxophone section, the Tabascophones. Currently, the hard driving horn section, Hornucopia, adds an irresistible energy to the already--‐popular group!

 

Dynamic sound + deep grooves with great vocals/stories + infectious jamming + high energy = Uncle Pete’s

This irresistible formula provides just the energy and creativity that you need! Sit back and leave the grooving to UnclePete’sBarbecue Revue!

 

JIM WEILER, lead vocals/keys/trumpet. “Wheels” is a veteran blues and rock

musician. Recently inducted into both the South Dakota AND the Iowa Rock ‘n

Roll Hall of Fame. Jim has played throughout the United States, particularly as a

charter member of the band Spectacle. An outstanding, soulful vocalist, a

grooving keyboard player, and an trumpeter make perfectly suited to Uncle Pete’s

distinctive brand of music!

 

MIKE IRISH, leader, rhythm guitar and vocals. Mike has been playing professionally since

1967 and has covered just about every popular and jazz style imaginable. Performing with

people like Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Bob Hope, Robert Goulet, Jeannie C. Riley, and

Wayne Newton gives Mike a wealth of experience to draw upon as a musician. He takes

great pride in creating an irresistible groove on each and every song. Mike also does the

horn arranging for Uncle Pete’s.

 

MARK LUCIER, drums. “Da Loosh” is, without a doubt, a “total package”

musician that can play any style of music and make it “alive!” At times being a

member of 8 different bands in the area, he is one of the hardest working

musicians in the Western U.P. Rock, jazz, country, blues, ethnic music – you

name it, Mark can play it! Blessed with an abundance of creativity, wit, and drive,

he really gets gigs hoppin’! 

 

SCOTT VEENSTRA, bass and background vocals. Scott (a.k.a. the Big Bodini)

is the consummate groove bass player. He and “da Loosh” are joined at the hip

when it comes to generating nasty, foot--‐stompin’ energy. Man, he is solid, solid,

solid! Scott also possesses a great voice, and is an outstanding trumpet player

(as exhibited by his lead work in the funk band, Tuff Stuff). He has also been

busy backing Copper Country/Nashville standout, Hannah Bethel and was a

longtime member of Copper Island.

 

JO LORICHON, vocals. “JoLo” is a dynamic singer, whose styles ranges from

rock to Pop, Soul and Jazz. Her first musical experiences where in choirs, but

was also, listening deeply to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Etta James.

The duo vocal pieces that she sings with ‘Wheels” are captivating.

HORNUCOPIA – the fabulous horn section!

 

RYAN WATT, lead trumpet/flugelhorn. “Rockin’ Ryan” is the ideal lead trumpet

player, possessing “chops”, great musicianship and a fiery sound! Ryan has

studied at Michigan State University,Central Michigan University, and Sam

Houston State University for Trumpet Performance & Education. He’s played in

numerous Jazz & Big Bands, Pit Orchestras for many different shows, and

currently performs with the Keweenaw Symphony & Marquette Symphony. His

most memorable performances are performing with Allen Vizutti & Maynard

Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau brass section, specifically Steve Rentschler.

PAUL KERANEN, alto/tenor sax. This is the “Elder” blues man in the section!

Paul’s playing is a veritable history of Western U.P. and Wisconsin blues, rock

and jazz groups. He loves being a section member of Hornucopia and is a

dynamic soloist with UPBR. The “Elder” currently makes his home in Lake

Linden.

 

MANDY (Koko) KRAMER, trombone. If you want to make a horn section sound

huge, get a rockin’ trombonist like Mandy. “Koko” provides the solid foundation of

Hornucopia, and is a funky soloist to boot. Formerly the lead trombone player for

the award-winning Michigan Tech Jazz Lab Band, she is a wonderful musician,

equally versed in jazz, blues, and rock.

 

DEB KINZI, percussion. Providing the compelling “color” to the indelible grooves

of the band is “Miz K.”. Hand percussion, bongos, cowbells, tambourines are

her weapons of choice in her groove arsenal. Having a wide array of talents,

she is also a Michigan Master Gardener