Biographies
Opal Rose
Vocals
Opal's first band brought her into a community of talented Rochester musicians giving her opportunities to sit in with several bands over the years, even when she was not in a band of her own. As one of the founding members of the band Fire Wheel, she has opened for several national acts and headlined at festivals. Being a part of the band Blues Circle is an opportunity to expand her love for the blues.
Jerry Laufer
Harmonica
Jerry's musical career reads like a who's who of Rochester blues. Playing with several notable bands including The Midnight Blues Band and The Occasional Saints. Jerry has also been a regular sit in player with Rochester blues legend Joe Beard among others. He took inspiration playing a set with one of the Old time Chicago greats Lefty Dizz at Buddy Guy’s club Legends in Chicago. Jerry now brings his classic Chicago blues sound to Blues Circle.
Doug Chanin
Guitar
Doug is originally from that bastion of the blues, Brooklyn, New York. He also lived in Buffalo several years. Doug eventually landed in Rochester in the early 90's and started Blues Circle in 2021. He has been playing guitar on and off since the 1980's. Major influences include classic bluesmen like Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf and Hubert Sumlin as well as more modern players like Eric Clapton and John Mayer.
Gordon Richey
Guitar
Gordon Richey is a Rochestarian born and raised, having attended West Irondequoit High School, St. John Fisher College and several other institutions of higher learning that seemingly had no effect on his intelligence. He has been getting caught up in the strings of various instruments since the age of 4.
Phil Sansone
Bass Guitar
Phil has been playing bass guitar since 1963. He is a Rochester native and a graduate of the Eastman School of Music with a degree in Sound Engineering. His influences include The Beatles and Led Zeppelin and "anyone with Incredible song writing talents"