Bev Conklin - The BC Combo

DAVE SNYDER Celebration of Life @ Godfrey Danilels Sept. 20 (12-5 pm)

About

The BC Combo is an award-winning Americana Roots Blues band out of the Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania. This group transitioned from BC & The Blues Crew in 2008 after numerous personnel changes. The trajectory of this group continues as singer-songwriters. Bev Conklin fronts the band with her capacity to reel you in as she delivers the topic of their self-penned lyrics by band leader, Wayne Smith, who arranges all of the band's extensive material. Their signature sound is generated by Joe Mac's Chicago Blues guitar tone against Wayne Smith's heavy 60's influenced guitar rhythms.

Over 3 decades of touring in the Northeast with their 8th release, Glass Half Full (MoMojo Records), The BC Combo has opened for Ray Charles, Koko Taylor, John Primer, Lonnie Brooks, Shemekia Copeland and many, many more since their debut in 1992. After their first release in 1996, Unfinished Business, BC & The Blues Crew made it to the finals at the Memphis based Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge representing Billtown Blues Association. Since 1999, they have over 20 combined awards from area organizations. The BC Combo is highly regarded and continues to headline events and performs across the Northeast. Check The BC Combo schedule online.

Bev Conklin (Vocals)
Beverly was born in New Orleans Louisiana. Inspired by hearing her mother play Moonlight Sonata, Beverly began playing the piano by ear at age 3. This led to 13 years of classical training, choir during her teenage years and learning stringed instruments like the violin, ukele and guitar until she graduated Parkland High School. It wasn't until she completed her master's degree at Penn State and moved back to Allentown PA in her late twenties that she was asked to front a Blues band, which she named BC & The Blues Crew (now The BC Combo).

BC has earned her wings as the Lehigh Valley's Queen of the Blues and along with her band mates, has been recognized with many Lehigh Valley Music Awards and more. Bev's inspirations are extremely diverse from Classical, R&B, Soul, Blues, Rock, Country and more.

Bev has sung with Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie Earl, Koko Taylor, Saffire, Carl Weathersby, John Primer and many of the international touring Blues artists we have come to know and love. She is the founder of the Woman's Blues Alliance, the Lehigh River Blues Jam, Roots Music Concerts and served/serves on numerous boards. Bev Conklin proves you can excel at whatever inspires you... she is an ambassador for the Blues community in the Lehigh Valley.

Wayne Smith (Guitar, Percussion, Vocals)
Wayne, a singer/songwriter, has been the primary arranger and producer for The BC Combo (formerly BC & The Blues Crew) since 1994. Playing in bands since 1967, his first band was NEW GENERATION with his brother Dave Smith. During the 90’s, Wayne played keyboards and toured with Jay and the Techniques (“Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie”). With the Techniques he also backed up other artists such as Tommy Roe, Gary U.S. Bonds, The Outsiders (“Time Won’t Let Me”), Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), The Miracles, and many others. Wayne worked with Dave Fry (founder Rock Roots in the Schools and Godfrey Daniels), Nick Franclik, Kevin Soferra and other outstanding area musicians, touring the schools throughout the Northeast. He was the Lehigh Valley Music Awards 2019 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award and previously honored for Guitar and Keyboards among others. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 from the Lehigh River Blues Jam. Wayne was the keyboardist and drummer with the Eric Steckel Band during their first few years on the Europe Rounder Label, which resulted in 2 CDs. https://www.mcall.com/entertainment/lehigh-valley-music/mc-ent-lehigh-valley-music-awards-20190217-story.html

Recordings:
Desperation Line
Fun with the Wurlitzer Piano
Just Doin' What I Do
Up and Down

Joe Mac (Guitar)
Born and raised in Chicago as a Blues guitarist, Joe worked with known international blues artists like Byther Smith, Buddy Guy, John Primer, Lonnie Brooks & family, LC Walker, Eric Davis, Toronzo Cannon, Mary Lane, Shirley King, Holly thee Maxwell, Linsey Alexander and more. Joe Mac toured with Nature's Divine known for I Just Can't Control Myself. Joe received a Lehigh River Blues Jam Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 and Lehigh Valley Music Award for 20 plus years as a musician (LOL... been more than dat).

Glenn “Speedy” Spadone (Drums)
Glenn is a retired professional Firefighter for 28 years. He started playing drums at age 8 and studied with big band drummer, Carl Wolf. He played in many bands over the years to include The Blues Factor, The Kim Brewer Blues Band, The Lovesick Homeboys and many fill-in drumming spots. Glenn's main influences are Joe Morello of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Buddy Rich and John Bonham. Highlights for Glenn were opening for Albert Castiglia and Roomful of Blues.

