The Marci Linn Band

" Marci Linn: Kalamazoo Blues Fest 2008You can't lose with the Marci Linn Band" That's what regional enthusiasts have been saying for years about the veteran vocalist and her tight, four-piece unit. Linn and her musical collegues have been serving a rich blend of blue-eyed soul, to audiences across southwest Michigan and beyond for several years, and listeners come up the winners every time.The Marci Linn Band is anchored by Linn, a longtime fixture on the regional music scene, and her husband, Jim beebe, a veteran blues musician in his own right. Linn and Beebe met in the Kalamazoo-based blues band Loaded Dice, splitting from the Dice to roll the own musical destiny.Hailing from Lansing, Mich., Linn started singing in bands in the early 80's and has toured nationally. With a voice big enough to do Aretha Franklin songs justice, yet tender enough for the sweetest ballads, Linn's vocal versatility is sure to please even the most discriminating listener. As lead singer for Loaded Dice, she was instrumental in helping that band win the 2002 Kalamazoo Valley Blues Assossiation talent contest and an all-expense-paid trip to the 2003 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn.Beebe also is a familiar force on the regional scene and beyond, having bee part of two major Kalamazoo-based blues bands. He was guitarist for blues diva Annette Taborn and her popular group Blueshouse and was a founding member of Dr. Bones and the Skeletones, two bands whose presence is sorely missed. His 20-plus years on the scene also include time in such well-known bands as Three City Five and Night Train. Beebe and the rest of Three City Five were hired to back up legendary bluesman and recording artist Robert Ward in 1998 on a club tour. Said Ward, after a date at Buddy Guy's Legends, "He plays the guitar as well as anybody that ever put it on."Rounding out the Marci Linn Band are keyboard whiz Willie Phipps, bassist extraoridinaire Greg Orr and Sam Gould on drums, Greg Orr is also alum of Three City Five, and carry on that fine band's reputation for stellar musicianship.