Led by 25 year old guitarist Ian Gilliam, The Ian Gilliam Trio is one fo the hottest original blues/rock bands playing the mid-Atlantic circuit today.  The band continues to bring to the stage a varied and high-energy show that never fails to keep the audience on their feet.  From hard-core blues to surf to their ever-growing list of original material, the show never loses steam.  With the '98 release release of their debut album, "Where I Stand," the band's following is growing by leaps and bounds.

Ian Gilliam- Guitar and Vocals
Ian's playing style reflects his deep roots in the blues. This rings out whether he's playing a grungy Texas shuffle or one of his own songs with many find hard to classify.  The band not only shocases his guitar and vocal talents, but also brings together a captivating mix of grooves from  one of the strongest rhythm sections around.  These styles have brought in offers to open for such acts as guitar great Danny Gatton, Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Outlaws, The Iguanas, Grammy winner James Cotton, Koko Taylor's Blues Machine, and Delbert McClinton just to name a few.  In Ian's early days, Gatton affectionately referred to him as a "good young punk."  Sadly, their planned and much anticipated recording collaboration was never realized as a result of Danny's untimely death in 1994.  More recently, similar offers for studio production have come in from blues mainstay and former Nighthawk's guitarist, as well as current members and founders Mark Wenner and Pete Ragusa.  Ten years of playing and gigging have given Ian the tools to put forth a finely honed sound that continues to impress even the best.

Charlie Bell- Bass
Charlie has a great bass player's mind.  He listens carefully to the working of the band and adjusts accordingly, with great insight, bringing a wide dynamic range to the mis.  Influenced by rock, jazz, and bluegrass, he adds a frest and creative concept to the music.  Charlie is a much sought-after Charlottesville musician, playing jobs as a bass player (both electric and upright), dobroist, and pedal steel guitarist.  With years of experience in numerous local and regional acts, you man easily have heard his talent before.

Conrad Drennon- Drums
Mr. Solid. This man hits them hard and steady, but with no lack of flair.  As most seasoned musicians do, Conrad picks and chooses from his wide vocabulary of riffs and accents to produce a huge sound that never strays from the groove.  Having toured North America and Europe with the like of Tinsely Ellis and Tom Principato and shard the stage with other greats like Albert Lee and Buddy Guy, he's no stranger to the big time. With over twenty years of professional playing behind him, Conrad really brings the group together and makes this trio's sound larger than life. 

As a group, The Ian Gilliam Trio continues to wow audience after audience.  High praise flows freely from the mouths of everyone present at their shows, most recently coming from actors William L. Peterson, Jeff Bridges, and Damon Wayans. Don't miss a single chance to catch this up and coming band.