Dr. Buck and the Blues Bangers were formed in early 2004. The Bluesbangers are a 5-piece blues band from Thunder Bay Ontario that is comprised of talented local artists with only one thing in common, love of music, specifically, the genre of music we all know and love as the blues.
Ray "Dr. Buck" Bukovy: Guitar, Vocals and Harmonica
Ray has been playing guitar since the age of 12. In the late 60's Ray was lead singer for several local rock bands including, Purple Haze, White Light and 2009. Ray's musical career came to a standstill from the early 70's to the early 90's when raising a family became a priority. The blues has always been a large part of Rays' love of music. Blues artists such as John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page have been an influence on Ray's musical direction. Scott Holt and Joe Bonamassa are a couple of his current favourite blues artists. Ray returned to blues guitar in the mid 90's. In early 2004 Ray was able to host several jam sessions that ended up in the formation of Dr. Buck and the Blues Bangers.
Kevin Bukovy: Drums and Vocals
Kevin started singing and playing the drums at an early age and played in several local rock bands. Kevin continued his musical interest after moving to Vancouver, where he learned guitar and keyboards and began composing and recording his own music. Upon his return to Thunder Bay and because of his life long interest in the blues, Kevin joined Dr. Buck and the Blues Bangers as drummer and vocalist.
Ed came to Thunder Bay from Hamilton, ON where he was the six string man for the groups Pawn, and The Blue Angels, playing blues and good old rock and roll. His love of the blues came at an early age when he first heard that incredible music coming out of the steel city night clubs in his neighbourhood, and from here he searched out the music and the people who made it; learning to play it along the way. Ed has been around the music scene for a long time and it shows in his tone and style. Since moving north he has played guitar with the popular Blind Druid band and more recently with Roughouse, and now enjoys playing an eclectic blues rock style of music with Dr.Buck.
Gary Hare: Vocals and Keyboards
Gary started his musical career playing in bands on Canada's East Coast. He traveled extensively through Quebec and the Maritimes playing in a variety of road groups. Gary later moved to Ottawa, where he continued to perform in local bands. He then moved to Thunder Bay where he played with a band known as Careers Without College before taking a sabbatical to pursue other interests. He came back to the music scene with a band called Tender Mercy's who are now on hiatus. As of late he is playing with Rochester & the Roosters and Dr. Buck & The Blues Bangers.
Joe Levanto: Bass guitar
Joe started playing bass guitar in the late 60s and played with several local bands throughout the 70s and 80s. Joe like many other musicians took a hiatus from music to spend time raising a family. Joe's love of the blues influenced his decision to join Dr. Buck in May 2005.