Lead Guitarist and Singer Kevin O'Connor

Kevin was born to play the blues. When he lived in Chicago he played with west side blues legend Jimmy Dawkins, Cornelius Boyson, and Ray Scott from the Howlin' Wolf band. He played festivals as a hot shot young guitarist and jammed with the locals including Jumping Willie , Lefty Diz and Jimmy Smith. Kevin joined a band that was 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. Lately Kevin says "Just like my old boss Jimmy Dawkins used to say, 'I can't shake these blues'!"--

 

Carolyn Davis on Keyboards

Carolyn has been lead singer and guitarist in several talented blues bands, and also played keyboards and sang with her own band that featured pop tunes. In addition, she has opened for the superstar Dickie Betts. She is a classically trained keyboard artist who can rock the house down, and adds her sultry vocals to some often requested blues tunes.

 

 

The Velvet Hammer

Beth the Velvet Hammer began playing music on the 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. 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.

 

Saxophonist Michael Pawlus

Michael cut his teeth on blues, rock and big band music from the age of 17 in his hometown of Chicago. He joined Bluestar and delights audiences with his sax solos. He also plays keyboards. The 20 year Sarasota resident and periodontist played in Chicago's Moonlight jazz orchestra, and while in Gainesville was part of the house band at Lillians. His Sarasota credits range from The Alternators, to the Kara Nally Band, Cahoots, and the Flying V Jazz Quartet.

 

       

Drummer Vinny Vingelli

Vinny grew up in Brooklyn, where he played rock and roll for years. He played with Sarasota's Main Street Station Band, and most recently played with Koko Ray. Over the years he's added the backbeat to many bands in Sarasota, including the Suncoast Sidemen and more. Now Bluestar claims him as their own.