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A Dawg's Life....

When the Dawgs are let out, there is one driving characteristic: they love to play -- and not just Frisbee. In various formations, everyone in this band has played together for years, in some cases, as many as 30 -- and we're not talking Dawg years here! Their rockin' blues sound has been entertaining local audiences for a long time. The Dawgs are somewhat of a family affair. Lead guitarist and vocalist Joe Bud is nephew to rhythm guitarist Stan Bud whose son, Stan JR's, hard-driving vocals put a spark in the eyes of the younger crowds. Jack-of-all-trades, Tom Piechota, and keyboardist Ron Piechota, are brothers in blues. Rounding out the lineup is drummer Dennis Exter.

The Dawgs swing from tasteful acoustic ballads, to soulful blues, to an intense rock and roll edge. Dawg fans like the sounds of musical legends such as B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Rolling Stones, Doors, Van Morrison, and some select original tunes. In the long tradition of jam bands, songs that welcome improvisation are key.

Photos: Scranton/Wilkes Barre Blues Association™ Rock and Blues Fest and Picnic
Benefit for The Children's Miracle Network

Dawg House

Joe Budzilek, Lead Guitar, Vocals - AKA Joe Bud and, if your inclined to know correct pronunciations that would be:
Bud 'zel ik. Joe is the hard-driving blues and blues/rock blood running through the veins of the Dawgs. From down-and-dirty to scintillating Stevie Ray Vaughn-influenced chops, to acoustic sets filled with soulful vocals, taste, and acoustic guitar mastery. Joe makes it all work.

Stan Budzilek, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals - AKA Stan Bud, provides stylish rhythmic chord clusters and key vocals. When he's not doing that he's clearly leading Stan Jr. in all the right directions.

Stan Budzilek, Jr. Bass, Vocals - Stan, Jr. kicks it up with energetic vocals and jumps in on bass also. And with the energy of youth as his driving force, he'll actually get up and do an acoustic set between regular sets, when the band goes on break to rest their aging dawg bones.

Ron Piechota, Keys - You can just call him Ron, but if you're the adventurous type the last name is pronounced Pea 'hoe ta. Improvisation is the thing that keeps him hopping. The man's got fast fingers so bring your glasses.

Tom Piechota, Bass, Rhythm Guitar, Lead, Bongos ... whatever - Tom is the utility infielder for the Dawgs, playing everything from rhythm and bass guitars, to bongos, tambourine, harp and pitching in on vocals. If it's not nailed down he'll find a way to play it. Tom is the master songwriter in the group with several decades of songwriting under his belt and a couple of albums worth of material constantly being expanded upon.

Dennis Exter, Drums - Dennis has been banging his skins for more than 30 years with every conceivable musician who has passed through the Valley. His instinctive timing provides an endless platform for exciting rhythm changes that leave our audience knowing that each show will be a unique experience.

More photos on the Fest 2004 photo gallery pages

The Dawgs are especially recognized for their contributions to
Fest 2004 to benefit the Children's Miracle Network/Geisinger Children's Hospital

Sample of their Setlist this way-->

Booking Info/ Email The Dawgs

More Blues Bands Endorsed by the Association:
Teddy Young and The Aces
Del Ray Blues Rhett Tyler Lighten Up!
Duck Soup and The Fowl Mouth Horns

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