The Del Ripleys

The story of The Del Ripleys is wrapped up in the history of two different groups performing in music scenes that for the most part remain unfortunately segregated. Led by guitarist Bobby Rivera since the year 2000, the Milwaukee based group originally known as Bobby Rivera and the Rivieras has rocked dance-crazed audiences from the East Coast to the West Coast with their unique style of surf-based instrumentals. They have been featured on national radio broadcasts, television, and music festivals throughout the USA and abroad.

The years 2007 and 2008 brought significant changes to the personnel and sound of this band, culminating in the band changing its name to The Del Ripleys. In 2007, long time drummer Patrick Morrow left the band and was replaced by Brian Kreuziger. Also, Bobby had long sought an upright bass player and finally found one in Jim Billmeier of Round Lake Beach, Illinois, who was also a member of The Pauline York Band. The reformed trio then began seeking to add a singer/rhythm guitar player who would be able to allow the band to fulfill its desire to expand into further areas of roots music while simultaneously increasing its overall appeal. They found this person in Pauline York, who was also seeking to expand her musical horizons.

The Pauline York Band has released three albums since 2001 and their latest release, "Get Down and Ride,” reached #19 on the Living Blues Music Charts. The band has played at numerous blues festivals across the country and maintains a steady gigging schedule in the Chicago area. Eventually, Jim convinced Joliet, IL resident Pauline to try out with his new group and she joined the group then still known as Bobby Rivera and The Rivieras in February, 2008. Pauline’s vocal talents and rhythm guitar have added another dimension to the group. The band is now able to churn out awesome jump blues, rockabilly, western swing, honky tonk and other roots music vocal numbers along with its established instrumental material. Pauline also brings a large catalog of original material to the band and they now perform some of her songs in new arrangements in addition to collaborating on brand new tunes.
BAND WEBSITE: www.bobbyriveramusic.com