The Bands of June Jam!

Lower Case Blues is a power trio originating from Newark, Delaware. The band has been together for seven years and features Jake Banaszak (lead guitar), B.J. Muntz (bass and vocals), and Paul - funky toes (drums).

Lower Case Blues has many influences ranging from blues greats like Buddy Guy, Tinsley Ellis, SRV, Albert Collins, Big Joe Turner, and Muddy Waters to others such as Bootsy Collins, The Allman Bros., Jimi Hendrix, ZZ Top and Victor Wooten. LCB focuses on playing original music with a reasonable amount of covers thrown into the mix to pay tribute to there inspirations. The band always plays with feeling and improvisation… you’ll never hear a song played the same way twice.

Some of LCB’s accomplishments include…

-Was selected "Best Band in Delaware in 2009" ... Delaware Today Magazine
-Opened for acts such as Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, .38 Special, John Corbett, Michael Burks, The Junco Pardners, Los Lonely Boys, Jakob Dylan, and Robert Randolph..
-Backed up funk guitar great - Leo Nocentelli (The Meters) @ Dogfish Head Brewery in 2010
-Was accepted into the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN in 2008.
-Was voted Best Blues Band in Delaware by Out ‘n’ About Magazine.
-Won award for Best Americana Band in April 2007 at the Delaware Music Festival.
-Won “Battle of the Blues” for local radio station 98.5 Big Classic Rock.
-Recorded and performed with producer and keyboardist Johnny Neel (formerly of the Allman Bros.)
Jake Banaszak
Lead Guitar
Jake started playing guitar at the age of twelve, learning to play from his mentor Anthony Gemignani. He then found the blues, listening to BB King, Albert Collins, Stevie Ray, Buddy Guy, ZZ Top and Jimi Hendrix. Jake was inspired by local players and got the oppurtunity to play with many great musicians such as Larry Garner, Eddie King, Eddie Shaw, Tab Beniot, Lil' Ed, Gary Hoey, Johnny Neel, and Michael Burks.

Now in his twenties, Jake is expanding on the blues taking in many influences but still staying true to the roots of blues and jam. Whether flying around on the fretboard or bending those sweet notes, his passion for music comes out every time he plays.

Jake thanks all his friends and family for all there support. Also thanks all the musicians who has infuenced him, expecially his bandmates.

Currently listening to: Jeff Healey, Chris Duarte, Michael Burks, Band of Gypsys, Rory Gallagher, and Sirius Blues 74.
Email: lowercaseblues@hotmail.com
Website: http://myspace.com/lowercaseblues
B.J. Muntz
Bass, Lead Vocals
B.J. began playing guitar in his early teens and took a strong liking to all styles of music, ranging from Jazz and Blues, to Jam Rock, Funk, and Motown. He began playing Bass at the age of 16 and learned alot in a short time, listening to James Brown, Bootsy Collins, Jaco Pastorius, Victor Wooten, Stanley Clarke and studying with his mentor Charles Calloway.

B.J. now, continues to astonish crowds with his high energy and inventive bass solo's, as well with his soulful voice. He carries on the old style blues with influences like Big Joe Turner, BB King and Muddy Waters, but don't be suprised to see or hear something you'd never expect.

Currently listening to: Parlaiment Funkadelic, Junior Wells, Jaco, Frank Zappa, The Tom Larsen Band, Live Phish, and John Scofield.
Website: http://myspace.com/lowercaseblues

Violin meets the Blues. Winner of the 2008 International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, TN for solo performer, Lionel Young has won numerous other awards including: The Young Artist Award -Pittsburgh Symphony, and Westword's Best of Denver 1989 for his band the Last Fair Deal. In 1992 he won a position with the Denver Chamber Orchestra and premiered a solo piece by William Hill. Lionel also won another award for Best Blues Band in Westword's Best of Denver in 1996 and 1997 for his current incarnation - The Lionel Young Band. Releasing their first CD - As the Sun Goes Down - in December 1997, the disc has received excellent reviews regionally & nationally. Lionel has played in concerts with Count Basie, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Paige/Robert Plant, James Taylor, Doc Severenson, Linda Ronstadt, Living Color, Billy Taylor, Woodie Herman, Stanley Turrentine, Homesick James, Homer Brown, Hamlet Bluiett, Chief Bae, and Johnny Long. If world class and refined are keywords in your opinion – The Lionel Young Band has the Midas touch.

