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Andrew Jess is a self taught dynamic guitarist whose lead and harmonizing vocal abilities have lead him to become one of the most sought after performers on the country rock circuit in the Midwest. Growing up in Texas, Andrew Jess' musical influences were as diverse as they come from the hard edgy rock sounds of Guns and Roses - to the early days of hip hop by the late rapster Eazy-E - to the honkey tonk style of Waylon Jennings. Andrew Jess found his greatest musical influence with the emergence of Garth Brooks onto the country scene. Witnessing Garth's ability to get a crowd rocking with an acoustic guitar in hand; Andrew Jess was inspired to follow suit. In 1993, he purchased his first guitar and soon pulled together his first band with an uncle and few friends. Ten years later and several reformations of the group, Andrew Jess and his uncle's band - Smokin Gunz - was voted Chicago's number one country band. He continued to increase his exposure through his weekly acoustic acts at several local restaurants and bars in the Chicagoland area. Andrew Jess demonstrated his strong musical talents when Smokin Gunz' lead guitarist left the band and he was asked to step into that role as well. Recognizing this hidden talent as a front man lead guitar player, Andrew Jess soon formed a new trio - Raggedy Band and Andy. Andrew Jess' life-long desire to become a full time musician became a reality upon joining forces with veteran vocalist and musician Kelly Ann and the Mason Rivers Band. Andrew Jess' repertoire includes the hottest, new country and rock to classics, including the newest genre of music - hick hop. Andrew Jess' proudest accomplishments to date include having his jingles played on Chicago's number one country radio station US99's morning show by Big John and Ray, performing on the front and back stages at the World Famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge in Nashville, Tennessee, and opening for headliners - Confederate Railroad, Kentucky Head Hunters, Molly Hatchet and the Silvermen. Andrew Jess and Mason Rivers recently performed on a Concerts at Sea's Country Music Cruise with Jamie O'Neal, Erika Jo, Craig Morgan and Neal Mc Coy. Proudly, Andrew Jess performs every weekend at Jimmy Buffett's Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants as their Saturday and Sunday afternoon entertainment at Des Plaines & Algonquin locations respectively.