The Blue Collar Band
The "Blue Collar Boys" were founded in 1976 by drummer Jim Van Acker and
guitarist Tony Hoeppner. They later changed their name to "the Blue
Collar Band" after changing the direction of the band from Country to
Classic Rock. The current members are:
Steve Svec - Bass since 1992
Carol Anne Chouteau - Vocals since 1999
Rick Maddelein - Guitar 1990, 2002+
Jim Van Acker - Drums
http://www.bluecollarband.com/tourdate.htm
Some of the former members include:
- Andy Harris
- Dick "Buddy" Olson - Guitar
- Ellis Kell - Guitar
- George Riedesel - Bass
- Jim Schwall
- John Burchett - Bass
- Mike Wallace - Guitar
- Tom Bails - Guitar
Carol Anne Chouteau at Mojo's May 27th, 2005. Some more pictures from the show:
Press
Even though they have one of the oldest franchise names in Quad-City area music circles, members of the Blue Collar Band don't want to dwell too much on the past. The band - which has had 20 different members, including music veterans Ellis Kell and Mike Wallace, in its lineup since 1976 - wants to concentrate on its present lineup: lead singer Carol Anne Chouteau, guitarist Rick Maddelein, drummer Jim Van Acker and bassist Steve Svec. "The deal (now) is that we're a three-piece ensemble that backs one of the best vocalists in the Quad-Cities, Carol Anne," said Van Acker, the only musician with the band throughout its history. "We've got a sound man (Robert Maddelein) that brings everything to the front. It's a great combination, and we all get along."
The group is not only playing the Beatles, Cream and other classic rock songs from its previous repertoire, but also adding stuff made famous by the likes of Bonnie Raitt and Aretha Franklin. The Maddelein brothers are writing music for a CD the band hopes to release before the end of the year. - David Burke
Reviews
Patrons of Mojo's at the River Music Experience were treated to a wonderfully exuberant performance by one of the Quad City area's most durable musical groups, The Blue Collar Band. The current lineup features Carol Anne Chouteau, a lead vocalist whose voice and versatility are unmatched. One of BCB's strengths is their eclectic play list with everything from The Beatles to the Bangles. Their version of the old James Gang tune "Walk Away" is phenomenal, as are their versions of "All Right Now" and "Black Velvet".
Featuring classic and newer rock, blues, jazz, country, and even
some original tunes, Blue Collar really does have something for
everyone. Ms. Chouteau is supported by some of the most experienced musicians
in the area, Steve Svec on bass, Jim VanAcker on drums, and Rick
Maddelein on lead guitar. If you haven't had a chance to hear this
band, it is definitely worth the time and effort. They are great.
- Becca Abbott, Mojo's 5-26
I witnessed the Blue Collar Band at Mojo's tonight. I was
impressed with the bands repertoire. They have excellent
potential. However, in my opinion, they were unacceptable for Mojo's.
TOO LOUD. In the time I was there I saw a lot of people leaving. There
is quite a difference between a nightly bar gig and an afternoon coffee
shop showcase. The lead singer was excellent. She has a great
voice and an admirable stage presence. The Bass player was rock
solid, as was the drummer. The band as a whole was pretty good.
- Dale Mayne, Mojo's 5-26
The Guitar was too loud and walked over the other members,
especially the vocals. If it was turned down, I think the band would
have been fine at Mojo's. I also love this band. Strong rhythm section
and fantastic singer. She's one of the top rock singers in the area.
- Mike T., Mojo's 5-26
Booking
Jim VanAcker
309-764-2639
1115 10th ave
Moline, IL 61265
some 2005 Shows
- 01/21/05: 11th Street Bar & Grill 8-12
- 01/22/05: Toucan's in Milan 9-1
- 01/29/05: Miller Time Bowling 9:30-1
- 02/12/05: Toucan's in Milan 9-1
- 02/18/05: 11th Street Bar & Grill 8-12
- 03/12/05: Bent River Brewing Company 9-1
- 03/18/05: 11th Street Bar & Grill 8-12
- 04/09/05: Toucan's 9-1
- 04/15/05: 11th Street Bar & Grill 8-12
- 05/20/05: 11th Street Bar & Grill 8-12
- 06/17/05: 11th Street Bar & Grill 8-12
- 07/15/05: 11th Street Bar & Grill 8-12
- 08/19/05: 11th Street Bar & Grill 8-12
- 09/09/05: Rock Island Elks Lodge #980 7:30-11:30 p.m.
- 09/16/05: 11th Street Bar & Grill 8-12
- 10/21/05: 11th Street Bar & Grill 8-12
- 11/18/05: 11th Street Bar & Grill 8-12
- 12/16/05: 11th Street Bar & Grill 8-12
Partial Song List
- Alright Now
- Black Velvet
- Brass In Pocket
- Can't Buy Me Love
- Chain Of Fools
- China Grove
- Cruisin'
- Dixie Chick En
- Even It Up
- Fallin' Apart
- Fire
- Fooled Around And Fell
- Give Me One Reason
- Grapevine
- Grief
- Hard To Handle
- Heat Wave
- I Feel Like A Woman
- I Want To Know What Love Is
- I Want You To Love Me
- I'M Outta Here
- If Love Was A Train
- Josie
- Kick Off Your Shoes
- Lights
- Long Cool Woman
- Love Me Like A Man
- Love Shack
- Margaritaville
- Oh, Darling
- Old Time Rock And Roll
- Picture In My Wallet
- Piece Of My Heart
- Pink Cadillac
- Respect
- Road House Blues
- Rockin Down The Highway
- Runaway
- Some Kind Of Wonderful
- Somebody To Love
- Something To Talk About
- Still Got The Blues
- Stormy Monday
- Stray Cat Strut
- Sweet Home Chicago
- Take Me Back
- Tell It Like It Is
- The First Cut Is The Deepest
- The Game Of Love
- Unchained Melody
- Walk Away
- Walk Like An Egyptian
- What I Like About You
- Workin' For The Weekend