Biography
With a constant touring schedule, 3 independently released albums & a high-energy live-show led by a charismatic front-woman, Wicked Liz & the Bellyswirls have distinguished themselves as one of the Midwest's hardest working bands. Their first self-titled release, their second release, "Inaba," and "Hulathong," the most recent offering from Wicked Liz & the Bellyswirls, have sold more than 6,000 copies. Most of those CD's were sold from the stage. On-line they've sold CD's as far away as Tel Aviv, the Netherlands, and Japan.
Leo & Bob Kelly met one of their younger brother's friends, Liz, at a party after Bob returned from a teaching stint in Japan. Within a few practices they knew they had something special. A phone call to a local drum instructor led them to Greg Hipskind. Greg proved to be the final part of the puzzle and the band set about playing and recording some fantastic Americana-Pop Rock.
From the beginning the Iowa based Wicked Liz & the Bellyswirls have toured. With shows as far away as Ohio, South Dakota, Texas and regular performances between Indianapolis & Omaha, the band has built a loyal and solid fan base in the heart of America. Thousands of names populate the band's mailing list, with fans ranging in age from 8 to 78! Wicked Liz & the Bellyswirls have mass appeal.
Wicked Liz & the Bellyswirls have played festivals, colleges, bars, clubs, living rooms, back yards, baseball stadiums, coffee houses, and every other imaginable scenario. Along the way they've shared the stage with many national acts, including current Country favorites Sugarland, Richard Marx, Ton Loc (yes, the Ton Loc!), REO Speedwagon, Styx and Hootie & the Blowfish.
The bands recent independant release "Hulathong," (it's 3rd) was recorded with
gold-record producer Tom Tatman at Catamount Studios in Cedar Falls, Iowa. According to Tatman, "You guys have what it takes to make it. Great songs, a tight, rockin band that's fun to see, and a singer with serious star power. With the
right breaks, you could go a long way."
With no major-label support, "Hulathong" has sold almost 2,000 copies!!! Wicked Liz & the Bellyswirls have performed live on-the-air at KUNI, Iowa Public Radio for a segment called "Live from Studio One." The show has been re-broadcast several times, and songs from the evening are often included (along with other Bellyswirl music) in the station's programming.
The band has also independantly released its' first DVD. Containing a live concert, with road footage, an early promo piece, and an audio commentary, the DVD is a snapshot of a hardworking band in its' prime. The band featured on Iowa Public Television's weekly program, "Living in Iowa." Six songs from "Hulathong" were recorded to be played throughout the season as closing segments to this popular IPTV program.
Wicked Liz & the Bellyswirls are currently seeking management and trying to break out of the Midwest. Keep your eyes and ears open for Wicked Liz & the Bellyswirls!
Recent Highlights:
*Playing a Chipotle" stage at Summerfest and drawing in a huge crowd.
*Opening for Sugarland.
*Releasing "Hulathong" and getting airplay on almost 300 college stations in the U.S. & Canada.
REVIEWS:
"An unexpected gem!"
"Grade A"
Corine Jurgenson-Midwest BEAT Magazine
"Destined to become a fan favorite"
Eric Clark-Cedar Rapids Gazette
"A group that might kick some butt!"
Iowa Entertainer
"Look out world, Here comes Wicked Liz!"
kollegeville.com
"Liz & the boys have staying power."
Kelsey Holm-Cedar Falls/Waterloo Gazette
"This DVD is 'Wicked Good'!"
Mike Schulz-River Cities Reader
Instrumentation
"Wicked" Liz Treiber-Lead vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Greg Hipskind- Drums
Leo Kelly-Lead Guitar, backing vocals
Bob Kelly- Bass Guitar
Discography
"Wicked Liz and the Bellyswirls"-2000
"Inaba"-2003
"Hulathong" - NOW AVAILABLE!!
"Live at Circa '21" DVD - NOW AVAILABLE!!
Links
| http://www.wicked-liz.com |
| Us Covering "I Try" by Macy Gray |
| Us Covering "Zombie" by the Cranberries. |
| Leo, Greg & Bob's Side-Project, Superfly Samurai |
| Our MySpace Page |