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Highway originated in The Region, a tough blue-collar area southeast of Chicago where hundreds of bands battle for exposure and gigs. They have risen to the challenge, delivering powerful onstage shows week after week, year after year. Highway has tapped into the primal source of rock music, the blues, and followed its evolution through seminal bands such as The Allman Brothers Band, The Rolling Stones and Cream. Their original music acknowledges their musical debt to these bands without sacrificing passion and freshness.
Highway has further distinguished itself by playing the GABBA Fest in Macon Georgia. They have shared the stage with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jackyl, Foreigner and Styx and have played the Tommy Jeans stage at Chicago’s Tweeter Center and Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island Chicago. Their original songs have been aired on 93.1 WXRT and the 95.9 The LOOP Radio in Chicago, 103.9 X- Rock & Night Rock in Valparaiso and KOOL 101.9 Radio in Indianapolis.
Seeing Highway live, the first impression is that there is no star in Highway- in truth, every member of the band is a born rock star. Vocalist David Varella sings with the passion of BB King, Ray Charles and Greg Allman. Brothers John and Jim Bonick blaze on guitars. Blending their two instruments into one, they invoke Keith Richards and Brian Jones on those great early Stones records.
Tim Daileys bass- playing is equal parts Bootsy Collins and Paul McCartney- funky and melodic. Drummer Corie Wilcox approaches the drum kit with the swing of Charlie Watts and the power of John Bonzo Bonham. He is the real thing. Classically trained keyboardist Rick Hemphill provides the icing on the cake, and an air of sophistication to the raw rock and roll sound of Highway. All the members write great songs, and all contribute harmonies.
Talented and hard working, yes, but Highway is also a good-time rock and roll band. A Highway show is a party. They bring back the good times when rock n roll songs you could dance to and sing along with wasnt too much to ask.
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