Jay started playing in local bands in his hometown of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, when he was just 15. At 20, he moved to Southern California to pursue his music career further. Influenced by local harmonica legends like Charlie Musselwhite, William Clarke, Rod Piazza, and George "Harmonica" Smith, Jay honed his style and became known as one of the best players in the region. He fronted bands, sang, and played harmonica, becoming a prominent figure in the West Coast music scene.
Eventually, Jay joined the nightcrawlers TM, a recording artist whose second album, "Lessons to be Learned," gained popularity on radio and tours across the West Coast.
In Los Angeles, Jay formed The Jay Edward Band, collaborating with renowned musicians like Barry Levenson from Canned Heat, Rick Reed from Paul Butterfield's band, Brophy Dale who played with Lee Rocker of Stray Cats, and Garrett Deloian who performed with Janiva Magness. After 40 years on the West Coast, Jay returned to Wisconsin in 2016 and continued performing with The Jay Edward Band. In 2018, they were nominated for their first WAMI Award, and in 2019, they won the WAMI for "Best Blues Artist." They also released their only album, "Chest Pain," featuring guitar great Jay Stulo. The album received airplay and acclaim, and the band was featured on the TV show "Rock Garden Presents," produced by Marc Golde.
Tony Menzer has been an integral figure in the Wisconsin music scene for over 50 years. Throughout his illustrious career, he has collaborated with some of the most renowned musicians in the industry, leaving an indelible mark on the local music landscape.
Notably, Menzer has worked extensively in various combos alongside legends such as W.C. Clark for 15 years, Clyde Stubblefield for 12 years, and Westside Andy and Mel Ford Band for 12 years, among others. His repertoire includes collaborations with esteemed artists like Chris Aaron, Dave Steffen, and the Ken Saydak Band for over 30 years.
As a multifaceted musician, Menzer has founded several musical ventures, including the iconic Velveetatones and Lorenzo Menzerschmidt. He has also played pivotal roles in bands such as Perry Weber and The Devilles featuring Hubert Sumlin.
Beyond his performance career, Menzer has made significant contributions to the music community by spearheading various festivals. He is the founder of Wisconsin's first and longest-running Blues festival, the Big Bull Falls Blues Festival in Wausau, and has played key roles in organizing events like Berghoff and Blues in Monroe and the Sun Prairie Blues Festival.
Furthermore, Menzer has served as a partner in the Steelbridge Festival in Sturgeon Bay for its entire 19-year duration, showcasing his dedication to promoting music and fostering artistic talent.
In addition to his live performances and festival endeavors, Menzer has contributed to the creation of over 100 songs and participated in studio work for more than 500 tracks, showcasing his versatility and prowess as a musician.
With an impressive body of work and a lasting impact on the music community, Tony Menzer continues to be a driving force in the Wisconsin music scene, leaving behind a rich legacy that resonates with audiences far and wide.
Originating out of Appleton, WI, Tony studied at the famed Lawrence Conservatory of Music, where he began his career with the nationally known jazz fusion group Matrix. After leaving Matrix, Tony became a long time member of Janet Planet’s jazz combo. In the Fox Cities, Tony also founded and operated the widely known Tony’s Drum Shops. These stores catered to drummers and percussionists. In addition he became well known for his reputation in educating young drummers. The drum shops in Green Bay & Appleton had over 250 students taking lessons on a weekly basis. During his ownership of the drum shops Tony brought many of the world’s most famous drummers to the area for semi-annual drum clinics such as Steve Smith, Dave Weckl , Anton Fig and Jack DeJohnette.
For decades, Tony was also the founder/leader of the the award winning & Milwaukee based band Streetlife, the house band for the Milwaukee Bucks. While in Streetlife, Tony toured the U.S & Europe, playing music festivals and recording 4 CD’s with Streetlife. After moving to Central WI, Tony joined Otis & the Alligators, blues band for 2 years. He now continues his career as an independent artist spearheading a unique musical venue, bringing world class musicians to the area. Tony recently opened a state of the art private drum studio to once again personally educate young drummers, while maintaining a busy performance schedule of 100 concert dates per year.
Originally from the Chicago, IL area, Jim eventually landed in central Wisconsin when his parents made the decision to leave the city life to reside in a rural environment. At age 12 he picked up his first guitar, and by 14 he had formed his first band while playing in local clubs and youth centers. Jim was also a founding member of the 1970s group called Heartrings that toured throughout the entire upper Midwest.
After studying music at UW-Stevens Point, in 1982 Jim relocated to Minneapolis, MN to continue persuing his musical career as well as attending the University of Minnesota to obtain his architectural degree. While living in the Twin Cities, Jim also played in local bands such as Fatt City, Mutiny, Juke City, and others. He also became involved in numerous recording sessions including Mutiny (Jerome Brailey of P-Funk) as well as Tyka Nelson (sister of Prince).
In 1992 Jim made the decision to return to his roots in central Wisconsin to join another popular local band called Otis & the Alligators, at which time Tony Menzer was the bassist. Over the years Otis & the Alligators also shared the stage with artists such as B.B. King, Tab Benoit, Danny Gatton, and many others. In 2012 Tony Wagner also came on board with the Gators, and with Otis' retirement shorty thereafter, the band reformed to become MoJoe & Flipside.
By the time 2020 rolled around, Jim decided to leave MoJoe & Flipside if favor of taking a break after 52 years of playing regularly. Of course, the Covid pandemic didn't help matters, either, but now he's back and excited to be a part of the new Jay Edward Band!
Dennis grew up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where he began his musical journey at the age of six, taking organ lessons on a Hammond M2. However, during high school, he found himself feeling burned out on organ literature and made the switch to piano when he entered college. In 1989, Dennis graduated with a Music/Business/Audio Engineering degree from the University of Oshkosh.
Upon moving to Nashville, Dennis embarked on a thriving music career, quickly establishing himself as an in-demand session keyboard player. He had the opportunity to collaborate with numerous country music stars, including notable figures such as T. Graham Brown, Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie fame, Jack Pearson from the Allman Brothers Band, and Leroy Parnell. Dennis also toured with Delbert McClinton from 2011 until Delbert's retirement in 2021.
One of the pinnacle moments of Dennis' career came at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, where he clinched the Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album for his work on "Tall Dark and Handsome" with Delbert McClinton.
Now retired and residing in the Stevens Point area, Dennis continues to share his musical talents. He maintains a studio and lends his skills to artists worldwide, providing overdubs that enhance their projects with his signature touch.
Dennis has been married for almost 50 years and has 3 children and one grandchild. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and Ham Radio N9OQ.