The Mike Blackmore Project in its current form has been performing since January 2001 and has enjoyed a constant increase in popularity in the southern Ontario. Make no mistake in assuming that we are just another bar band. We are all "Baby Boomers" who have had enough of the predictable churning out of cover song after cover song, and now have the opportunity to play and make music that makes us feel good. In turn, that good feeling is caught by our audience, sort of like a "good virus". People have stopped us after gigs, praising our renditions of popular songs, giving the thumbs up to our original tunes, and offering compliments on how we have so much fun on stage. The prime objective is not to sell alcohol. We are entertainers. As bandleader, I am amazed at how we have come together and put all of our musical influences and stylings into one, as yet, undefined genre. Wes Kidd on djembe, chimes, bells and gong provides subtle nuances and tribal rhythms. Patti Barker adds to that pulse with tambourine and maraccas. Her background in folk music gives our harmonies that extra dimension. She is accompanied on harmony vocals by Rick Wilson, who has his own vocal style forged in the rock and country music genre. Rick is also Mr. Bass Guitar, and I mean "Mister". Together with Wes Kidd their groove is a startling combination. Mike Murphy has a background in jazz bands in the New Orleans style, on clarinet and saxophone he can take us from Mardi Gras to a smoky barroom. Bruce Dean has joined us on lead guitar and as yet I have not had the chance to photograph "The Doctor" for the webpage. Bruce has added yet another dimension to our style. From 'just plain wild' licks to 'make me wanna cry' smooth fretwork. We have over thirty five gigs under ourbelt this year, many of them private parties and cruise ship bookings, and it is only August. Every time we play there is a little something, a hue, a feeling, a buzz, that is added to what we do. We'll keep doing it, 'cause it feels so good. --------------- Mike Blackmore