A great lineup of seasoned players; Gary Preston's fiery harmonica, piano and soulful vocals are
supported by Anita Bonkowski's deep rhythmic grooves on bass and drums. For the Trio, it's all capped off by the
tasty guitar stylings and vocals of either Lonny Koch or David Schade. And for the 4 piece, with the steady and powerful bass
playing of Rick Erickson.
We perform as a duo, as a three piece, or a quartet. No matter the group size,
you get humor, energy, and a surprisingly wide range of styles - from lonesome harmonica
to rhythmic New Orleans grooves.
GARY PRESTON
A triple threat on vocals, harmonica and keyboards, Gary Preston plays the blues with a
strong personal style. He has performed from Toronto to Detroit to Vancouver, as well as in
Europe and the Caribbean. Gary has been a regular headliner at the Vancouver Harmonica Blast,
and instructor at the Hornby Island All Stars blues camp. He's also been featured in major
festivals such as the Island MusicFest, Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Vancouver Island Blues Bash,
Calgary International Blues Festival and the International Jazz Festival. Gary has also been
heard nationally on CBC Radio, and has made numerous other appearances in recordings, jingles,
television and radio. Over the years, Gary has shared the stage with Eric Burdon, James Cotton,
Lee Oscar, Colin James, Dutch Mason, The Ray Charles Orchestra, Otis Rush, John Hammond,
Mark DuFresne, and the late harmonica master, Junior Wells. It was Junior who, after hearing
Gary play, pronounced him to be "Good - Damn good!"
ANITA BONKOWSKI
She's the "Queen of the Shuffle" and lots more. Anita has worked nationally and internationally as a drummer, bassist, composer and
arranger. Since earning her Masters Degree in Music, she has been playing in various blues bands,
including performances with Kenny Blues Boss Wayne, David Vest, David Gogo, and Bill Johnson.
Anita also freelances with jazz and R&B bands, musical theater, and show bands. Also a composer
and arranger, Anita's pieces are heard on recordings and radio in Canada and the US. She has played
numerous festivals and clubs across North America, Europe and the Caribbean. Anita has backed
performers such as Johnny Mathis, Englebert Humperdink, The Moody Blues, and recently she
performed in the house band for the David Foster Miracle Concert, playing with Sarah McLaughlin,
Kenny G, Josh Groban, Ruben Studdard, and The Canadian Tenors.
LONNY KOCH
Lonny Koch is an accomplished guitar picker, singer, and music educator. His style is a unique combination of gritty and clean. Always an intelligent and thoughtful player, Lonny has done it all - touring, recording, and just plain making music. He is also head honcho at South Island Studio - dedicated to mentoring Victoria’s new and advanced musicians.
DAVID SCHADE
A brilliant blues guitarist, David began his life-long relationship with the blues after being exposed to the music of Elmore James in the 1960s. He was fortunate to have seen club gigs by many of the greatest generation of electric blues players like Howlin' Wolf, Freddie King, Muddy Waters and countless other masters.
After a decade of playing professionally, David took a break to study physics and astronomy, and to work for Cambridge University and the University of Toronto before coming to Victoria. David is back to playing now, and music lovers are the better for it.
RICK ERICKSON
Talented and versatile, Rick is gifted with great ears and lots of musical savvy. A bass player’s bass player, his groove on bass is wonderfully understated. Rick has played in Western Canada and across North America, and after a long stint with Bill Johnson’s band, is a great addition to the band. Rick is also a noted recording engineer and producer, with a long list of credits and accomplishments, and the records on his wall to prove it.