BC & The Blues Crew

BC & The Blues Crew remains an area favorite since 1992. They have produced 5 CDs. This group has earned every ?Best of?? Lehigh Valley Music Award in their genres as songwriters and musicians. You can hear it in a cover or an original, it's their established sound that brings you right down to the Blues in every song, be it fused with rock, soul, gospel, folk, country, jazz, or R&B. They are based out of the Lehigh Valley, PA. Along with their originals, they cover groups like Sade, Etta James, Koko Taylor, Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy and even Lynyrd Skynrd.

They are based out of the Lehigh Valley, PA. Along with their originals, they cover groups like Sade, Etta James, Koko Taylor, Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy and even Lynyrd Skynrd. Their makeup includes vocals, saxophone, keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. They have shared stages with greats like Ray Charles, Shemekia Copeland, Lonnie Brooks, Son Seals, Koko Taylor, Eddie King, Saffire and many more. If you have the Blues or love the Blues, either will be remedied with a dose of BC & The Blues Crew.

Bev Conklin (lead vocals)
The "BC" of The Blues Crew, has become a well respected Blues voice and Ambassador of her community and most assuredly the voice that continues to attract fans both old and new. Beverly doesn't just command an audience, she engages them. This New Orleans born Creole, Hip Shakin Mama exudes passion and her sultry and powerful voice is delivered in a broad array of styles and vocal ranges. She is the consummate hostess of this band or any group she performs with. Her favs: Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Denise LaSalle, Trudy Lynn, and Koko Taylor.

Mike Brandt (guitar)
Michael is the founding member of this group. A student of Berklee, Mike has a most unique style, very smooth, developed and tasteful. If you're into foreplay, Mike is the player to last to the finish line. When he decides to turn up the heat, it's a treasure to experience, especially for those who have experienced his interaction with interpretation. Latest observation is that he is lip singing. Hmmmm? definitely worth the price of admission. A couple of Mike's favs are Ronnie Earl and Little Charlie Baty.

Wayne Smith (keyboards, guitar, drums, vocals)
He is as passionate about politics as he is about music. Wayne has done much of the producing and arranging over the years. He is the band leader and musically quite entertaining (controllably playful). While predominantly the group's keyboard player, he has been seen filling in as our guitarist or drummer (even bass). Some of Wayne's favs are Vanilla Fudge and the New Christy Minstrels. Playing in bands since 1967, he spent 10 years with Jay and the Techniques (?Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie?). With the Techniques he also backed up other artists such as Tommy Roe, Gary U.S. Bonds, The Outsiders (?Time Won't Let Me?), Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), The Miracles, and many others. He has CD's of his own material available with recordings from 1973 to the present.

Nick Franclik (bass and vocals)
Nick adds yet another inspirational dimension to the group as an acoustic guitarist and vocalist. Nick is a freelance bass player, bass instructor, audio engineer and producer. Nick runs the jam at the Summit Bar & Grill in Macungie, PA, a local favorite hangout for some of the areas finest and established musicians. Nick also works with Dave Fry and his Rock Roots program that educates school age children about the evolution of American Roots music and theimportance of music culture. He was an original member of The Electric Farm, voted Best Folk-Rock Band in the Lehigh Valley Music Awards - 2000.

Craig "CJ" Coyle (drums, vocals)
Coming to this band in 2000, CJ brings his wealth of humor, history and musical background into the mix. Perhaps teaching high school students for almost 30 years has given him that funny bone. He is looking forward to his retirement this year. The voice of soul, CJ loves to get that smile from BC when he reaches the highest harmonizing note among the lot (and believe us when we tell you, the guys can all sing in that doo-wop range).

Tom Charles (sax, vocals)
A joy to work with, Tom spends 6 months in Florida and 6 months in the Lehigh Valley. A great entertainer and wildly amazing on sax and vocals. Definitely the ladies favorite of this band. Tom loves to capture you when he performs. He will do whatever it takes to make the connection every time through music, storytelling and overall showmanship.