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The
Lightnin’ Bugs are a six-piece dance band from Shreveport,
Louisiana. The wide variety of their music makes classification hard,
but they have been called “Louisiana
World Beat,” and that seems to fit. Their music draws on influences of
reggae, salsa, blues, second-line, and Cajun. The Bugs play originals and covers,
although the covers are often played non-traditionally. This and their unique
horn section, consisting of a violin, trombone, accordion, and harmonica, make
them an unforgettable band. The performers that comprise the Lightnin’ Bugs come from varied backgrounds. Tim Brogan, violinist and vocalist, has toured the country extensively since settling in Louisiana. From the Midwest, Tim is a regular performer with Bill Bush Combo, Kenny Bill Stinson, and Rue-de-lac. The Bugs’ trombonist, Duny Gillyard, is a veteran of rhythm and blues having played with Freddie King, Etta James, Big Joe Turner, and Jimmy Reed. Michael Rasbury, keyboards, percussionist, accordion, and vocalist, is a composer who writes music for theatre around the country and teaches Performing Arts at Louisiana Tech University. The band’s drummer is Randy Guynes. Randy is one of Louisiana’s most versatile drummers and has played with Dorothy Prime, The Killer Bees, Raymond Blakes, and Michael Grady. Bruce Gay, bassist and vocalists, plays with bands across Texas and Louisiana including the Zillionaires, Kenny Bill Stinson, and Dorothy Prime. Pearson Cross, harmonica, organ, guitar, and vocals, must be one of the most talented musicians in Louisiana. Pearson spent the “first half” of his life as a professional musician and now teaches Political Science at the University of Louisiana in Monroe. Some of the artists covered by the Bugs are: The Meters, David Lindley, War, Hank Williams, and Randy Newman. The Lightnin’ Bugs have years of experience and a solid following playing clubs, parties, and festivals in Louisiana. |
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