Mitch Shelly (Bass)
Mitch, from Quakertown, is proficient on trombone and bass. He was a long-time member of BC & The Blues Crew and Bluzin since the late 90's. Mitch has become one of the region's highly sought musicians. He works with many of the area's finest groups and mentors for many. His command of the bass, whether electric or upright, is a major crowd pleaser.

Nick Roberti (Bass/Vocals)
Nick is a graduate of Finance and Music from Moravian University out of Bethlehem PA. He now owns his own Accounting firm. Nick began with BC & The Blues Crew in early 2000 and now fills-in with The BC Combo after tax season.

SEPT 11 - Roots Music Concert (photo by Tina Pastor) Gas House Dance Hall with Glenn "Speedy" Spadone

SEPT 11 - Roots Music Concert (photo by Tina Pastor) Gas House Dance Hall with The BC Combo

SEPT 11 - Roots Music Concert (photo by Tina Pastor) Gas House Dance Hall with Wayne Smith

SEPT 11 - Roots Music Concert (photo by Tina Pastor) Gas House Dance Hall

SEPT 11 - Roots Music Concert (photo by Tina Pastor) Gas House Dance Hall with Antar Goodwin & Wayne Smith

SEPT 11 - Roots Music Concert (photo by Kirk Black Kat Hansen) BC and Brian Bortz at the Gas House Dance Hall

SEPT 11 - Roots Music Concert (photo by Tina Pastor) Joe Mac at the Gas House Dance Hall

SEPT 11 - Roots Music Concert (photo by Arlene Leffler)) Gas House Dance Hall

AUGUST 15, 2026 The Wilds, Bowmanstown PA

AUGUST 13, 2026 1812 Piano Lounge

Weathered Vineyards JUNE 19, 2026

Cheers Bistro new Busker Incognito Blues & Boogie Jam hosted by Dave Kline.

Chris Cain Sellersville Theater 2025

Nicole Burt, BC and Kevin Burt 2025 Reading Blues Fest

Joe Mac and Albert Castiglia 2025 Reading Blues Fest

Women in Blues at Reading Liedeekranz Official opener of the 2025 Reading Blues Fest Photo courtesy Dave Kline Productions

Women in Blues at Reading Liedeekranz Official opener of the 2025 Reading Blues Fest Vicki Bell, Alexis P. Suter, Sallie Bengtson, Bev Conklin, Kathryn Gregoire

Women in Blues at Reading Liedeekranz Official opener of the 2025 Reading Blues Fest Sallie Bengtson (Nola Blue Records), Dave Kline, BC

Wayne Smith and Billy Price Roots Music Concerts - Gas House Dance Hall (OCT 25, 2025)

Happy Birthday Renzo! Roots Music Concerts - Gas House Dance Hall (OCT 25, 2025)

Wayne Smith, Dr. Mojo (Matt Perry) and Bill Price Roots Music Concerts - Gas House Dance Hall (OCT 25, 2025)

Billy Price Band and BC Roots Music Concerts - Gas House Dance Hall (OCT 25, 2025)

OCT 29, 2025 Ronnie Baker Brook (Sellersville Theater) Tina Pastor Photography

Pocono Blues Festival. A very young Ronnie Baker Brooks & BC.

BC & Slam Allen at Area 51 Concert #48 Photo by Joseph A. Rosen (SEPT 28, 2025)

Area 51 Concert #48 Photo by Joseph A. Rosen (SEPT 28, 2025)

Molten Lounge, Wind Creek Casino (10.14.25) Photo from Joe Wickle

Area 51 Season 12 (2025); Concert 48 The BC Combo (Mitch Shelly, Joe Mac, BC, Wayne Smith, Glenn "Speedy" Spadone); Tina Pastor Photography

24 SEPT 2025 Dave's Night Out at Godfrey Daniels with host, Dave Fry and guests BC and Joe Mac. Photo by Tina Pastor

Area 51 Concert #48 Photo by Joseph A. Rosen (SEPT 28, 2025)

Area 51 Season 12 (2025); Concert 48 Slam Allen | The BC Combo Tina Pastor Photography

24 SEPT 2025 Dave's Night Out at Godfrey Daniels with host, Dave Fry and guests BC and Joe Mac. Photo by Tina Pastor

Joe Mac by Dane Tilghman

Cafe Classics. Sista Monica & BC singing something fun together.

Tina Pastor and Joe Rosen with Shemekia Copeland.

BC with NOLA BLUE recording artists Trudy Lynn and Benny King at Area 51 Concerts.