With nearly 12 years in the band's history, and almost 3 years with it's current line up, Smokin' Gunnz has become one of the East Coast's premiere Southern Rock tribute acts. Acclaimed for their ability to recreate the sound of some of Southern Rock's most respected artists, the four members of Smokin' Gunnz have road tested and honed their sound to a level of perfection that their growing legion of loyal fans have come to expect. Keeping with the grand tradition of the Great Southern Sound, all the while planting a foot firmly in the future, the Gunnz have begun to carve out their own place in the long, proud heritage of this unique genre of American Music with the addition of their much anticipated original recordings. Whether paying homage to the forefathers who blazed a trail before them or creating their own musical offerings, one listen to this group of seasoned professionals will tell you all you need to know about their dedication to their craft.

Robert Morris: Drums, Lead Vocals
Ever since he first climbed behind a drum kit at the age of 5, Bob has maintained a dedication to music that is unlikely to diminish in the near future. Being brought up in a household of musicians including both parents and all of his 4 brothers will have that effect on a person., Bobs dad also started him singing at age 4. After becoming acquainted with his Ludwig's over the next several years he spent his time refining his skills by playing and singing in a long list of local and regional acts including Central Pa's The Morris Brothers Band, which showcased all of the brother's musical talents. Bob's love for music would eventually take him all the way to Hollywood, California in the summer of 2000 to be featured on a nationally televised, pre-"Idol" talent search.

Often referred to as "the busiest guy on stage", Bob has found his place in the world not only as the singer but also the drummer of Smokin' Gunnz for the last 12 years. When he's not behind the drums, Bob likes to spend his time riding his motorcycle, hangin' with his grand daughter and writing music with the boy's in the band. Life is good...

Terry Sherry: Bass , Back-up Vocals
As the charismatic bass player for the band with a style all his own, "Shaggy", as he's known by those who know him best, brings the thunder and the groove to the stage every time he plugs in. With an impressive list of bands from the heavier side of the musical universe to his credit, Terry found a home in Smokin' Gunnz in 2002 and a kinship that he shares with Bob as the other half of the rhythmic engine that drives the sound of the band. Normally a man of few words, Shag can usually be found mixin' it up with the ladies on the dance floor or stirring the crowd into a frenzy from atop a table or bar.

When he's not shakin' the foundation, Shag spends his time kickin' back, riding his motorcycle and catching up on the latest that the SciFi Channel has to offer.

Chris Della Porta: Lead/Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Ever since he picked up his first guitar at the age of 12, Chris has rarely set it down without damn good reason. Playing music in his school band and learning how to sing in the choir were also reasons why he never let the idea of becoming a professional musician get too far out of reach. Now, as a five year veteran of Smokin' Gunnz, and one half of it's guitar slingin' team that distinguishes itself every time the band takes the stage, the idea that a young man once had is now a reality.

With a playing style that showcases his Southern and Yankee roots, and vocals that add to the power of this fiery four piece, Chris's stage presence will demand your attention and keep you coming back for more.

When he's not doing the one thing that he's never given up on he can usually be found fixing guitars at his day job, riding his Harley or hangin' out at home getting new ideas for dinner from the Food Network.

Mike Brady: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Back-up Vocals
Mike was born and raised in York County, got his first guitar in 1969 at age twelve and hasn't put it down since. By the time he was sixteen he was playing lead guitar in a local oldies/country band, playing VFW's, American legions, carnivals, and every little bar in south central Pa.

Age eighteen found Mike starting a four year enlistment in the US Navy. Stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, he had a first hand introduction to the major southern rock acts throughout the mid to late seventies. With a love of southern rock etched in his soul he came out of the Navy and joined a regional southern rock band from York called Amberjack. He stayed with Amberjack 'till the late eighties playing all over Pennsylvania and Maryland. Figuring it was time for a change Mike joined Disorderly Conduct, also from York. After six years with Disorderly Conduct it was time for another change.

Mike figured it was time to start writing and recording some of his original songs. In 2005 Mike recorded an original acoustic cd and played acoustic shows around York. In mid 2006 he saw an ad for a guitar player for Smokin' Gunnz. It was time to get back to his roots and kick out the southern rock once again! The fit was perfect... Smokin' Gunnz is a well oiled southern rock machine and Mike is a seasoned veteran having played the last 35 years in various bands with a variety of styles. Mike supplies the slide guitar that is necessary for many southern rock songs. On some evenings you can even see him use assorted bottles for slide. This is a sight indeed! Sometimes a beer bottle, sometimes a glass, but his favorite is the Jim Beam Black bottle.

All in all this is a match made in kick-ass-southern-rock'n'roll heaven and a band you'll have to see, and hear, over and over again, to believe....