Band Bio
Southbound was formed in September of 1986 at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The band was founded by Stan Lukasz (Guitar & Vocals) & Peter Hammon (Guitar) and named the group after the first song they ever played. The group covered music of the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rush, Thin Lizzy, and the Grateful Dead. Southbound got its start by playing Marquette University functions and campus clubs such as Thoma's and the Glocca Morra.
In 1991, Mike Kavanaugh (Lead Vocals, Guitar, formerly of "The Rocket Scientists") and Tony May (Keyboards, Vocals) joined the group to round out a lineup which consisted of Stan Lukasz (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Tom Connell (Drums, formerly of "Surrender Dorothy"), and Matt Mazza (Bass, Vocals). It was at this time that Southbound began playing cover material which closely resembles the music and character of the current band. The band saw an increase in popularity as they played at clubs such as Harpo's, Hammes', the Boardwalk, and the Parkway East.
In 1992, Stan left Southbound and the group disbanded for a short period of time. Stan & Tony joined "Second Look" during that time and met Tim Schulz (Drums) and Jim Wiedabach (Drums). In 1993, "Second Look" disbanded and a newly formed version of Southbound was born. This version of Southbound consisted of Stan Lukasz, Mike Kavanaugh, Tony May, Matt Mazza, Tim Schulz, and Jim Wiedabach. The newly formed group carried on where "Second Look" had left off and continued playing Milwaukee's eastside clubs and stretched out to an audience around greater Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin.
In 1994, Matt Mazza left Southbound and Tony's brother, Jim May (Bass), joined the group. With this lineup, Southbound played for a couple years when Mike Kavanaugh quit the band to pursue a music career in Nashville and we are happy to report that he is doing well. John Moss (Guitar, formerly of "Capitol Drive") replaced Mike and both he and Jim Wiedabach left the band in early 1995. John still plays in the Milwaukee area in various bands such as the "Brian McGlaughlin Band". That same year, Dan Hanson (Guitar, Vocals) joined Southbound. The group played with this lineup for a few years with much success, becoming one of the biggest draws on Milwaukee's eastside.
In January of 1998, Jim May retired as full-time bass player after becoming a new father. Jim still plays occasionally with the group, so don't be surprised to see him now and again. Scott McCutcheon sat in for Jim and played with the group until he left in April of 1998 when he moved to New Zealand. It was at that point that Rick Holmes joined Southbound. Rick played with Southbound for about a year before retiring to pursue endeavors with the "Zoot Suit Boogie Band".
Jeff "Swifty" Gordon, formerly of the "Bones of Contention" replaced Rick in August of 1999. Jeff departed Southbound in March of 2002 to pursue other musical endeavors in his home town of Madison.
In April of 2002, Southbound welcomed it's newest member, Drew Rittgers, formerly of "Big Nick & The Cydecos", "Reverend Raven & The Chainsmokin' Alter Boys", "Chuck Might and The Bluescaters", and "True Heart Susie". Drew is an accomplished player and student of jazz and progressive rock, who's talents include keyboards and the Chapman Stick.
Southbound
Tony May Stan Lukasz Tim Schulz Drew Rittgers Dan Hanson
Southbound has completed recording their all-original, self-titled debut album. Southbound utilized the recording talents of WAMI award winning engineer, Pat Lilley (Nexus Recording Studios LTD). Southbound finished recording in May 2002 and released the CD in September 2002. The band continues to write new material for its next recording project.