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The West Side Winders
Bringing Rockabilly, Blues, and Surf-Rock to Life!
The West Side Winders began their musical journey in the early 2000s when guitarist Dan Peters, fresh from his stint with swing band The Big Swing, formed a rock quartet for a charity event in Chicago. Joined by bassist Randy Riley, the group discovered a natural affinity for rockabilly, blues, and surf-rock, which quickly became their signature sound. Six months later, drummer Joe Kunkel joined the band, and the trio began recording original songs in Randy’s home studio. Their debut album, Come and Get It, was released in 2004 under the name The Sidewinders, establishing a strong local following in Chicago and Milwaukee and earning standout spots at the Chicago Blues Fest.
The band’s growing popularity led to a record deal with indie label 95 North in 2005, though personnel changes soon followed. With Randy Riley focusing on his sound company and Kunkel moving to Portland, Derek Brand joined on bass, and Greg Marsh handled drums for their second album, Snaken Not Stirred. During recording, they rebranded as The West Side Winders due to a name conflict, nodding to Chicago’s blues roots. Released in 2006, the album garnered acclaim and airplay across the US and Europe. Despite 95 North’s closure, the band promoted their work independently, gaining traction on Americana radio and opening for major acts like Sammy Hagar, Foghat, and Joe Bonamassa.
As Dan showcased his guitar skills in national competitions, the band expanded their reach with tours on both US coasts and Europe. Their biggest break came in 2011 when they opened for Bon Jovi at Chicago’s United Center before 24,000 fans. By 2012, Dan moved to NYC to explore new musical opportunities, performing in Rock of Ages and other Broadway projects. After two years, he returned to Chicago to star in Dee Snider’s Rock n Roll Christmas Tale, taking on a lead role and showcasing his guitar talents.
In 2015, Dan reunited with drummer Kyle Olson and original bassist Randy Riley to reform The West Side Winders. Today, the band continues to thrill audiences with their unique blend of rockabilly, blues, and surf-rock, staying true to the vibrant sound they discovered at their very first gig.
Learn More About
The West Side Winders
The West Side Winders are often described as guitar based, Roots-Rock/Power Trio music for fans of Brian Setzer, Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Dick Dale & the Allman Brothers. Frontman Dan Peters most recently starred in the debut run of Dee Snider’s Rock N Roll Christmas Tale in at The Broadway Playhouse in Chicago, performed on Broadway (NYC) for 2 years as lead guitarist in the hit musical Rock of Ages, starred in Blue Man Group’s “EMO” project workshop in NYC & has performed the Star Spangled Banner for the Chicago Bulls at United Center.
Reasons to Book
Bringing Rockabilly, Blues, and Surf-Rock to Life!
The West Side Winders began their musical journey in the early 2000s when guitarist Dan Peters, fresh from his stint with swing band The Big Swing, formed a rock quartet for a charity event in Chicago. Joined by bassist Randy Riley, the group discovered a natural affinity for rockabilly, blues, and surf-rock, which quickly became their signature sound. Six months later, drummer Joe Kunkel joined the band, and the trio began recording original songs in Randy’s home studio. Their debut album, Come and Get It, was released in 2004 under the name The Sidewinders, establishing a strong local following in Chicago and Milwaukee and earning standout spots at the Chicago Blues Fest.
The band’s growing popularity led to a record deal with indie label 95 North in 2005, though personnel changes soon followed. With Randy Riley focusing on his sound company and Kunkel moving to Portland, Derek Brand joined on bass, and Greg Marsh handled drums for their second album, Snaken Not Stirred. During recording, they rebranded as The West Side Winders due to a name conflict, nodding to Chicago’s blues roots. Released in 2006, the album garnered acclaim and airplay across the US and Europe. Despite 95 North’s closure, the band promoted their work independently, gaining traction on Americana radio and opening for major acts like Sammy Hagar, Foghat, and Joe Bonamassa.
As Dan showcased his guitar skills in national competitions, the band expanded their reach with tours on both US coasts and Europe. Their biggest break came in 2011 when they opened for Bon Jovi at Chicago’s United Center before 24,000 fans. By 2012, Dan moved to NYC to explore new musical opportunities, performing in Rock of Ages and other Broadway projects. After two years, he returned to Chicago to star in Dee Snider’s Rock n Roll Christmas Tale, taking on a lead role and showcasing his guitar talents.
In 2015, Dan reunited with drummer Kyle Olson and original bassist Randy Riley to reform The West Side Winders. Today, the band continues to thrill audiences with their unique blend of rockabilly, blues, and surf-rock, staying true to the vibrant sound they discovered at their very first gig.
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Bringing Rockabilly, Blues, and Surf-Rock to Life!
The West Side Winders began their musical journey in the early 2000s when guitarist Dan Peters, fresh from his stint with swing band The Big Swing, formed a rock quartet for a charity event in Chicago. Joined by bassist Randy Riley, the group discovered a natural affinity for rockabilly, blues, and surf-rock, which quickly became their signature sound. Six months later, drummer Joe Kunkel joined the band, and the trio began recording original songs in Randy’s home studio. Their debut album, Come and Get It, was released in 2004 under the name The Sidewinders, establishing a strong local following in Chicago and Milwaukee and earning standout spots at the Chicago Blues Fest.
The band’s growing popularity led to a record deal with indie label 95 North in 2005, though personnel changes soon followed. With Randy Riley focusing on his sound company and Kunkel moving to Portland, Derek Brand joined on bass, and Greg Marsh handled drums for their second album, Snaken Not Stirred. During recording, they rebranded as The West Side Winders due to a name conflict, nodding to Chicago’s blues roots. Released in 2006, the album garnered acclaim and airplay across the US and Europe. Despite 95 North’s closure, the band promoted their work independently, gaining traction on Americana radio and opening for major acts like Sammy Hagar, Foghat, and Joe Bonamassa.
As Dan showcased his guitar skills in national competitions, the band expanded their reach with tours on both US coasts and Europe. Their biggest break came in 2011 when they opened for Bon Jovi at Chicago’s United Center before 24,000 fans. By 2012, Dan moved to NYC to explore new musical opportunities, performing in Rock of Ages and other Broadway projects. After two years, he returned to Chicago to star in Dee Snider’s Rock n Roll Christmas Tale, taking on a lead role and showcasing his guitar talents.
In 2015, Dan reunited with drummer Kyle Olson and original bassist Randy Riley to reform The West Side Winders. Today, the band continues to thrill audiences with their unique blend of rockabilly, blues, and surf-rock, staying true to the vibrant sound they discovered at their very first gig.
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