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.
, and performs
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, and performs with the Duke Street Dogs.
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 played with many Triangle bands, classical music ensembles, and jazz artists since the 1970's. Recent appearances include: Jim Quick & Coastline, Mallarme Music, Mel Melton & the Wicked Mojos, and Queen Bee & the Honeylovers. Earlier bands include: the Swamis, Sportin' Life, the Hard Times Jazz Band, and the Atomic Rhythm All Stars. He holds down a day job as musician supervisor and accompanist for classes at the Duke University Dance Department.
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, and performs with the Duke Street Dogs.
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 played with many Triangle bands, classical music ensembles, and jazz artists since the 1970's. Recent appearances include: Jim Quick & Coastline, Mallarme Music, Mel Melton & the Wicked Mojos, and Queen Bee & the Honeylovers. Earlier bands include: the Swamis, Sportin' Life, the Hard Times Jazz Band, and the Atomic Rhythm All Stars. He holds down a day job as musician supervisor and accompanist for classes at the Duke University Dance Department.