Kevin Q and the Night Crew with Venitia Sekema

Kevin Q and the Night Crew with Venitia Sekema is emerging as one of Northwest Indiana's powerhouse bands. Tight harmonies, a rhythm section you can set your watch to, and the unmistakable guitar sound, that has kept Kevin Quarandillo a solid part of the Michiana music scene for 17 years.
On 5 string bass, Johnny “on the spot” Smeltzer,
On drums, Mark Schmid,
On vocals, Miss Venitia Sekema
and Kevin “Q” Quarandillo on lead guitar and vocals.
After many years of performing both individually and in various bands, locally and around the country, the four have found themselves “in the right place at the right time”, joining forces to deliver high energy music with a funky groove.

Kevin Quarandillo
Originally from the Midwest, Kevin got the urge to travel and make music, so at a young age and made his way south to Texas. As one very talented guitarist, Kevin learned from some of the best, cutting his teeth in the clubs of Dallas during the hey day of Smokin’ Joe Kubec, Anson Funderburgh, and Mike Morgan. He has had the distinction of opening up for:
Magic Slim and the Teardrops, and Phil Guy, also sharing the stage with other greats such as Mike Morgan, EC Scott, Shirley King and Tab Benoit.
While living in Texas he cut an album of original and cover songs called, “The Grip”, plus a 45 of original music. “ You’re A User” and the “B” side, “Love At First Sight” garnered much public praise and radio play. Returning home to familiar roots, he brought a healthy respect for many kinds of music, creating a band which reflected that philosophy. “Not Just Blues” became one of Michiana’s best known bands for quality and diverse music.

Venitia Sekema
As a seasoned performer in the original acoustic folk/blues music scene, Venitia has set out to dispel the myth that a “folkie” can’t sing the blues. From the time she was a little girl, singing has been a part of her life, which made her a lover of all music and respect for the traditions from which each came from. With three full length albums, an EP and single all released within the last 5 years, Venitia is no stranger to the regional/national music scene, but the pull of blues music has always brought a longing to her heart. Says her band mate Kevin, “I’m not sure when or where, but this girl has earned the right to sing the blues”

John Smeltzer
As the veteran of the group, John comes from a varied background of musical styles and has experienced his share of the spotlight. From Country to Blues, he has enjoyed a 40 year career in music with regional bands such as Harvey and the Blues News, the Hill Street Blues Band and Kalamazoo Kenny & the Rhythm Rats, playing venues from Indianapolis to the Grand Traverse Bay. He has also opened for and performed with greats such as Eddie King and Koko Taylor. Smeltzer first learned guitar in his teens then came to the bass after hearing musicians such as BB King and Muddy Waters. Muddy’s consummate bass player, Willie Dixon, must have had a great impact on him, since he picked up the instrument soon after and the rest is making history.

Mark Schmid
Mark joined the band a little later on, but quickly fell into the groove……..literally. His natural sense of timing and talent is the perfect fit to be one of the Crew. He’s been playing the kit for over 30 years with many well known regional bands, giving him the opportunity to open for a some great national touring acts including Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers, Little Charlie & the Nightcats, Pinetop Perkins and the Muddy Waters Tribute Band.