Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Free Summer Concert Series: John Gresh’s Gris-Gris with Derek Woods Band

The first announced show in the Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Free Summer Concert Series, featuring John Gresh’s Gris-Gris and Derek Woods Band! Rayne’s BBQ will be on hand, so be sure to come hungry.

Schedule for the evening will be as follows:

6:00 pm: gates open
7:00 pm: Derek Woods Band
9:00 pm: John Gresh’s Gris-Gris

John Gresh’s Gris-Gris (pronounced Gree-Gree) plays a variety of New Orleans rhythm and blues mixed with Americana music (Dylan, Springsteen, the Band). They were one of the house bands at NOLA in the Square in Market Square for 9 years. The members of the band are some of the best players in Pittsburgh, and include:

• Jimmy Adler, who has performed in Johnstown many times over the past ten years. Jimmy and his band has represented the Western PA Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.
• John Gresh performed for several years with the Grateful Dead tribute band, Fungus. He studied jazz piano with the late Pittsburgh pianist/teacher, Carl Arter.
• Larry Siefers performed with Pure Gold for many years, as well as a member of Norman Nardini’s band. This multi-instrumentalist is in demand in Pittsburgh.
• Bob Peckman is a former member of The Skyliners, The Groove U, The Jaggerz, among others. He also played with Pure Gold for close to 30 years.
• Mike Sweeney is an accomplished songwriter. His songs have been reviewed in Blues Journal and Downbeat. Billy Price, Joe Grushecky and other regional artists have recorded Mike’s songs.

Derek Woods Band: The Derek Woods Band is a nationally award-winning Americana/Rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Currently touring to support the release of the new full length album, “Picture Yourself”, engineered by Daniel Blake and Gavin Lurssen (Robert Plant/Alison Krauss, Eric Clapton, O’ Brother Where Art Thou).

They’ve shared the stage with legendary acts such as Jefferson Starship, Leon Russell, Allman Betts Band, Cheech & Chong, Lisa Marie Presley, Rusted Root, Jimmy Herring, and has been featured at an events including Woodstock 50th Anniversary at Yasgur’s Farm in Bethel, New York to performing at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.