PEACH WEEKEDNER

The Scene Spotlight: The Grape Smugglers

5/1/2014

Lineup: Tim Tiederman, keyboards and vocals; Rick Thomas, guitar and vocals; Dave Stella, guitar and vocals; Jon Diener, bass and vocals; Chuck Caswell, drums; Johnny Grafing, trumpet; and Joe Martin — however, Joe is currently on medical leave and playing in his place is Bob Manley on saxophone and flute.

Year formed: The band also known simply as The Smugglers was formed around the mid-2011.

Style of music and influences: Being a horn band, our music is wide ranged: Delbert McClinton, Chicago, Stevie Wonder, the Doobie Brothers, Joe Cocker, the Average White Band, Rare Earth, etc. All of the guys are seasoned musicians with a crazy sense of humor and love what we do.

Favorite gig: Honestly, we can't say that we have a favorite, because everywhere we've played, clubs to private gigs, everyone has enjoyed what we do and have treated us extremely well.

CDs/online releases: In the future we will be working on an original CD.

Upcoming gigs: Sunday at Forrester's on the River; May 18 fund-raiser for Little Eric's Foundation at Forrester's; May 25 at Forrester's on the River, and May 30 at Treo's in Sylvania.

Website: Facebook.com/TheGrapeSmugglers