BC Blue began as a recommendation and vision of Michael Cloeren (GM Penns Peak; promoter and organizer/director of the Pocono and Pennsylvania Blues Festivals) in 2022 to combine the Blues resumes of “Chicago” Carl Snyder, Joe Mac and Bev Conklin ("BC"). During 2022, the trio also performed in a 5-piece band format. BC finally scaled the group down to a quartet, inviting Mitch Shelly (former bassist with BC & The Blues Crew and The BC Combo) on upright bass. BC Blue covers decades of Blues based on their individual and combined experiences.  Members of this band are among the region's highly respected and regarded musicians.

BEV “BC” CONKLIN
MoMojo Records artist, Bev Conklin, is the voice of the Blues here in the Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania, reeling you in with her broadly versatile, signature style. Born in New Orleans, BC brings her experience as a performer, band manager, promoter and ambassador of the Blues. She is the founder of the new Roots Music Concerts, a listening room focusing on rarely seen touring acts in the region. She is the founder and promoter of the region's long-standing Lehigh River Blues Jam festival since 2006. She fronted the highly awarded BC & The Blues Crew for 16 years (1992-2008) and now with one of the regions highly respected groups, The BC Combo (2008-present).  She performed with Tower Suite & Friends at The Sands Casino in Bethlehem PA for over 6 years and at many premiere events across the region like A Lehigh Valley Christmas, formerly held annually at Miller Symphony Hall. Her family legacy includes cousins… Lil Hardin (Jazz bandleader, writer and 2nd wife of Louie Armstrong), Wilbert Baranco (Jazz band leader, writer and upright bassist for the Count Basie Band and Dinah Washington) and Leontyne Price (world renown Soprano). BC continues to build her resume and aspires to perform abroad.

“CHICAGO” CARL SNYDER - PIANO
From Brooklyn NY, “Chicago Carl"  worked with over 60 of the Windy City’s Blues royalty on keys, bass and guitar, most extensively with Junior Wells, Otis Rush, Son Seals, Larry Burton and Jimmy Johnson. His record label Lost World Music features many artists he supports and his book TEN THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS is available on Amazon. He has two sons, one who toured on drums with The Smashing Pumpkins and his other son toured on bass with Bryan Adams. Now his grandson is following the family legacy in the music industry.

JOE MAC - GUITAR
Born and raised in Chicago, Joe Mac has a resume of experience with the Chicago Blues masters backing artists like Buddy Guy, John Primer and toured with Nature’s Divine with their one hit, I Just Can’t Control Myself. 

MITCH SHELLY - BASS
On upright or electric bass, Mitch Shelly brings his highly energetic, skilled and entertaining persona. He began with BC & The Blues Crew in 1996 and now The BC Combo. Mitch is one of the region's highly sought after bassists and performs with jazz, rock and other local groups.

Given all their combined experiences, they are enjoying this collaboration as BC Blue.

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