Sass

S.A.S.S. - This band, based out of Tacoma Washington, presents a rockin' style of Funky Blues, mixing original music with their versions of well known songs and some heart tugging ballads. Their performance is heart felt, enthusiastic and real. S.A.S.S. gives their audiences and listeners a memorable experience at every show. The band was formed in 2014. SASS has played most major venues and clubs in the South side area including, The Spar, The Swiss, The Stonegate, Dawson's, The Feedback Lounge, The Reverb Lounge, The Old Town Blues Festival, The South Sound Blues Association Blues Festival, Meeker Days Festival, North Bend Blues Walk, Northwest Harley Davidson, Tacoma Jazz and Blues Festival, Grey Sky Blues Festival and others. A high quality promotional CD of a SASS live performance is available by request. *S.A.S.S. Members Shelly Ely: A powerhouse blues vocalist, Shelly Ely promises big things from small packages. With a playfully irreverent and commanding stage presence, Shelly keeps the audience engaged. Her voice astonishes and demands attention, particularly when that deep, rich sound first emerges; she attacks each song with verve and stuns with emotion. Though influences can be heard when she performs, she's reminiscent of Etta James and Aretha Franklin, she retains her own unique style. Claiming both a Sumi Award for blues woman of the year and a Washington State Blues Society title for best female blues vocalist, she has decades of nfluential presence in the Pacific Northwest. She was a member of Big Nasty, whose members included well- known local legends like Jho Blenis, Buck England, Michael Kinder, and Terry J. Steve Merriam: A multi-faceted musician, Steve Merriam has been a powerful presence in the music scene for three decades. A graduate of the Music Institute in Hollywood, California, he also spent time as a studio musician for Paramount recording in Hollywood. Steve is a fantastic songwriter and the mind behind much of the original music S.A.S.S. performs. He's the owner and operator of 'Music Labs' digital music production and previously composed and co-produced two albums with 'Flight' and 'Red Sky'. Chicks totally dig him, probably because his music gets the dance floor live with his blues-funk guitar riffs. Andre Thomas: One of those rare and magical creatures who can play drums and sing beautifully, Andre Thomas is the rhythmic backbone of S.A.S.S. Hailing from Baltimore, Thomas is a former Navy musician whose had hips swaying all over the world. He's performed with Jimmy WItherspoon and Big Joe Turner, among others, in his twenty years of performing. Steve Bartlett: Hailing from a musically-gifted family, Steve Bartlett was inspired by his father and brother at an early age to spread love in audible forms. With a long-time presence in the PNW music scene, Steve is known as an accomplished bass guitarist who invests passion into every performance. He delivers an energetic stage performance that entertains nearly as much as the hip-shaking rhythm he lays down for S.A.S.S. on bass. He studied music and jazz at Edmond's Community College and also enjoys performing on fretless bass and the upgright or double bass. Sound System: S.A.S.S. uses their own sound system if necessary. The PA is sufficient for clubs and outdoor events. SASS - Tight funky blues band made up of veteran musicians with a new edge and unbelievable chemistry. Come get ya some!