The Blues Merchants
Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, The Blues Merchants are a group of 5 seasoned musicians that have merged their talents to produce a unique blend of traditional blues literature, blues based rock tunes and original compositions performed in a style unique to the group. Their first cd “Like There’s No Tomorrow” released in 2008 continues to garner praise and local radio airplay.
Guitarist, vocalist, & songwriter Chris Kepes has worked with the likes of the Dayton, Ohio based late blues veteran Piney Brown on the blues circuit and toured nationally with Alex Glover and Company based in New Jersey and the Robin Lewis Band from Las Vegas. Chris formed the group MoeStCool with drummer Dave Koenig in 2003 which in 2006 morphed into The Blues Merchants with the addition of organist Bob Nave and bassist Phil Buscema.
Drummer Dave Koenig has been playing drums for 40 years in an assortment of various jazz and rock groups as well as forays into the orchestra pit bands of the musical theater. In addition to his work with The Blues Merchants Dave currently holds down the drum chair of the Monday Night Big Band in Anderson Township, Ohio.
Bassist, guitarist and vocalist King Philip Buscema has been a regular on the Cincinnati blues scene since the mid sixties. As a guitarist he has worked with Steve Tracy, Albert Washington, Pigmeat Jarret, Alice Hoskins, and the Cheryl Renee Band. He played bass with the Cincinnati Blues All Stars. Phil also played guitar and bass on Joe Duskin’s studio recordings.
Although best known as a jazz radio host for the past 25 years on WNOP and WVXU in Cincinnati, keyboard player & vocalist Bob Nave started playing in rhythm and blues bars and dance halls in 1958. Bob was a founding member of the acclaimed Lemon Pipers in the 60’s, and was the recipient of a Cammy award for lifetime achievement in 2003. In the 1990’s Bob guested on two albums and occasional gigs with the Greg Schaber Band based in Cincinnati. Currently he is also the organist with No Saints No Saviors, an Allman Brothers tribute band.
As a young, diverse lead singer, Sami Springer has been charming Cincinnati audiences with her soulful sound her entire life. Most recently she sang with Leroy Ellington & the E-Funk Band, delighting crowds throughout the region. Although Sami was seemingly born to sing the blues, she has people swooning to her harmonies, slow dancing to soulful classics, and boogying on the dance floor to everything in between.
Booking Info: Contact Bob Nave (513) 474-4811
Bands Website
Bands Myspace
Upcoming show
The Blues Merchants / May 18 / Tabby's Grill (Landen)
The Blues Merchants / May 19 / Taqueria Mercado
