Meet the Band Members...
Johnny Guitar
Just one look at Clifford "Johnny Guitar" Scrivens and you will know that he is a man of the Blues. From his cowboy styled hat to his fancy shoes or cowboy boots, and the vest and long key chain he always wears, plus the ever-present guitar slung across his shoulder, "Johnny Guitar" walks the walk and talks the talk of a longtime journeyman Blues artist. Born and raised in West Central Florida, he established himself as a Bluesman early in his life. By the time he was 13 years old, Johnny had played every venue available to him around his home in Brooksville. He brought his act to Tampa, and built a reputation as a solid bluesman and entertainer. He loves to sing and play the guitar.
Oren "Doc" Plous
Oren has an exceptional career as a retinal surgeon, but "Doc" makes the keyboards sing when he plays with Bluestar. Usually seen between two keyboards (and sometimes one of his Hammond B3's) his ability to transpose and add content to the band is truly amazing. It's no wonder Oren is a favorite for Soul Bluesman Johnny Rawls joining him for appearances in Chicago, and on the annual Blues Cruise.
The Velvet Hammer
Beth the Velvet Hammer began playing accordion when she was five. In fact, she played her accordion at a fund raiser for President John F. Kennedy as a youngster, and got to meet him at the time. Beth worked in broadcasting, radio then television, and has the distinction of having interviewed 4 U.S. presidents. Bass and blues are what she loves now. She met Johnny through their mutual work with the late blues icon James Peterson. Beth also does a blues radio show Velvet Hammer Blues on WSLR Community Radio,, produces music videos, designs websites, publishes CD's for musicians, records commercial announcements, and writes music.
Kevin O'Connor
Kevin was born to play the blues. When he lived in Chicago he played with west side blues legend Jimmy Dawkins and his bass player Cornelius Boyson from the Howlin' Wolf band of the '60s and also Wolfs' drummer Ray Scott. He played festivals as a hot shot young guitarist and jammed with the locals including Jumping Willie at Joetta's New Look Bar on the west side, Lefty Diz and Jimmy Smith up on the north side. Kevin joined a band called Howard and the White Boys, the opening act for Buddy Guy at Buddy Guy's legends. Jimmy Dawkins called on him for tours of the east and west coasts of the U.S.; then on to Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Kevin put his guitar down for a while when his daughter was born and took a job on a night shift to spend days with her, but lately he says "I find just like my old boss Jimmy Dawkins used to say, 'I can't shake these blues'!"--