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Formed in early 2004, Dr. Buck and the Bluesbangers is a 5-piece blues band that is comprised of talented local artists that all have one thing in common, love of music and specifically that genre of music we all know as the blues.
Ray “Dr. Buck” Bukovy: Guitar, vocals and harmonica
Ray has been playing music since the age of 12. In the late 60s he was lead singer for several local rock bands including Purple Haze, White Light and 2009. Ray’s musical career came to a standstill from the early 70s to the early 90s when raising a family became a priority. Blues artists such as John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page have had a strong influence on his musical direction. Ray returned to blues guitar in the mid 90s and in early 2004 he hosted several jam sessions that led to the formation of Dr. Buck and the Bluesbangers.
Kevin Bukovy: Drums and vocals
Kevin started singing and playing drums at an early age and played in several local rock bands. Kevin continued his musical interest after moving to Vancouver, where he learned guitar and keyboards and began composing and recording his own music. Upon his return to Thunder Bay and because of his life long interest in the blues, Kevin Joined Dr. Buck and the Bluesbangers as drummer and vocalist.
Ed Drotar: Lead guitar
Ed came to Thunder Bay from Hamilton, Ontario where he was the six-string man for blues and rock and roll groups Pawn and The Blue Angels. Ed’s love of the blues came at an early age when he first heard that incredible music coming out of steel city night clubs. He searched out the music and the people who made it, learning to play it along the way. Ed has been around the music scene for a long time and it shows in his tone and style. Since moving north, he has played with the popular Blind Druid band and more recently with Rough House and now enjoys playing an eclectic blues rock style of music with Dr. Buck and the Bluesbangers.
Gary Hare: Keyboards and vocals
Gary started his musical career playing in bands on Canada’s East Coast. He travelled extensively through Quebec and the Maritimes playing in a variety of road groups before moving to Ottawa where he continued to perform in local bands. He then moved to Thunder Bay where he played with Careers Without College before taking a sabbatical to pursue other interests. He came back to the music scene with Tender Mercies which is now on hiatus. As of late, Gary is playing with Rochester & the Roosters and Dr. Buck and the Bluesbangers.
Joe Levanto: Bass
Joe started playing bass guitar in the late 60s and played with several local bands throughout the 70s and 80s. Joe, like many musicians, took a hiatus from music to spend time raising a family. Joe’s love of the blues influenced his decision to join Dr. Buck and the Bluesbangers in May of 2005.
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