the del rio bandits

The Del Rio Bandits were formed in early 2009 by guitarist Dean Cohen and keyboardist Noelle Kuson. They were quickly joined by bassist Bob Walsh, Drummer Don Shumaker and Tim McDonald on tenor sax. Dean, the band's oldest member, began playing guitar in rock and roll and blues band in the mid to late 60's. He toured on and off into the 90's when he, Bob and Don found themselves touring the country with Mr. Downchild and the Houserockers. They then formed a jump blues band, the Mercurys, where they were joined by Tim, at that time still in high school. Noelle, who along with Tim is one of the bands youngest members, began playing keyboards at a very young age and was introduced to vintage rock and roll by her father, a drummer. She names Ray Charles and Booker T as two of her biggest influences. The Del Rio Bandits came together to showcase their love of early 60's instrumental rock and roll. Influences include Surf Rock heros like Dick Dale, the Belairs, the Ventures, and others like Duane Eddy, Link Ray, Lonny Mack and the Sonics. Contemporary influences include April March, Les Vice Barons and los Straightjackets. This music, in the post-Buddy Holly, pre-Beatles era saved rock and roll from being swallowed by the Teen idol craze of Fabian, Frankie and Annette. This multi-generational combo is thrilled to be able to present their favorite music to their fans who lived it as well as a whole new generation.