Bev "BC" Conklin - Vocals | Wayne Smith - Guitar, Percussion, Vocals | Nick Franclik - Bass, Vocals
Bio
Formerly known as:
- BC & The Blues Crew (1991-2008)
- Bluzin (2005-2009)
- BC & Company (2008-2009)
Recordings to date:
- Unfinished Business
- Creole Etouffee
- Live & Unplugged at Godfrey Daniels
- BC & Lea Live at Godfrey Daniels
- Good One!
New band name: BC COMBO
What people are saying:
"...really impressed with your sound."
"...it's amazing how you sound like a 5-piece band"
You can sum up nearly 20 years as a major Blues staple in the Northeast, a name recognized in the industry as BC & The Blues Crew with 5 recordings and a decade of "best of" Lehigh Valley Music Awards. Bluzin began as an acoustic side band in 2005 with Mitch Shelly and Thom Palmer as smaller venues were becoming more available than larger ones. In 2006, it became a duo or trio with Wayne Smith, Nick Roberti and Nick Franclik. BC & The Blues Crew was one of the 7 Finalist in the 1998 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. BC & Wayne have been appointed by the Lehigh Valley Blues Network to compete at the IBC as a duo in January 2010 representing the LVBN. 2010, BC COMBO is the new, official band name. A new CD in the recording process.
BC (Bev Conklin), fondly dubbed the Blues Voice of the Lehigh Valley, began introducing songs by Denise LaSalle, Trudy Lynn and Saffire. She served on the Board of Directors of the Lehigh Valley Blues Network from 1993-2000 and retired as President to recover from a major car accident. She founded the Women's Blues Alliance in 2005 and is the promoter of the Lehigh River Blues Jam featuring the local and regional talent. "She's a strong advocate for women and children. "You Must Think I'm Blind" and "Unfinished Business" are among the many songs she's written over the years. Along with her band mates, BC has won the Lehigh Valley Music Awards for Best Female Vocalist, Best Female Blues Vocalist, Best Blues Band, Best Live Performance, the Founders Award, Best Blues CD, Best new CD and many more with the most recent a distinguished LVMA honoring both she and Wayne Smith for over 20 years in the business.
Nick Franclik was an original member of the Electric Farm, also recipients of a Lehigh Valley Music Award. Nick performs with Dave Fry for the Rock Roots in the Schools program. Nick contributes his share on vocals with some Bob Dylan, Greatful Dead, Howlin Wolf, Willie Dixon, Johnny Cash and more. Nick also plays acoustic guitar. During Musikfest and many area events, Nick works with a major sound production company and also provides BC COMBO with sound.
Wayne Smith toured with Jay & The Techniques over 10 years on keyboard. Wayne has been a major influence in the area of producing, songwriting, and arrangements. He has his own label, Minstrel Records, which he has self-produced many recordings. He is very passionate about his politics, actors and collecting. His influences are broad, but probably at the top of his list are the New Christy Minstrels. In fact, he's been on several NCM cruises and has been invited to perform with them in recent years. He's very respectful of Bobby Blue Bland and many of the late soul greats.
Working with the group on occasion are Dave Smith on sax or guitar and Dave Small on harmonica. Wayne has transitioned from keyboards to fulfilling both duties on guitar and drums. This unique feature has afforded us a much broader range in roots music, specifically Americana, Beach and Blues.
We are a roots band and we play predominantly urban blues, americana, beach and folk. Our material includes orignals and a diverse selection of original takes on covers from delta blues, chicago blues, swing blues, texas blues, folk, folk rock, jazz, soul, R&B, Country and more. View or print band schedule.
* "Bev, I really enjoyed Bluzin's arrangement on "Fly Like An Eagle" and was amazed at how the trio sounded like a 5 piece band. Wayne's musicality on guitar and drums at the same time is something special to experience and watch. I really loved Bluzin's set overall and was really impressed with your sound." October 17, 2009, Sellersville Theater - Bruce Ranes
* "Bluzin'" featured Bev Conklin on vocals, accompanied by bassist Nick Franclik and Wayne Smith, who handled not only the guitar but a bass drum pedal. Conklin belted out originals and covers and reminded us why some locals refer to her as Queen of the Blues. Jodi Duckett, The Morning Call, posted May 25, 2009 - Mayfair
* I have been following Bev aruond the Lehigh Valley for over a decade. Bev is the most verstatile and talented entertainer in a hundred mile radius. I have to stop at 100 miles because BB King has a place in NYC and Patty LaBelle has a place Philly. But I need to add, Bev is as good as both of them... Fran Abuisi, March 2009
*...Bluzin, featuring Bev Conklin (known by her blues friends as BC), filled extra time with aplomb. BC has a strong fan base in the Lehigh Valley, and on Tuesday (@ The Ice House with Duke Robilliard), she showed why... Daryl Nerl, The Morning Call - Musikfest Blognotes, August 2006
Photo: Taken by Dave Small
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