BC on Kevin White's wheels at Pitcher's Bike Night Jam.

Photo by Uncle Richie Bland Sellersville Theater - New Release (Sept. 13, 2025)

Tina Pastor Photography Sellersville Theater - New Release (Sept. 13, 2025)

Gina Gabriel Sellersville Theater - New Release (Sept. 13, 2025)

Tina Pastor Photography Sellersville Theater - New Release (Sept. 13, 2025)

30 AUG 2025 - Bourbon & Blues Upper Macungie (Pennsylvania) Summer Concert Series - Grange Park

The Wilds (Aug. 16, 2025) | Photo by Ginger Foose

Wayne Smith Roots Music Concerts 7/26/25 Gas House Dance Hall | Tina Pastor Photography

BC Roots Music Concerts 7/26/25 Gas House Dance Hall | Tina Pastor Photography

Glenn "Speedy" Spadone Roots Music Concerts 7/26/25 Gas House Dance Hall | Tina Pastor Photography

Mitch Shelly Roots Music Concerts 7/26/25 Gas House Dance Hall | Tina Pastor Photography

Joe Mac Roots Music Concerts 7/26/25 Gas House Dance Hall | Tina Pastor Photography

Joe Mac, BC, Dave Keller, Dr. Mojo (WMUH; Matt Perry) and Wayne Smith Roots Music Concerts 7/26/25 | Catasauqua PA Gas House Dance Hall | Photo by Dave Snyder

Joe Mac, BC, Dave Keller and Wayne Smith Roots Music Concerts 7/26/25 | Catasauqua PA Gas House Dance Hall | Photo by Dave Snyder

Mitch Shelly Roots Music Concerts 7/26/25 Gas House Dance Hall | Tina Pastor Photography

Dave Snyder, Joe Mac, Dave Keller and Tina Pastor Roots Music Concerts 7/26/25 | Catasauqua PA Gas House Dance Hall | Photo by BC with Dave's camera

Dave Keller, BC, Antar Goodwin and Jay Gleason Roots Music Concerts 7/26/25 Gas House Dance Hall | Tina Pastor Photography

Dave Keller & Bev Conklin Roots Music Concerts 7/26/25 Gas House Dance Hall | Tina Pastor Photography

Wayne Smith Roots Music Concerts 7/26/25 Gas House Dance Hall | Tina Pastor Photography

Dave Keller selfie with BC & Brian Gerard Roots Music Concerts 7/26/25 Gas House Dance Hall | Catasauqua PA

Photo by Dave Snyder MAY 17 - Roots Music Concerts John Primer Band Gas House Dance Hall Catasauqua PA 18032

Photo by Gina Gabriel July 4, 2025 City of Allentown PA Cedar Beach Park

Glenn "Speedy" Spadone 2025 Blast Furnace Blues Festival; Levitt Pavillion Tina Pastor Photography

Anglesea Blues Festival 2025 Spectator

Weathered Vineyards 06.01.25 Photo by Gina Gabriel

Weathered Vineyards 06.01.25 Pinot Noir Photo by Dave Snyder

Weathered Vineyards 06.01.25 Photo by Dave Snyder

Roots Music Concerts at The Gas House Dance Hall 05.17.25 Photo by Dave Snyder

Photo by Dave Snyder

Photo by Bobby Kyle Musikfest Cafe

Lehigh River Blues Jam 2025 Photo by Tina Pastor

Women in Blues Showcase North Jersey Blues Society Stanhope House 03.08.25 Photo by Harrison Gould

Photo by Kirk Black Kat Hansen

Photo by Laurie Lobbregt

Eddie The Chief Clearwater 2015 Photo by Dave Snyder

Photo by Laurie Lobbregt

Photo by Kirk Black Kat Hansen

The BC Combo beginnings when we changed from BC & The Blues Crew to this new formation.

Musikfest Cafe 2024 - The BC Combo Dave Snyder Photography

Musikfest Cafe 2024 - Glenn "Speedy" Spadone Photo by Tina Pastor Photography

Musikfest Cafe 2024 - Mitch Shelly Tina Pastor Photography

Musikfest Cafe 2024 - Wayne Smith Tina Pastor Photography

26th Annual Anglesea Blues Festival John Lynch (event emcee), Bev Conklin and Derrick (stage sound)

Anglesea Blues Festival 2024

Anglesea Blues Festival 2024 John Lynch, Wayne Smith, BC

Pearly Baker's. Photo by BC

Nick Roberti

Photo by Doc Z at Weathered Vineyards 8.23.27.