The BC Combo

Bev Conklin (Vocals)
Beverly was born in New Orleans Louisiana. Her musical influences began with her Grandfather, Dr. Joseph A. Hardin, who was a founding member and master of ceremony for many NAACP events that included artists like Duke Ellington. 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 until she graduated Parkland high school. It wasn't until she finished graduate studies 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.  Her friendship with Tonya Brown of Queen Bee and the Blue Hornet Band led to being encouraged to embrace this new opportunity.  BC was very honored when asked to fill-in for lead singer Mary Dunbar and recorded live at Sun Studios in Memphis TN with the Friar's Point Band during an IBC competition. Bev also performed and recorded with Tower Suite & Friends with band mate, Wayne Smith, from 2010-2017 at the Sands Casino in Bethlehem PA.  BC has cherished all that's been achieved, including making to the finals of the IBC with her band and learning how her roots are tied to the Blues.  She was the founder of the Woman's Blues Alliance and the Lehigh River Blues Jam and served on numerous boards of community organizations and more. 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 works with Rock Roots with Dave Fry, 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)
Joe has been performing with the band over the last 6 years and became an official member in 2018.  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 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.