Music
Press
Absolutely fantastic. Great group of guys and awesome band. Very professional yet fun and entertaining. We would definately use them again and highly recommend to any size group looking for a band with a wide variety of music. Thanks Bill and 8 Miles South for making our party a great success. Cheryle Ray -Cheryle R, Orland Park, IL (gig ID# 473949)
- Entact Environmental Services
This band is absoluely awesome! Everyone loved them! I would highly recommend this band and higher them again in the future. Bill was very easy to work with and was on top of everything. They even learned a song for us. They were very accommodating! -Christine B, Kenosha, WI (gig ID# 400169)
- Christine B-Kenosha,Wi
I wish I had a dollar for every time someone asked me "Where did you find this band, they sound great"!! "These guys are fantastic" "The band is GOOD"!! I might of made enough $$ to cover the party! Everyone had a great time, the band is great, I highly recommend 8 miles south for any party!! The boys are very nice, easy to get along with, and play very good southern rock!! I hope to see them again at our next party!! Thanks alot guys, you sure made our party fun!! Mark & Rita -Mark S, Delafield, WI (gig ID# 398850) - Delafield,Wis
Bill LeClair was great to work with for this event. I highly recommend this band. Leslie Maxwell -Leslie M, Madison, WI - Cherry Bomb Mufflers
As the new Director of the Chicago Hog Chapter we have had the privilege of having 8 Miles South at our last two Holiday Parties. We, as a group, welcome their music and enthusiasm throughout the evening with much interaction from the band. We have a few singers in the HOG chapter and have been welcomed to join in on a couple of songs which give us much pride. Their flexibility allowed us to request some songs and found it important enough grant them. I don't know too many bands that can pull off David Allan Coe, "You Don't Have to Call Me Darling" with a five minute notice. Rock on 8 Miles South, looking forward to our next gig.
Warmest regards,
Bill Carter. Director
Chicago Harley Owners Group - Chicago Harley
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
The 8 Miles South band is a union of seven very accomplished musicians from a vast array of musical backgrounds that includes Blues, Classic Rock, R&B, Soul, Funk, Country and Jazz. Keyboard player Bill LeClair had a vision to bring these talented players together to do what they do best…play some of the greatest feel good music you’ll ever hear. You’ve seen him most recently playing soul and funk with the “Mauds.” Bill’s blues background has seen him share the stage with Buddy Guy, Elvin Bishop, Wayne Baker Brooks and Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater to name a few. Rich Nelson, vocals and guitar and Dave Swanson, vocals and percussion both bring their talents to “8 Miles South” by way of the “White Saddle Band,” playing Country and Classic Rock. Their voices, while individually distinct, also blend to provide the foundation for a variety of vocal harmonies. Singer/songwriter/guitarist Rafael Mendez is the newest member of the band. Rafael heads his own band “The Fabulous House Rockers,” a staple on the Chicago Music scene for over a decade, playing Classic Rock, Blues and killer originals. Dave Salzman on guitar and vocals is a solid, soulful player who injects his own brand of cool into every tune. You’ve seen Dave playing blues and soul with the “The Tabasco Sound Kitchen.” Bill Bowden on bass and vocals is one of the premier first call bass players on the Chicago music scene. Bill’s feel for funk, and groove is second to none. Rounding out the band is Gary Donnelly on drums and vocals, a seasoned veteran who’s played everything from Blues and Rock to Pop, Funk, Country, Jazz and Classical.
When you look at who these players have shared the stage with from Albert King, Paul Butterfield, the Allman Brothers, The Marshall Tucker Band, Delbert Mc Clinton, Credence Clearwater, Steve Miller, Alabama, Travis Tritt, Asleep at the Wheel, Ricky Skaggs just to name a few it becomes increasingly clear where their passion lies. They have also crossed such stages as Buddy Guys Legends, The House of Blues, The Allstate Arena and Ravinia if not at a festival or stage across the United States, Canada or Mexico.
There is something special that happens when these 7 spirits are playing together that you must experience for yourself.
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