Blue Avenue Delegates

The Blue Avenue Delegates, a rhythm and blues cover band comprising some of the top musicians from across the state, according to bassist and founding member David Zdybel, will celebrate 45 years of playing in Lansing with a show at Old Town’s UrbanBeat venue Saturday evening.

Formed in 1980 for a benefit show at the Green Door, the group continued to play at the venue every Monday night for 15 years. When that gig ended, the band migrated to other Lansing-area venues and beyond, releasing two albums of live recordings. Notable performances include opening for Ray Charles at the Wharton Center and playing on riverboats in Japan in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Today, after a few lineup changes, the group includes Zdybel, Bob Schultz, Mike Daniels, Steve Pinckney, Geoff Lewis, Doug Decker, Dan Giacobassi, Dave Huber and Billy Rider.

In a 1995 Lansing State Journal article, Pinckney stated that the group's success could be partially attributed to its ability to play “material no other bands will touch.” Its repertoire remains the same today, with more than 100 songs to choose from. The band plays without setlists, ensuring each show is different and tailored to the crowd.

With a three-piece horn section and harmonica to boot, Zdybel said attendees of a Blue Avenue Delegates show can expect “uniqueness, fun, good rhythm and danceable music.”

“For a lot of people, it takes them back to the 1900s,” he said, lamenting the general drop in concert attendance following the rise of the internet and the COVID pandemic.

Tickets are $15 in advance at urbanbeatevents.com or $20 at the door. Doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner and drinks.