Carly Ryan

Vocals, Percussion

With almost no formal training or experience but acting on something that had often crossed her mind, Carly responded to a call for a vocalist she came across online. With the first song she sang in the audition, Me and Bobby McGee, we knew we didn’t need to look any further. She can sing soulfully to an Amy Winehouse song, cast a spell with a Fleetwood Mac song, flat out rock to a Stones tune. Her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence have made her a focal point of any performance we have, and her positive energy and professional work ethic have made her a leader behind the scenes.

Mark John

Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals

Mark, lead guitarist, has Chicago roots that run deep. So does his love and knowledge of blues, country, and classic rock. As a teenager he dreamed of playing the guitar, but didn’t have the opportunity. It wasn’t until his children had grown up that he started taking lessons at the Old Town School of Folk Music, and his solos are now a signature of Buddy Damen’s sound. In many ways, the band itself is a signature of Mark’s. It would not exist without his dedication. Inspired by legends such as B.B. King, Gary Moore, Johnny Cash, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and the rock legends of the 70's, Mark's sound never fails to bring the soul to the table. Mark is the founding member of Buddy Damen.

Michael John

Guitar, Banjo, Vocals

Mike’s rhythm guitar and steady presence are at the heart of the band’s growth. Seeped in a jam-band etiquette (he was jamming long before he knew the names of chords), he gives plenty of room for others while churning an engine that moves the song along. One of the band’s more prolific songwriters, a couple of his originals have been among the band’s biggest hits at any point in time, from Breathe and Cali Cali in the early days to Long Shot and Throw Me Out, which we’re playing now. Mike has a generous spirit, and standards from which he won’t back down.

Robert John

Piano, Vocals

Robert, keys, also began by taking lessons and playing in ensembles at Old Town, where he met Mike, who invited him to a practice at Mark’s. As Robert told his teacher, “I’m not sure, but I think I may be in a band.” He still experiences a bit of that incredulity as he’s on his way to each gig, but knows it feels right to be moving into music. Strongly influenced by the poetry of Bob Dylan’s songs and the rhythm in the dialogue of Sam Shepard’s plays, Robert’s keys provide an underpinning that help fill out the sound of the band.

Scott

Drums, Percussion, Vocals

Scott, who has been drumming since he was fifteen years old, also responded to an online call for a musician; and he brings to Buddy Damen a new level of experience and compassionate wisdom. Prior to joining Buddy Damen, he had spent over thirty years drumming with a steady stream of Chicago-area bands, playing a tasty mix of metal (Death in Venice, Saturday's Requiem), jazz-pop fusion (DeanA's House), top 40 (Least Weasel), grunge (Long Gone Day), ’60s pop (Full Circle, The Sleepless Knights), and a whole lot of classic rock (Unhinged). Scott is the director of the songs we’re playing—of the tempo, the arrangement, the execution. When we’re playing, we look to him.

Paul Holzer

Bass, Vocals

With an opening for a bass player, Scott contacted Paul. They had played together for 25 years in the band Unhinged. Paul joined his first band in seventh grade and has been playing ever since. He has been active in choirs since college and currently sings with his church choir. He is also a sound engineer, in which capacity he toured with the bands Poison, Damn Yankee’s, Firehouse, New Order, The Allman Brothers Band, Metallica, and the Cranberries over a period of three years. Paul is the consummate team player, always making sure everyone in the group has what they need, whether it’s a good monitor mix or a kind word. He may not always be the first in, but he’s guaranteed to be the last out.

Wrigley

Band Spiritual Guru