Banner Mtn Blues Band Members

Visa Eksyma an Ex-Pat from Finland formed his first blues/rock cover band “Blues Patrol” in 1992 and played local and Nor Cal venues in the 90’s to early 2000s almost every weekend. He spent his formative years studying the most notable Rock and Roll and Blues greats including Finnish rock and roll greats such as The Hurricanes, Dave Lindholm and The Leningrad Cowboys. After hearing an authentic, bona fide, blues combo in Finland, The Hoyas, in his twenties…It was then and there that Visa was set for a lifelong guest of mastering his interpretation of the blues.

Jerry Earwood has played harmonica for over 50 years, performing blues, rock, country and folk. He has played in numerous bands around the south bay in Southern California for many years, as well as doing studio work. Jerry moved to Nevada City in 2010. Jerry has played in several bands since moving to the north but has always had blues in the blood! He has enjoyed playing the harp and singing with the Banner Mountain Blues Band since the beginning of February 2020.

Steve Sheppard, a Bassist, is originally from the UK, with frequent wanderings to his mother’s homeland, Sweden. Steve has been mastering the complexities of four-string electric bass since the age of 14. Over the years, he has performed in a variety of rock, funk and blues bands in Europe and the U.S.

Banner Mountain Blues is proud to have Herb Houston on keys. Herbies’ original success came back in the 70s with a rock group White Fire from Yuba City California. Herb spent many years touring and opening for acts such as Marshal Tucker Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Tower of Power. Herbie, the eldest of the band, has over 45 years under his belt playing on the professional stages. His motto goes …” I just came to play”…

Artie Chavez on drums has recently transplanted himself to Nevada County. Artie drives a powerful blues groove and has been for decades an A-list percussionist in Northern California blues circles. Artie has shared the stage with Tia Carroll, JC Smith Band, Ron Thompson, Tommy Castro and many others.