For 14 years Eric was the lead vocalist for the Uptown Rhythm Kings, out of Washington, DC, where he was nominated four years in a row for "Best Male Blues Vocalist" by the Washington Area Music Association and his band won two "Wammies" for "Best New Record for 1990" and "Best Urban Contemporary Band". He has also shared the stage with such greats as Ella Fitzgerald, Bull Moose Jackson, Albert Collins and Matt "Guitar" Murphy. He's also known to have a pretty hot hand behind the drum kit too.

Chicagoan Donny Nichilo has toured internationally with Buddy Guy, Floyd McDaniel and the Blues Swingers and was formely a member of the Mighty Blue Kings. He has also shared the stage with big names such as Carlos Santana, Ron Wood (Rolling Stones) and the late Stevie Ray Vaughn. Donny excels in a variety of styles, including jazz, blues, and standards on piano and vocals and is known for his rich tone and fluid single-note lines on harmonica.

Chuck's credits include spending seven years as the lead trumpet player for the legendary Ray Charles, a five-month tour in Europe with "West Side Story", as well as playing with Mel Torme, Maureen McGovern, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Tony Bennett, Lou Rawls, Bob Hope and Stevie Wonder. Chuck has also recorded with The Barett Deems Big Band, on their Delmark release "How Do You Like It So Far?" which got Four-stars from "Downbeat Magazine", and Bill Russo's Chicago Jazz Ensemble.

Chicagoan Paul Mundy has been performing since 1986 and has played with many famous artists, some of which are Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Martha Reeves and the Vandelles, 911 Mombo Orchestra and the late Floyd McDaniels. He recorded for Delmark Records on recordings by Floyd McDaniels and the Blues Swingers and Professor Eddie Lusk. Paul's Chicgo credits included performances at virtually every major venue, including the Chicago Blues Festival, Viva Chicago, Chicago Jazz Festival and The Taste of Chicago.

Danny Sniderman, who hails from Evanston, Illinois, was a founding member of the popular "Deja Vu Big Band" which ran from 1985 to 1993, playing regurlarly at the Deja Vu, the Green Mill, the Aragon Ballroom, Taste of Chicago, Steppenwolf Theatre, Navy Pier and live on WBEZ Radio. He has also played in pit orchestras for several professional theatre groups. Dan's own influences include J.J. Johnson, Al Grey, Steve Turre, and Willie Colon. Dan can also be found on recordings by The Bill O'Connell Big Band and Obvious Necessity. Dan was also a finalist in the 1996 "El Presidente" National Latin Music competition in Los Angeles. His trademark is the "Tupperware" cereal bowlthat he uses in place of a plunger mute.

Chicagoan Bob Carter is another on of the MBK Three that left the Mighty Blue Kings to help form the band that is now the Vanguard Aces. He started drumming at the age of six taking his cue from his father who loved 30's and 40's swing music. He has studied with the likes of Ernie Gadgis (Bob Crosby's Band), Fred Silver (Mill Run percussionist), and Tony Caselli (with Barbara McNair) and was offered a scholarship to J.D.S. School of Music in Boston. He won first place in the Rhythm and Blues category of the Songwriter's Association's competition for his prolific lyrics and songwriting. He could recently be found on the TV special "Blame it on the Blues" featured on the Warner Brothers CD "Let's Get Loose".

Another Chicagoan, Dan Peters attended the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, where he graduated with honors, and then went on to join the band Giant Step. Back in Chicago he became a guitar tutor and won the title "Chicago's Finest Fingers". Through another award, "Chicago's Hottest Guitarist", he became a spokesman for Washburn Guitars. His own personal influences include James Brown, Brian Setzer and the late Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Mike Scharf's credits include playing with artists such as Barkin' Bill, Little Mike and the Tornados, Dave Spector and the Bluebirds, Pinetop Perkins, and the late Lefty Dizz. He has toured extensively, playing in places such as Norway, France, Belgium, Germany, and Spain. He can be found on recordings by Dave Spector and the Bluebirds, Little Mike and the Tornados, and Lefty Dizz.

Swiss born, Sam Burckhardt's credits include a 13 year stint with the Sunnyland Slim Blues Band (from 1983 to 995), he was a founding member of the Mighty Blue Kings, and has played with the likes of the Big Four, Hubert Sumlin, Johnny Littlejohn, Steve Freund, Zora Young and Big Time Sarah. He has toured extensively around both Europe and the United States and has played in many jazz and blues festivals. He is known for his "warm and earthy tone and rich intonation" which are said to be the trademark of his performances.