Steve Smith and The Sneakers

STEVE SMITH

Steve began his musical career as a front man at the age of 13. He learned to sing when he began covering soul tunes by Otis Redding, Wayne Cochran, Wilson Picket, Sam and Dave and Al Green in local bands. Steve is a veteran road musician and published songwriter who has toured extensively throughout U.S. for the past 44 years. The press has called Steve “The man with too much soul to control.” His powerful vocals and colorful keyboard style have been the centerpiece for many well know local and regional acts such as Zap, Head Over Heels, Landslide, Funkenstein, OzConn, Regarding Dan, The Painter Smith Band, Loon Rangers and The Bluesberries. Steve has worked with or opened for many major recording artists such as The Doobie Brothers, Jethro Tull and B.B. King. Hall and Oats, Asleep at The Wheel, The Raspberries, Big Star, Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels, Rare Earth, Foghat, John Prine and The Amazing Rhythm Aces. Steve is a master showman who understands what it means to entertain folks. He just won’t take no for an answer when it comes to getting the house up and rockin! ..

DAVE PAINTER

Dave Painter was born and raised in Mokane, MO in the Missouri river bottoms. He started playing the guitar at the age of 9 and was performing at local fairs and schools from the age of 12. He is a graduate of the Southwest Missouri State University guitar department in Springfield, MO where he now resides. While in Springfield, Dave has played with several bands including The Bluesberries, Loon Rangers and Don Shipps and the Titanic Blues Band. He is also currently playing with the “Ozark Mountain Daredevils.” Dave has taught Guitar in Springfield for over 20 years and performed all over the Midwest. He is considered by peers and audiences alike to be one of the finest guitarists around. ..

RICK SALVADOR

Rick Salvador began playing bass at the age of 10 and has been playing guitar and bass for nearly 40 years. Rick first studied music under the direction of his father, Springfield bassist A.B. (Sal) Salvador, who also played tuba in the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. He studied music theory at Drury College in Springfield MO and has traveled with various groups playing in cities like Kansas City MO and Jupiter FL. Having spent many years concentrating on guitar and jazz theory, Rick now is focused on bass guitar and playing the blues. ..

DOUG RITTER

Doug Ritter began his musical career early when he joined the family band at the age of 5 performing at the local Country Music shows. By the age of 13, Doug was the featured drummer in his Father's band and by the age of 18 was already a veteran musician in the Springfield and Branson music scene. Doug wanted more and struck to find his own way. Over the next 20 years, he toured extensively in and around the south including Florida, Texas, New Mexico, and Alabama. Doug has shared the stage with many country music artists such as George Jones, John Anderson and Dottie West and has played with Blues artists such as Scott Ellison, Tinsley Ellis, Tommy Castro and Anthony Gomes. Doug is known for laying down a rock solid groove and is the heartbeat of the Sneakers. Doug and Rick combine to create a powerhouse rhythm section that you is guaranteed to have you movin. ..