Josh Boyd and the VIP

It's back... and better than ever...
The Toledo Speedway Jam

Toledo, OH—Once upon a time in the 70’s & 80’s artist like Heart, J.Geils Band, Bob Seger & Silver Bullet Band, Sammy Hagar, Loverboy, Hunter Brucks, Guns & Roses, Donnie Iris, Joe Perry Project, Blackfoot, .38 Special, Molly Hatchet, Marshall Tucker, Robin Trower, Ram Jam, and Montrose traveled to Toledo Ohio to play at the infamous Toledo Speedway Jam.

This is the first step in bringing back the fun and stature of Toledo’s biggest rock event, Saturday, July 7, 2007 the historical Toledo Speedway Jam returns with a roar. It’s time again to start your engines with Classic Rockers Peter Frampton, and Edgar Winter, as well as Country/Rock artist Hunter Brucks (pronounced Brooks), and local blues artist Josh Boyd & The VIP Band at the 2007 Toledo Speedway Jam! “This will be a mini version of those past great shows, which we plan to re-establish and grow as an annual event,” said Ron Drager, Toledo Speedway President.

Josh Boyd and the VIP Band

osh Boyd, the front man of the VIP Band, has been thrilling crowds regularly in and around the Toledo, Ohio- area and has been featured at Buddy Guy’s Legends and Kingston Mines in Chicago and at musical festivals in Ohio, Michigan, and Canada. In addition to regular appearances at clubs, festivals and fairs, Josh has opened up for renowned artists Edgar and Johnny Winter, Rick Derringer, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Kansas, Dave Mason, Canned Heat and Charlie Daniels.

Josh was only a mere 3 years old when he picked up the guitar for the first time and over the years his artistry has matured through the influences of performers including Johnny “Guitar” Watson, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix and Albert Collins. But don’t be confused, this is no copycat gunslinger. His playing is pure Boyd, a style all his own.

From down-home blues to superfunky dance tunes. He plays the music his way 100% of the time. The band features the driving, blood pumping drum work of Charles Gaston and Junior Springs holds the sound together with his peerless machine gun bass work. The VIP Band has a formidable stage presence. They deliver excitement and always leave the crowd breathless for more.

For More Detailed Information About The Toledo Speedway Jam call the Toledo Speedway At (419) 727-1100 Or Log On To The Official Web-Site www.toledospeedwayjam.com. - The Blade

Free Concert a Hit at Owens
Josh Boyd and the V.I.P. Band, a jazz and funk music band native to Toledo,
performed a free concert February 20, in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts
at Owens Community College. They played a mixture of covers and original
songs for two hours in honor of Black History Month. Boyd does not play just
one genre of music; they play blues, funk, and rock.
The concert, sponsored by Student Government and the Black History Month
Committee, was provided to Owens students, faculty, and staff, and to the
community, free of charge, in honor of Black History Month.
The band did not just draw out a crowd of college students. There were many
generations, both black and white, that came to support the event.
“What really surprised me was the range in ages of the 120 in attendance,” John
Byers, Student Government advisor, said. “From five to seventy-five, you could
see the people grooving in their seats.”
The concert brought a
lot of attention to Owens
from other places. Many
people from areas other
than Toledo attended the
concert. People came
from such Michigan
cities as Monroe,
Lambertville, and
Temperance and from
Ohio cities, as well, such
as Sylvania and Oregon.
“It is great that Owens’
students are able to have
the opportunity to bring
to the college different
events that can include
the community, thanks
to the support of Owens
Community College and
its employees,” Byers
said.
The energy of the band,
including Junior Springs,
the bassist, captivated a
lot of the audience. He was also moving with the music, always looking as though
the only thing he wanted to do was to perform.
The band seemed to thoroughly enjoy performing for the attendees. The mood
was energetic, and, at one point, Boyd even tried his hand at playing the drums
and bass guitar.
The concert was an amazing concert and experience for people that attended,
especially for those who had never before attended a concert. If you missed the
concert, check out Josh Boyd and the V.I.P. band at the Longhorn Saloon, February
28 and 29, and March 1 and 2. They will also be performing at the Toledo Sports
Arena March 4.
For more information, visit www.superboyd.com - Outlook

by Ryan A. Bunch

published September 19th 2007

Friday, September 21
Gator’z Bar & Grill
New Orleans’ blues institution Bryan Lee visits Gatorz this week and returns to his roots. Lee, who is blind, was born and raised in a blue collar town in northeast Wisconsin where he attended Janesville School for the Blind. After finishing up there, Lee spent some time playing in Detroit, Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, Michigan, as well as southern Wisconsin before relocating to New Orleans, where he eventually scored a gig at the legendary Old Absinthe Bar. While Lee struggled for most of his life to make a living in music, he - now 64 - has finally earned the respect and acclaim he deseves, having shared the stage with the likes of Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Pine Top Perkins and a host of others. He is joined by two of Toledo’s most revered blues acts this night, Josh Boyd & the VIP Band and Voodoo Libido, locals Big Brother will also play. Gator’z, 2567 W. Bancroft. 6:30 p.m. $8. www.gatorztoledo.com. - The Toldo City Paper

http://www.musiccityblues.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=263&Itemid=48 - Nashville Blues Society