Local Musician: The Payup Band

Early in 2005, 3 "mature" fellas, who had been frequenting open mic night with Charlie Hayes every Thursday at Danny's Tap, took the stage and ripped off a half dozen old school rock & roll and blues tunes. They were hooked and returned every week to hone their “rock and roll dream.” Then one day, they were invited to play an actual gig at the Well, in Monmouth.

They had two problems to solve. The band needed a name, and they needed to learn 50 songs in six weeks! The Payup band was born, and they’ve been packing local watering holes ever since.

View the band’s MySpace page here.

Comments (3743) 04.17.2007. 17:43

Local Musician: Charlie Hayes

Charlie Hayes has been a professional musician in the Galesburg area for decades. Charlie hosts open mic nights in Galesburg (Wednesday nights at the Seminary Street Pub) and Monmouth (Thursday nights at Danny’s). Charlie also performs with Even Steven and the Charlie Hayes Band (visit their MySpace page here). In addition, Charlie teaches guitar, bass, banjo and mandolin at the Cherry Street Guitar Company.

Comments (436) 03.30.2007. 12:35

Local Musician: Art Fowler

Art Fowler spent his early years in Milwaukee, where he studied Jazz Guitar with Jack Grassel at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Art has performed Blues, Jazz, Rock, and original music on three continents, having lived for years in both Spain and Japan, as well as in various cities in the US. Art has been appearing regularly as a solo performer at the Prairie Inn in Galesburg, and now, in addition to his solo work, Art plays with the Jazz trio Surprisingly Hip with Brian Daw on bass and Julia Andrews on piano.
To contact Art or book a gig: asakyoku4@hotmail.com

Comments (13) 03.23.2007. 16:26

Local Band: Surprisingly Hip

The group consists of Julia Andrews, piano; Art Fowler, guitar and vocals; and Brian Daw, bass. Playing both standards and modern jazz, the group performs regularly around the Tri-States area. For booking information, please contact Brian at 309-734-5266.

Visit the band's website here.

Comments (1922) 01.29.2007. 09:56

Local Musician: Paul Schuytema

Paul has been a life-long blues fan, but has only been playing for a little over three years. He has been taking lessons from Charlie Hayes and concentrates on old-school solo blues from artists such as Son House, Robert Johnson and Lightning Hopkins. He plays both mono-bass and slide blues.

Click here for his website.

Comments (47) 12.25.2006. 11:51

If You Play, Let Us Know!

If you are a local blues musician, let us hear from you! Use the Contact form to give us the details. We want to compile a portfolio of the dedicated blues players here in the Maple City. You don't have to be a pro, just bitten by the "blue bug." The more we all know about each other, the richer our blues expeience can be.