BAJA- Not your average band!

Several bands were started during the pandemic, one of them is the BAJA band. It is a group of musicians based out of Northern/Central Illinois featuring a live horn section.

The band, started by Johnathan Rivera and AJ Schmall, was created in the midst of the pandemic. 

“We started BAJA in 2020 when Jonathan and I [AJ Schmall] were sent home from our colleges, him at NIU and myself at Bradley, due to COVID-19,” said Schmall.

They are both from Dixon, IL. He said they were able to hang out; writing music and learning covers in the newfound time they had. 

“Things escalated quickly from March of 2020 with us releasing our first professionally recorded song "Nothing Can Hold Me Back" in December of 2020,” said Schmall. 

Schmall and Rivera are the core members of the group. AJ mainly handles the business side of things while Jonathan spends a lot of time arranging horn parts. 

Schmall said what sets them apart from other bands is their larger group and horn section.

“We always include me on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Jonathan on lead guitar, keys, and lead vocals, a drummer, bass player, and a fluid horn section,” said Schmall.

They frequently perform with a number of musicians, they also occasionally perform with a network of horn players.

“Performances typically range from 6-8 people but have gotten as large as 12 musicians. The ever-changing lineup keeps each show unique yet consistently achieves the same end sound,” said Schmall.

Schmall recalls their favorite concert experience so far.

“We played a mashup of covers for the first time (Chameleon - Herbie Hancock, Valerie - Amy Winehouse, and Superstition - Stevie Wonder) that was SO fun,” said Schmall.

They will be in Dunlap in July. They will be back in the Peoria area in September and October!





New music from band, Dead Man's Dog

Have you heard of the psychedelic rock band, "Dead Man’s Dog"? Well, now is the perfect time to tune in, if you haven’t.

Cover Album

The St. Louis-based band with strong Peoria ties announced the release of their debut album, Floral Underground, on Thursday, June 16th.

The Floral Underground is now available to stream and download from major digital stores.

CDs will be available for purchase at the official CD release party on Sunday, June 26th, at Tracy's Supper Club in Norris, IL. Along with performances of original songs by both Dead Man’s Dog and Illinois powerhouse acoustic band Still Shine.

Dead Man’s Dog is led by Richie Darling, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. Noah Juan, a bassist and songwriter; and Jacob "Buzz" Buskirk, a drummer who has also contributed to songs and electronic instrumentation.

"The album has 15 tracks of genre-defying authentic American music that represents the spiritual independence, whimsicality, and playfulness of the band, as well as demonstrating the incredible instrumental capability of a band simultaneously in their prime and infancy," said Darling.

To learn more, visit their website.

Back of Cover album