Bill Mears kicked off his music career playing in several successful bands on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. Coming home to the Chicagoland area he continued to hone his craft and build a strong band bio. Bill has extensive on stage experience, attention grabbing guitar licks, melting vocals and harmonies, and an energetic stage presence.
Early 2010, Bill began his search for a female vocalist to help him along his journey in country music. He found Michelle Hawkins. Michelle is well known and respected by country, pop as well as blues fans and performers alike. Her regular appearances at various concert venues and clubs is due to her uncanny ability to sing any style. her infectious wit and charm on stage are eclipsed only by her ability to blow the socks off lovers of any music type. She brings soul, power, and dynamics to every story she sings; all with a passion and a personality that has earned her the title of the complete package.
Bill and Michelle formed the acoustic duo, RIVERTOWN and have performed together for two years which included opening for the band Six Degrees West. But the full band sound was always the plan! Then came Clayton DeLong, Jesica Poell, Sebastian Muehlich, and Andrew Johnson!
While earning a degree in jazz guitar from the University of Missouri Kansas City, Clayton DeLong studied under Kansas City greats such as Rod Fleeman, Danny Embrey, Doug Niedt, Michael Pagan and Bobby Watson. Clayton has been a professional guitar instructor for six years and performs live music regularly. Clayton also performs for many events as a solo guitarist.
Jesica Poell joins Clayton DeLong in a jazz duet called A La Mode. Jesica has an angel like voice but brings with that angelness a sassiness that makes you tap into the mood of each song. Her voice melts together with Bill and Michelle, adding an incredible magic to the RIVERTOWN voice!
Sebastian Muehlich started playing drums at the age of 11 and studied with dennis rogers for 8 years,. He was first chair in the symphonic band at park hill high school, 3rd chair all-district band in ‘05 securing a 1 rating at district and a 2 rating at state for percussion ensemble, as well as winning 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place trophies at numerous drumline competitions. Additionally, he has a specialist certificate in producing music with logic pro from berklee college of music. Currently, Mr. Muehlich is teaching private drum lessons and continuing to hone his expertise as a sound engineer while studying privately with Doug Auwarter.
And last but not least, we have Andrew Johnson, bass player and day dreamer! Drew provides a powerful and intoxicating low end power to RIVERTOWN! His style, imagination and flair for low end frequencies is a driving force in every song that creates a groove like no other.
This is a unique and special show that you don’t want to miss! We promise, you’ll be hooked!
