| The Buffalo-based Tommy Z Band will bring its distinctive mix of blues, rock, jazz and funk to troops stationed in Southwest Asia October 15-November 8. Led by blues-based singer/guitarist Tommy Z (the son of a Vietnam-era veteran) the group has established a devoted following among blues aficionados both in the U.S. and overseas. Joining Tommy on the Armed Forces Entertainment tour are Chu Nero on keyboards and saxophone; Roger Schlee on drums; Rob Mazurkewicz on bass; and sound technician Kevin Borzilleri.
"We are excited about performing for our troops in Southwest Asia and hope to serve up something potent for them in terms of a taste of home," said Tommy Z. "When you play the kind of music we play, there's a lot of passion involved and it's very moving. I like to look at music as medicine, and we want to provide our troops with a therapeutic release from the pressures they face each day."
Tommy Z has received numerous music awards, including being named Top Blues Vocalist in Western New York in 2003-04 and being named Top Blues Guitarist in Western New York six times. Tommy was also awarded the Muddy Waters Award for Artist of the Year from the Blues Society of WNY in 2004, and the Tommy Z Band was named Crossover Blues Band in 2005 and 2006 at the Buffalo Music Awards. In addition, Tommy Z will be inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame this fall.
Tommy Z has co-billed or shared the stage with such renowned acts as B.B. King, Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Roomful of Blues. He recently released a critically-acclaimed CD, "Universal Love".
"Tommy Z is a soulful blues singer and masterful guitarist who offers up fresh and original lyrics and a style of blues that's uniquely his. He has an innate ability to connect with his audiences musically," said Army Captain Trevor Garrett, Armed Forces Entertainment circuit manager for Southwest Asia. "The Tommy Z Band is one of the most popular acts to perform for our troops overseas, which is why we are thrilled to be taking them on the road again."
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Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment.
Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.
For more information on Tommy Z, visit www.myspace.com/southblossomrecords or www.tommyzband.com.
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