Watch the Bad Boys of Blues Livestream events HERE!
The Bad Boyd of Blues have been performing in Northeast Ohio in their current configuration for over 25 years. They’ve played with countless artists and guests from throughout the United States and abroad including Grammy winner & blues legend Robert Lockwood, Broadway’s Mary Bridget Davies, European blues sensation Sydney Ellis and Cleveland music staples like Butch Armstrong, Frankie Star, Becky Boyd and many, many more. The group is extremely well versed in a wide variety of musical styles and is lightning fast at picking up on even the most subtle cues from whoever they’re supporting. They performed locally and on the road as the backing band for the internationally renowned Austin Walkin’ Cane with whom they recorded the albums “Radio Cafe” and “Murder of a Blues Singer”. They also released “The Bad Boys of Blues – Live at the Savannah” which featured several of Ohio’s premier blues singers.
The Bad Boys of Blues jam sessions have been a Cleveland tradition since the band’s inception in 1994. With runs at the Parkview Nite Club (22 years), the Savannah Bar & Grille (16 years), Brothers Lounge and Smedley’s (and a few others over the years) they have entertained a massive number of music lovers and have provided a learning environment for up and coming players. They’ve also helped to build a large and vital community of musicians who’ve gone on to form groups together and done great things locally and beyond.
The Bad Boys of Blues are guitarist Michael Bay, bassist Mike Barrick & drummer Jim Wall. All three are music teachers and mentors as well as performers.
Michael Bay (guitar) owns and operates “The Guitar Conservatory” in Cleveland, Ohio and is one of the areas most sought after and appreciated guitar instructors. He’s well known for his harmonic understanding as well as his kind and patient demeanor. His guitar playing is loaded with textures and subtlety that makes him an outstanding accompanist, able to find a spot in the music however dense. His egoless approach to playing music is loved by those who are fortunate enough to play with him. Michael is a true mentor and friend to countless music students and can tear it up on the guitar with the best of them.
Mike Barrick (bass) is a Cleveland favorite for sure. After graduating with a music degree from Ashland University, Mike joined the U.S. Air Force band as a trumpeter and later as a bassist, performing internationally for over a decade. He has the technical skills and musical ear of a master and yet understands how to play for the music even when it requires fundamental simplicity. He’s honed his chops in a wide variety of styles as a studio musician and live performer. Mike has been the bassist with The Armstrong Bearcats Band for several years in which he plays a feature roll playing and singing with the full-on intensity that the group is known for by it’s dedicated following.
Jim Wall (drums) owns & operates Cleveland’s Blue Buddha Music Studio which houses Jim Wall’s Percussive Arts Academy. Blue Buddha has produced many musical & video projects including works from Sam Andrew (Big Brother & the Holding Co.), Mary Bridget Davies (A Night with Janis Joplin) & many others. The Percussive Arts Academy offers in-person & online drum lessons as well as rhythm lessons for all musicians. Jim also teaches music & directs ensembles at the Cleveland Music Settlement. He’s performed with a wide variety of artists & bands including Hot Tuna (members of Jefferson Airplane), Big Brother & the Holding Co. (Janis Joplin’s original band), Big Jack Johnson & the Oilers (W.C. Handy award winning blues artist) & more.
The Bad Boys of Blues Livestream Events are live performances from Blue Buddha Music Studio featuring the band with guest appearances from several of Northeast Ohio’s most respected performers. These facebook live events began during the covid-19 pandemic and have been well received by the music world in a time when live performances have been rare and challenging. If you haven’t yet, check out The Bad Boys of Blues live (if possible) and on social media!!
