In a town where a professional sports team is named the “Blues,” a blues band has got to be something special to get people to take notice. The Soulard Blues Band definitely has that “something” that sets it apart from the rest of the pack.

Playing shows for the St. Louis area for more than 30 years, SBB serves up hot blues, rhythm & blues, and soul music to crowds who just can’t get enough of the band’s authentic sound. SBB founder and bassist Art Dwyer said he’s been serious about playing good music since the band’s founding, and a little bit of luck helped him on his way. “A bank gave me a loan to buy an instrument,” Dwyer said. “I was unemployed, but told the loan officer I was serious about music and I would pay the money back before anything else. The guy/bank gave me the loan and I paid it off. Try that now with a bank and they’ll just think you’re crazy and have you escorted off the premises lickety-split.”

Thanks to some persuasion, a little faith from a loan officer, and a lot of talent, Dwyer started the Soulard Blues Band in 1978 with Bill McKenna and Steve Albers. They’ve been joined by some big names in the biz, including Larry Thurston who went on to play in the Blues Brothers Band.

The band is looking forward to playing at Innsbrook again this weekend. “We’ve played at Innsbrook on a few occasions and we’ve always been encouraged by the audience to bring it on,” Dwyer said.

Come on out to the Farmhouse Field on Saturday evening for a night of blues you won’t want to miss.