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As a patient at Schoenstein Physical Therapy in 2002, Madison Sink noticed the Blues music on the stereo and the many wall posters of the great Blues legends gracing the walls of the clinic. Conversations with his therapist and clinic proprietor George Schoenstein quickly centered on their mutual appreciation for the Blues. Madison was born in the south and had been playing in Blues bands at a very high level for over 30 years. He was playing in Austin, Texas in the early 1980’s during the second renaissance of the Blues which gave birth to such Blues legends as Stevie Ray Vaughn, his brother Jimmy, Marcia Ball, Angela Strehli, Lou Ann Barton and many others.

George was hosting weekly Blues jams in his office after hours to develop his budding guitar skills. Madison began attending the jams and immediately separated himself not only as an accomplished musician but also as a reverent Blues historian and practitioner of the original Blues tunes. Thus began the friendship and mentorship between George and Madison.

Approximately a year after George and Madison began playing together George realized that another good friend and accomplished keyboardist, Dave Bogart, might be interested in playing with this evolving Blues group. Dave jumped at the opportunity and added a new and refined sound to this band of gypsies. Dave has over 40 years of musical experience and is accomplished on the keyboard, guitar, bass and vocals. His laid back, easy going personality and knowledge of music had an immediate impact on the sound of the band. He added new sounding rhythm and keyboard solos which complimented Madison’s guitar. Dave’s classical and jazz background added sophistication not usually heard in Blues bands. Dave surprised the band with his equally talented guitar and bass proficiency. The limits of Dave’s talent are not yet known as he seems to pull other talents out of his hat at each practice.

With Dave came a talented and respected sound man, Keith Stark. Keith, a long time musician on the peninsula with an unusual understanding of the early Blues sound, encouraged the purchase of state of the art public address and recording equipment. The classic early Blues sound of the band today is largely attributable to the sound of Keith Stark.

In keeping with our Texas / Chicago style shuffling Blues the band chose a name that had recognition in the Blues world and reflected the classy style of the music being played. The Madison Blues Band became the name for the ages and coincidently was the same name as our lead guitarist!

The band found it harder to find a true Blues bass player. A number of good bass players auditioned and played with the group but it became obvious that the sound the band was looking for was not easily found. During a casual conversation Madison was given the name and number of John Alexander. That same day John auditioned with the band and became the bands bass player. John’s background was from country and rock and roll; but he soon found the Blues allowed him greater creativity. John’s five sting bass and state of the art equipment have added the professional sound and “bottom” the band had been looking for. His friendly sense of humor matched the rest of the band to a tee.

The Madison Blues Band features Blues songs sung by many of the great female vocalist of our time. Bonnie Raitt, Marcia Ball, Lou Ann Barton and Angela Strehli to name a few. Credible Blues comes from the heart and soul and can not be fabricated. It’s more than a feeling, it is a state of mind and an attitude. Kerry Daly, vocalist, came to the Madison Blues Band on a reputation of being genuine and sincere and able to present her gift in a honest and real manner. As the voice and face of the band, she too matches the genuine and humorous tone. Her raw and earthy Blues tones are equally balanced by her soft and sweet ballads.

The Madison Blues Band plays the Blues for the sheer love of the music. The band has been asked to participate in local charitable events and is proud to say they have generated revenues for the American Cancer Society, St. Pius School and the developmentally challenged of San Mateo County.

In the past year and a half the band has performed at the Broadway Lounge, The Saddle Room, Foresters Hall, The Little Fox Theater and the St. Pius Summer Festival in Redwood City. The band has also performed at the Bistro in Hayward, Bay Meadows, Festive Italiano Street Faire in San Mateo and at SBC Park in San Francisco. Their love for the Blues is evident in every show.

The future will see the Madison Blues Band playing local clubs and events in the Bay Area to promote the richness and beauty of this unique American music.

The Madison Blues Band would like to extend a warm thank you to its many loyal fans that make each performance a party among friends. We would also like to thank our friend Kenny Blue Ray for his friendship, inspiration, lessons and the creation of some of the most beautiful and best sounding Blues guitars.

A very special “Thank You” goes out to our significant others Faye, Andra, Cheri, Ruth, Patty and Marius who gift us the time to get together weekly and play this remarkable music.