Hello,

Let me tell you a little bit about the  49^th Street Blues Project.

This band plays Electric Blues with a few original tunes but mostly covers of artists such as Tommy Castro, Coco Montoya, Jimmy Thackery, William Clarke, Albert Collins, to name just a few.

The players are:

Wayne Petrini- Drums

Steve Taylor- Bass/vocals

Cletus White- Harp/vocals

Steve L’Heureux- Guitar/vocals

Barry Rafferty (me) Guitar/vocals


Most of us have played in bands since we were teenagers. (Wayne and I started a band together when we were 12 or 13!)

We’ll skip the step by step history and say only that the 5 of us have been dedicated to this band and the Blues for 10+ years. We live to get in front of an audience. To feel that exchange of energy is about the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

We have been fortunate enough to rub elbows and swap stories with some Blues Greats in our role as opening band for the Blues and Brews event in Great Falls.

Allow me to drop a few names.

Little Charlie and the Nightcats-  2001

Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets with Sam Meyers- 2002

Rod Piazza and the Mighty Fliers- 2003

Tab Benoit- 2004 (some of the guys took Tab bowling after the gig!)

Elvin Bishop- 2005

We sat out 06’ as dual headliners Jimmy Thackery and Smokin Joe Kubeck took the stage.(Still got to b.s. with them back stage!)

Mighty Mike Schermer- 2007

Like I said, we’ve been lucky to have these experiences. All of these guys have had very positive comments about our band. 

Expect intense, entertaining guitar and harmonica improvisation within the framework of our music. Most people are amazed at our energy and the length of our sets. (usually 1-1/2 hours or so.)

Again, we are a Blues band so please don’t ask us to play at your wedding! You may love us but your uncle Bob and the rest of the family probably won’t!


GEAR……..

We can provide complete front and back line equipment and lighting for small to medium sized venues.

We normally run our sound from the stage but have also worked successfully (most times) with the soundmen employed by the clubs.

If your venue has a house system, we would prefer to have your soundman.

“The  49^th Street Blues project is one of the best Blues Bands in the northwest, they just happen to live in Great Falls, MT.”

-unnamed fan….

 BR