Mike Blanchard & the Californios are a group of seasoned pros based around the singing and songwriting of Mike Blanchard. Mike started the band several years ago, giving up the drudgery and volume of a rock band for th esurefire path to stardom that is traditional country music.
Mike has been the singer/rhythm guitarist in the legendary Sacramento twang rock band, the Tattooed Lvoe Dogs for over 20 years. The Dogs won four SAMMIES (Sacramento Area Music Awards) for Best Rock Band and Best Country Band and is in the SAMMIES Hall of Fame.
Lest you think the band is all Mike all the time, and it’s not, the band also features the vocals of the Cadillac of Country Music Singers, Mike’s wife LaurieAnne Blanchard. Laurie is an accomplished singer/songwriter. She has played all over the country, including a stint in Nashville, as a solo act and with her band Her Six Daughters.
Mike and Laurie are joined by their longtime musical collaborator Vincent Montoya. Vincent—who plays the guitar and sings—has been on the road since he was a teenager playing with his dad Jose Montoya’s band, Trio Casindio. He followed this up as one of the main cats in the Tattooed Love Dogs and Seventy as well as a solid resume in the theatre as an actor and musician.
Roger Kunkel is the leading light on the lead guitar. Ex of the band Thin White Rope and others, he is a multi-instrumentalist who brings years of experience and a world of tasteful playing to the Californios sound.
Th erhythm section features Eric Crownover on the snare drum and singing. Some drummers travel with a stack of drums but Eric’s virtuosity shines ont he snare. The single drum means that when the fans rush the stage, Eric can make a speedy getaway. Bassist Rob Meyer is a veteran of the Northern California music scene and has toured with bands all over the West. His fluid lines and musicality tie the sound together and get folks out on the dance floor.