Our History
February '06: Mike Wilks had a vision for bringing some True Blues to the Centre region.
The Philipsburg Heritage Days Celebration was chosen for a "Volunteer Blues Jam". Some old rock band friends were assembled
for this special, volunteer event and, following a couple rehearsal jams, The Blue Tooth Band was ready to rock the festival.
The band played on Front Street, from under the Rowland Theatre Marqee. Members were Mike Wilks vocals and guitar; Mike
Hughes, Drums; Chuck Navasky, lead guitar; John Phillipi, rhythm guitar; Chris Reese, harp; Jim Williams, bass.
After receiving a rousing response from the festival attendees, it was clear that the Centre region wanted and
needed some True Blues. Mike, then set-out to assemble a band of musicians who knew and loved the Blues.
This would become a long, dedicated search for the "best of the bluesmen"!
March '07: The Blue Tooth Band was on the bill to play at a benefit gig for a cancer patient
who was instrumental in the State College music scene, Mr. Bob Trump. This was held at the Boalsburg Elks Country Club.
New members for this gig were; Paul Hamilton, guitar; Tim Richmond, keys and harp; Mark Stevenson, bass. A
drummer was borrowed from another band for this.
July '07: The Blue Tooth Band plays the Philipsburg Heritage Days Celebration, held at the P-O High School
due to downtown construction.
Members were; New drummer, Bennett Hoffman; Mike Wilks, vocals and guitar; Paul Hamilton, guitar; Tim
Richmond, keys and harp; Mark Stevenson, bass.
July '08: The Blue Tooth Band plays the Philipsburg Heritage Days Celebration again, this year it was back on
the Front Street Stage.
Harmonica great, Richard Sleigh came on board with the band with Mike Wilks, vocals and guitar; Paul Hamilton, lead
guitar; Bennett Hoffman, drums; Eric Barthmaier, bass; Scott Smith, Sax. A guest appearance was made by Chuck Navasky
on guitar and the stage was set to smokin'!
October '08: The Blue Tooth Band plays at "Over The
Mountain", a great music venue located at Rockton, PA.
Members: Mike Wilks, vocals and guitar; Richard Sleigh, harp; Paul Hamilton, lead guitar; Bennett
Hoffman, drums; Eric Barthmaier, bass.
New guitar players were auditioned during the spring of '09.
July '09: The Blue Tooth Band made some awesome Blues at the Philipsburg Heritage Days Festival.
Members: Mike Wilks, vocals and guitar; Richard Sleigh, harp; Bennett Hoffman, drums; Eric Barthmaier, bass;
Jeff Gibble, Lead Guitar (he has split already).
Now, we're looking for a Lead Guitarist who knows the Blues and Loves the Blues
and can have zero head-games.
