BIO

THE BC COMBO

Bev Conklin, also known as BC, began her career as the lead singer of BC & The Blues Crew, formed in 1992.  This band, based out of the Lehigh Valley PA, became the premier, female-led Blues band in the region for 18 years with 5 CDs receiving international play and publication reviews.  The 5 CDs recorded, represent their singer-songwriter skills and have continued to receive international attention and sales.  This group became 1 of 7 bands who made it to the Finals in Memphis TN, during the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge (IBC).  There, they represented the Billtown Blues Society after winning its local IBC.  Most of the band members have received Lehigh Valley Blues Awards over the years for Best Vocalist (BC), All-around Performer (BC), Best Band, Best Website, Best CDs, Best Instrumentalist (wind, keyboards, bass and guitar) and many others over the years.

In 2010, the band changed its name to The BC Combo and recorded another CD representing the trio version of the group, primarily for smaller venues having live music today.  The purpose was to remove the “Blues” out of the band name because it limited their opportunity to expand their broader Americana, roots-based original material to a wider audience.  They also wanted to become sustainable performers by being able to perform as a duo, trio… or a full-size horn band, depending on the venue or event.  Now, over 2 decades together, the band has reached a level of entertainment by well-respected supporters.  The BC Combo has performed at nearly every concert hall, music and wine festival and major events old and new.  They have headlined and featured many of these arenas and continue to perform locally as area favorites.  The highest honor aside for opening for Ray Charles, was the most recent years as the host band for the Pennsylvania Blues Festival (formerly known as the Pocono Blues Festival), featuring regional and national Blues artists on the opening day of this all-weekend event.

Bev Conklin manages and books the band with her years of experience from successful runs at forming a 501c3 Blues Society (Women’s Blues Alliance) and having the honor of running The Lehigh River Blues Jam Festival in Catasauqua PA going on 10 years and prior years helping run The Hack’s Blues Festival, Easton PA’s Beer Festival and Cementon PA’s Lehigh River Blues Festival.  Bev and the band have helped many local artists reach their own level of maturity and have played a role in numerous philanthropic efforts, including hosting benefits to support local artists when in need.  BC and the band have been invited to perform with many of the region’s finest bands, on recordings and for numerous events in prominent venues over the years.  They are already booked for major regional blues festivals and events for the upcoming year.

Their mission… is to have fun and to continue learning and growing through music.  They are in the process of recording a 7th CD, which will represent new songs written over the past 4 years.  The BC Combo is a well respected group from diverse backgrounds and has international years of touring experience by most of its members.  They are always up for new experiences and the rewards of growing their large community of supporters.  Contact info: www.bevconklin.com.