BONE HISTORY

When Bob Barthel, conceived the name for his new band “The Bones”, it was originally intended to be an anachronism for a newspaper to be known as THE B.O.N.E.S. (BrOtherhood of Nightclub EntertainerS). Well soon his spirit to perform was rekindled thus the band, The Bones, came to life. The first Bones CD, "Down To The Bones" includes twelve tunes written and produced by Bob, with Jeff Krause on drums and Tom Hamilton playing base. 

There's a lot of pedigree behind this band. It started when the Deep River Band was formed along with brothers Marty and Ray Edmaiston, one of NW Indiana’s most successful Rock & Roll bands of the time. Their album “Rocks” sold about 25,000 units throughout the country in the early 80’s. They performed in front of the likes of Ted Nugent, Joan Jet, The Safaris, Rick Nelson, Survivor, Mark Farner, Black Foot, Styx, The Go Go’s, and many others at some of the A-Room venues across the country. However due mostly to their extensive tour schedule it unfortunately led to a shake up in the band and the reformation of DRB to become known as Shuddup & Drive.  Bob left DRB to form 333 in 1982.

Mike Burdett and Marty Edmaiston had begun several tours with Shuddup & Drive throughout Florida and parts of Colorado when they linked up with Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad who produced a recording project for the band. It produced several tunes such as "Hurt Too Bad" and "Pain Loves Company". Another shakeup in the band sends Mike to Las Vegas where he found himself pursuing music in what he calls "the biggest Holiday Inn gig in the world". Just when he began to think he had made the biggest mistake in his life, he hooked up with Jimmie Van Zant, cousin to the famous family from Jacksonville Florida, and helped form the present Jimmie Van Zant  Band. The JVZ Band is still performing dates throughout the country thanks to Mikes’ help in writing several tunes on their CD.

JOE EMILE LISZCZAK is from his hometown of QUEBEC, CANADA. Joe Emile came to the region at a early age. he started his musical carrier in 6th grade Kahler, Middle school, Dyer. Joe Emile played drums in the Lake Central Marching Band. Joe Emile has over 30 years of musical performances. He plays a variety of instruments, keyboards, flute, accordion, vibes, percussion and drums. A unique vocal talent Joe Emile colors music with a blend of strong lead vocals and close harmonies. His musical influences are King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Genesis, Peter Gabriel. With a ear for sound Joe Emile enjoys finding the color of a song with his Yamaha instruments. He has played with such greats as Albert King, Bobby Bear, Dotty West. JOEL "BABY" VALACHI has played many main stage performers by the likes of Jose Feliciano and Mike Schreive, the original drummer from Santana.

The Bones were formed in 1994 as a three-piece party rock and roll band based out of Lincoln Park in Chicago, Illinois. They played at many venues in the city such as Lizzy McNeils', The Playhouse, The Cubby Bear, and few booze cruises. The band continues to perform their own tunes as well as contemporary and rock classics. Their style has always been described as having a "kick / slam" kind of beat. The Bones are "the real thing"! Most of their show consists of original tunes Bob wrote through the years as well as tunes by The Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Mellencamp, Maroon 5, and Chris Daughtry. 

THE CURRENT LINEUP INCLUDES: Bob Barthel on lead vocals and guitar; Marty Carr on guitar and vocals; Joel "Baby" Valachi on bass and vocals; Stan Childers on Drums, and Joe Emile (pictured at right) on keyboards, flute, and vocals. They get their inspiration from real life adventures and experiences.  They have a great story to tell!