Chicago bred and born, “Wailin’ Bert” Calderon brings his roots and style from the home of the blues, Chicago. He has been playing professionally since the age of 15 and spent his teen years in New York bringing experience of both pro and amateur guitar playing to the Wailin' Wolves band. Having shared stages with the likes of The Young Rascals, the Butterfield Blues Band, The Blues Project, Demian Bell, Randall "Big Daddy Blues" Webster, Jeff Conaway, Spirit, and numerous others he brings his unique style, a blend of Chicago bluez, classic rock, and 60's / 70's rock to his unique arrangements. He has played at the famous Cafe Wah, The Bitter End, and Cafe Au Go Go, in the village, numerous clubs in FL and NY, and college campuses, amongst many other well-known stages. He opened up for The Young Rascals in 1966 at Brooklyn Academy Of Music in NY, has written a number of songs and plays lead, rhythm, and bass guitar, pleasing crowds of all sizes.
If all of our friends or even all of our "LIKES" would just vote once we would be way in the lead for this Americana Contest. So please everyone we know gather ur energy for even one day and vote for us.
Please Vote for us for the COCA Americana awards
http://www.cocanet.org/americana
You can vote everyday starting tomorrow thru Aug 17, 2012. It would be great for us to win.
What gear do you use?
Fender Lone Star Strat, Marshall MG100HDFX head with 4/12 Marshall Cab, BC Rich Guitar, Marshall MG100HDFX combo amp w/ 2/12" speakers, 3 Shure SM58 Mics, Full PA System w JBL and Peavey speakers
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
The Young Rascals, The Butterfield Blues Band, The Blues Project, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, BB King, Buddy Guy, and Robert Cray.
I loved the blues and classic rock right from the start and opened up for some of these artists in NY growing up.
Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?
Been in bands since I was 15 yrs old, playing blues, classic rock, psychedelic, funk and R & B. Current band is The Wailin' Wolves Band. The Wailin’ Wolves Band comes from a diverse range of age and genre backgrounds to create their own original sound. A unique blend of modern hits, blues and rock classics, peppered with original compositions, they play a high energy show suitable for any age group that will keep you dancing or toe-tapping the whole show. As one of our avid fans stated, “your grooves cut clean and hard through the genre clutter to grab my ears and soul".
If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?
Buddy Guy, BB King, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, and Stevie Ray Vaughn because they are the true icons of rock and blues.
What's the biggest audience you ever performed to? What's the smallest?
10,000 people opening up for The Young Rascals in 1966 at Brooklyn Academy of Music in NY. It was an incredible experience that is one of my fondest memories. My most memorable recent experience was at The Plaza Restaurant and Lounge in Thomasville, Ga. playing to a packed house. Lots of good times!