Our next gig on July 27 at the Blue Note Grill will also feature special guest, Tim Smith, along with the whole band. Many of you know Tim as a gifted vocalist, flautist and saxophonist, who effortlessly blends genres from blues to jazz to world music. We are all really excited to share the stage with Tim, and look forward to seeing you there!  https://www.thebluenotegrill.com/events/willie-painter-band-3

Playing a mix of danceable blues with a nod towards swinging jazz and an eclectic selection of rock and pop tunes, the Willie Painter Band consists of four veterans of the North Carolina music scene.

​Willie Painter (guitar) and Craig Dittmar (bass) were members of the Boomers, who played for over 20 years in the Triangle and eastern North Carolina. They have performed in the past with Lightnin' Wells and the Real Gone Cats. Currently they also play with Nancy Middleton, the Pigz Brothers, Mike Hamer and the Rhinoceroses, and the Tommy G Experience. Painter wrote a monthly music column for the Urban Hiker from 1999 to 2004.

Bill Newton (saxophone, harmonica) is a founding member of three Triangle musical institutions: Rebecca and the Hi-Tones, Bill Newton's Big Blues Quartet, and the Duke Street Dogs. He has recorded with the Indigo Girls and Big Mama E and the Cool, among others, and toured extensively with singer/songwriter, Jon Shain.

John Hanks (drums), has been a member of many Triangle bands including: the Hard Times Jazz Band, the Swamis, Rebecca and the Hi-Tones, Sportin' Life, the Gregg Gelb Swing Band; more recently he has played with: Mel Melton, Peter Lamb, Atomic Rhythm All Stars, Jim Quick & the Coastline Band, Bill Easley, Elmer Gibson, and Randy Johnston. His "day job" is longtime musician/accompanist for the Duke University Dance Program and the American Dance Festival.