Name of the Band/Act: Blackwood Steel
When did band form: 2015
Members: Danielle Fulks – Vocals/Guitar; Tim Taylor – Vocals/Guitar; Jeff Schartiger – Guitar/Banjo/Mandolin/Steel Guitar; Jesse Byrd – Drums and Ron Cerosky – Bass.
About the band: Blackwood Steel first came together after Schartiger and Byrd would have late-night jamming sessions that involved a lot of country music, and just as much beer. They wanted to form a band that performed country music, but with a little more edge. Schartiger suggested Fulks, whom he had played with in a few bands over the years. They found that her voice was a great match for the sound they were looking to achieve. They then came across Cerosky’s ad for a bass player who was looking for a band to join. His experience in so many different genres brought the driving bass line they were looking for. But, they still needed someone to fill out the rhythm and could also bring harmony to their vocals. Cerosky knew of Taylor after playing with him before. He not only fit on harmonies, but also provided someone that could share lead vocal duties.
The eclectic musical background of the members is what gives Blackwood Steel their unique sound and diverse set list in their shows. Fulks, was singing at the age of 3 and performed her first working gig with a blues band and then joined a hard rock metal cover group. Taylor, first found his voice in the church choir and finds his influences from bands that include Creedence Clearwater Revival and Lynyrd Synyrd. Byrd, first started playing drums at the age of 12 and has been listening to country music his entire life. His musical influences include everyone from Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash to Justin Moore and Brad Paisley. Cerosky has been performed in Akron area bands for years with groups that covered music from different genres including traditional country, blues, classic and hard rock. Schartiger was first taught guitar by his father at 5-years-old and has played with groups that have covered various styles of music from southern rock to traditional country to heavy metal. He also brings out more traditional instruments to their performances with his playing of banjo, mandolin and steel guitar.
The Orrville, based band defines their name Blackwood Steel as an old locomotive running down a track of black-wood railroad ties and steel rails, never stopping till it reaches its destination. They feel it fits them perfectly because their music is driving, just like an old train running down the track.
Why you should see their show: Blackwood Steel’s show is just as diverse as the musical background of it’s members. In any show you going to hear a variety of music from modern and traditional country to southern and classic rock to the occasional pop song. They entertain a wide variety of music fans with their “country with an edge” style of music. In addition to the range of music played, they also incorporate more traditional country music instruments like the banjo, steel guitar, and mandolin.
Websites/Socials/Videos: You can follow Blackwood Steel and get show updates on their Facebook page or Twitter. You can also watch videos of the band on their YouTube channel.
Upcoming Dates: Saturday, October 28 at the American Legion in Orrville, OH for their Halloween Costume Party (8pm – 12am) and Saturday, November 4 at Red Dog Saloon in East Sparta, OH (9:30pm-1:30am).
