The Steepwater Band (along with special guest Rob Tognoni) will perform at McKenna’s (Open Air) in Monaghan on 22 June, marking their first Irish concert in nearly 5 years. The town became a favorite of the band and vice versa, after the Chicago born group made their debut at the Harvest Time Blues Festival in 2014, and returned to the event in 2017. “Monaghan is such a great little place! We quickly made a lot of friends while playing there, and we can’t wait to get back and rock for everyone in June,” said TSB drummer Joe Winters.

So who are the Steepwater Band? Something primal lurks in their music, but always wrestling with emotions and stories that are everyday-ready ~ music at once strut-inducing sexy and brass knuckles honest, a sound evolved smartly & patiently through countless gigs, running the bulls whenever and wherever they've been welcomed since 1998. AC/DC once said, "If you got the dollar, we got the song / Just wanna boogie woogie all night long," and The Steepwater Band surely embodies this lip-smacking urge to get some in this mean old world, befitting the group's Chicago roots and their earthy understanding of crackling city blues.

The abiding, resounding passion inside this band is never in question. Dive into their seemingly endless catalog of songs just about anywhere, and the heart and muscle pumping away inside every track are palpable and present in a most pleasing way. Their sound is like a soundtrack for arm wrestling The Devil and then drinking shots with him 'til sunrise after you've pinned him down. Their songs bridge the miles between lovers, throw lines to brothers and sisters in need of some understanding and a spark that makes them shuffle, eyes closed, shaking off the day's heavy load, ready for another round because the right song by the right band made them feel they had enough fight left in them. That's the kind of band you're dealing with here, and they'll be doing this long after all the pretty boys, package acts, and pretenders have left the stage. - Dennis Cook

- “It was not so long ago, down and out and feeling low, but the time has passed, now it’s alright…” – Jeff Massey, The Steepwater Band, 2022

The Steepwater Band is –

• Jeff Massey – lead vocals / guitars

• Eric Saylors – guitars / lap steel / backing vocals

• Joe Bishop – bass / backing vocals

• Joe Winters – drums / percussion

For more info, be sure to check www.steepwater.com

Rob Tognoni

Rob Tognoni and his guitar have been treading the stages worldwide for the past 35 years. He is originally from Tasmania, Australia and goes under the pseudonym of "The Tasmanian Devil". His style is fiery, energetic, inventive and explosive. His roots are from blues, blues rock & classic rock but also adding many other colours to the palette to give him his sound & uniqueness.

Rob is also energetic & physical on stage, a performer & not just a musician. Echos of Cream, Hendrix, BB King, AC/DC can be heard woven through his musical fabric.

His shows are a true experience not to be missed. As written by a British journalist: "You have to admire Rob Tognoni's stamina. He is able to sustain a ferocious pace, few could manage it ... Perhaps his stamina is the consequence of 30 years conditioning. Perhaps it's natural selection..." Blues In Britian Magazine

Rob Tognoni Band

Rob Tognoni – lead vocals/guitar

Gaz Rackham – bass

Mike Hellier – drums

For more info: www.robtog.com