Story:

Summer is really started to heat up in Brandon and one of the hottest bands in the Wheat City is the Poor Boy Rodger Blues Band. The boys of rhythm, soul, and danceable blues have a busy weekend in store as they have two gigs in almost as many days. They have been asked to be the welcome home band as the troops make their way home to Shilo on Sunday, June 20th. An honor to be sure, the boys were equally humbled and excited about the opportunity to be the featured band for such an emotional event. That is what they do; they bring out the feelings of their songs and captivate audiences through their music.

It must be that connection which draws the fans in. I find it incredible that although they play once a month at the Lady, each and every time the pub is fully booked before the night is through. This will most likely be the case once again when they play on Friday, June 18th.

It’s true that the band members are all pretty easy on the eyes and I do love their music but there is something special and unique about the dynamic between the members themselves that keeps me coming back for more. To find what makes Poor Boy tick sat down with Poor Boy himself: Keith Rodger, guitarist: Mark “Professor Pee Wee” Schroeder, bassman: Ryan “Fuzzy” Felstead, and the man with the beat: Darrin “Dirt” Cherewayk
What I discovered was a good of musicians coming from Edmonton, Emerson, Kenora, Toronto, Shilo, Winnipeg and eventually each and everyone called Brandon home. Each has their own story to tell, but I was amazed at the similar foundation in each. Music was instilled in these men when they were merely boys. From singing in church choirs, banging on drums, playing with Tubas and making the move to bass and even a brush with fame living next door to Joe Leskiw who just so happened to be the father of one of the members of the Guess Who.

Music had found its way into each of these men but I still wasn’t sure how they had found one another. First to join Poor Boy was the Professor. “About eight years ago I saw Keith at a Brandon Blues Society. Seeing the bands having such a good time inspired me to pick up my neglected guitar and hit the local coffeehouses, where I ran into Keith. He asked me if I'd like to team up for the next Blues Society show, and we've been playing together ever since.” The duo was in the market for a rhythm section there enters the rock band 18 Rabbit, not a combo one would originally put together. Fuzzy explains “Bob Simmons from ACC needed a bass player to jam with some musicians for an instructional recording session.” Afterwards Fuzzy invited Dirt to join in the fun and the foursome has been playing together since.
Their musical influence range from any where from country to rock with credit being given to Freddy King, Bruce Cockburn, Led Zeppelin, as well as the family musical inspirations of a mother and grandfather. Perhaps it’s that wide range that makes this band so appealing. Fuzzy is in awe of the wonderful crowds. “I haven't got a clue (why they keep coming back) I reckon the blues is one of those timeless genres of music and has been the foundation for many styles that have come after it. I would hope that we do it some justice and that people watching and listening get it.” That may be true but Poor Boy has another take on why audiences are so loyal to the band. “I really think it's the guys in the band, they are great players and just real nice people, and I think that the audience can see that. Plus we are always changing our material so we don't sound the same all the time.”

You can always expect that something extra when you go to a Poor Boy show. The line up may change every gig but the essence of great music is true every time. The boys will be at Lady of the Lake Friday at 8 pm and out in Shilo Sunday afternoon. To find out more check out http://www.reverbnation.com/poorboyrodgerband