Eight To The Bar Cover Band from Northford, CT

Eight to the Bar has become a New England institution during a career stretching back to 1975. Actually, it’s not just New England: the group plays all over the world and in 2011 even did a quick tour of the Republic of Georgia (near Russia). Drawing its musical influences from American roots music- swing, boogie woogie, classic Motown, and some blues, Eight to the Bar is known for its outstanding instrumentalists; (sax player Collin Tilton was Van Morrison’s original sax/flute player and appears on Morrison’s epic quadruple-platinum-selling “Moondance” album) and sophisticated musical and vocal arrangements, highlighted by female vocals. The group has been been awarded decades of accolades, most recently being named “Best All Around Band 2018” by CTNow. They’ve recorded 12 albums and have just released their 13th one, “The Light Fantastic”. Eric Danton, Hartford Courant EIGHT TO THE BAR is: Collin Tilton – Tenor, alto saxophone, flute. Best known for his sax and flute playing on Van Morrison's quadruple-platinum-selling Moondance album, Collin went on to play in Etta James’ band which included opening for the Rolling Stones on their 1978 U.S. Tour (“Some Girls”). Before joining ETTB in the late eighties, he served as horn arranger/section leader with Clarence Clemons and the Red Bank Rockers. His eclectic resume also includes being a member of the Caldwell-Winfield Blues Band, legendary bluesman James Cotton’s band, Johnny Tillotson, Robbie Dupree (“Hot Rod Hearts”), and making a jazz record with Carla Bley. Cynthia Lyon - Keyboards, vocals. Inspired by the legacy of her mother (who sang with her two sisters in a vocal trio during WWII), Cynthia formed the band in 1975 and had her three sisters join her in the band’s early days. She is ETTB's band leader and primary songwriter and arranger and has also played with Amyl and the Icons and the Dirty Blondes of New York City. Brinna Jones – Vocals, percussion. Brinna started singing professionally in 2002, working with a Boston-based show band followed by backing vocal gigs with many different tribute artists. In 2005, she opened for Bob Newhart, backed by a 10-piece orchestra. The following year she joined the Northeast-renowned group Souled Out, singing background vocals, and opening for The Drifters, The Pointer Sisters and The Temptations. Eric Kuhn – Bass guitar, vocals. Eric has been a bassist, vocalist, and composer in Connecticut since the late 70s. In 1988 he formed the Bus, beloved Middletown (CT) rock trio, with Michael Cleary and Paul Bozzi. Eric is known for his voice that can range from do-wop bass to swing soprano in the vocal trio. Justin Blackburn- Drums, vocals, percussion. A versatile drummer and soulful singer, Justin holds a degree in Music from Eastern Connecticut State University. He has performed with many local and national acts including Dave Costa and Peter Tork as well as his pursuing his own projects. Justin currently resides in the quiet corner of CT where he can be found teaching drums and jamming with the local musicians. Kevin Johnson - Guitar, Vocals. Kevin holds a Masters of Music Degree from Portland State University where he studied with world-renowned guitarist and composer Brian Johanson. He fronted the lively duo Celtic Corner in Portland, Oregon and appeared aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. He also plays bass, fife, flute, and saxophone.