Gallery of the Greats

The Wetband has been fortunate to play with many great friends and musicians.  
This is a tribute to them...

The Wetband WOULD be history, if it were not for the continuing support and enthusiasm of the famous Leopardettes, their background vocalists, and foreground and FOREMOST loyal fans, and here are four of the foremost:  Shirley, Isolde, Shelley and Sheila.

This very photo gallery would have been impossible without the inspired work of Wetband photographer, Shirley B. Wet who doubles as a Leopardette, known particulary for her great duets with Willie B. and her eye grabbing Leopardette wardrobe.

Drummer Neil P. Ludwig, often the beating heart of the band, and also a founding member of the legendary West Wind Trio, along with Kenny and Woody. Along with Kenny and Nadyne, Neil was a key figure in the production of the first Wetband CD. Neil worked on this project as CD & Digital Sound Engineer, as well as joining Kenny in album design and post-production. Without his expertise the project would never have gotten off the ground.

Drummer Bob Scorsese (seen here serenading Brother Ray) is the other half, with Neil P. Ludwig, of the great Wetband drumming duo. Bob is also famous for producing the first Wetband video feature. His opening sequence is still a mystery to videographers who -- flushed with embarassment -- cannot determine how he achieved his legendary whirlpool of music notes and accompanying sound effects. The soundtrack from Bob's video documentary of the Sixth Burton Webster Blues Festival was used to make the first Wetband album: The Barbarians Are Here.

Jack B. Thorogood (seen here jamming with Willie B.) has made regular guest appearances at the annual Blues Fest since 1989.

Kid Cola (seen here jamming with Woody and Jack) has electrified more than one Wetband concert. He is notorious for his defining remark during the "Shut Up! And Tune Me" Session which sent Kenny into a veritable paroxysm of lyrical and musical improvisation.

Paul B. Joel is the Wetband's premier keyboard wizard. You can see him here at work at Bluesfest 2002, looking as calm and cool as ever while conjuring up his amazing keyboard magic.

The Banana Kid is a frequent guest vocalist with the band, and is best known for her stirring renditions of Jewel and Sarah McLachan songs. She is shown here at the annual Blues Fest cozying up to Brother Ray.

Gareth Hudson and Isolde Soprano are the famed proprietors of the legendary Garsolde Rathskeller in Guelph, which played such an important part in the early careers of Kenny and Woody. Both are among the Wetband's favourite guest vocalists. Gareth has also been known to sit in on keyboards from time to time.

Gavin Garsolde, progeny of Gareth and Isolde giving Jethro a run for his money on the bass at the Blues Fest. No wonder he is sometimes referred to as Jethro Junior. Along with Banana Kid and Kid Cola he forms the first contingent of the next generation.

Doc Aaron blew in from south of the border with his twelve string guitar and blew everyone away with his ripsnorting rendition of "Cocaine" at Blues Fest 98, which became a highlight track on the Wetband's first Blues Fest CD.

Ian Twelvestrings played his big, bodacious twelve-string and sang at some of the early Blues Fests before embarking on his round the continent tour.

Tammy Wynwette, pictured here with Wendy, was a special guest vocalist at the 1996 Blues Fest and sang some great duets with her pa, our own redoubtable Willie B. Wet.

When not in the woods with Woody, Shelley B. Wet is the premier host of Wetband Blues Festivals. She is also a vocalist with the Leopardettes and is known for her soulful duets with Woody as well as her great all around enthusiasm and support. She is shown here singing with the Banana Kid and Brother Ray.

It is hard to find a place to start in describing Sheila B. Wet's contributions to the Wetband and the Bluesfests. She designed and made the original Leopardette leopardskin pillbox hats. She takes many of the great Wetband photographs. She works as Sound Engineer on many Bluesfests as well as other Wetband projects. She is a vocalist with the Leopardettes and is well known for her duets with Kenny B. She has hosted many of the Wetband recording sessions... 

Cat Adelle has graced many a Bluesfest with her soaring soprano voice.  Seen here singing backup vocals to Woody on keyboard.

Suze Melbourne, famous Down Under Girl was a special guest star at the gala 20th Bluesfest.

Steve Page Jr has guest starred at many a Bluesfest either on thunderous twelve string or searing electric guitar.