This four-piece band of well-seasoned St. Louis urban blues musicians is eager to bring down the house at every club they encounter.

Matt Morrell and Joe Gerst formed the Blues Handle Band in 1990. This band can be seen at a variety of venues from nightclubs to Blues Festivals throughout the Midwest. Meet the members of Blues Handle.

Matt Morrell - Harmonica, Percussion

Matt has played his unique style of harmonica professionally for over 20 years. Highly regarded by fellow musicians as one of the best pickup players in St. Louis. Prior to Blues Handle, Matt performed with the Breeze Band, and from this band came some of the influence for Blues Handle. That is saying a lot seeing how Blues is the true American music that has many roots in St. Louis.

Joe Gerst - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Vocalist, and Songwriter

Joe is a product of several generations of musicians including his grandfather and father. Joe is steadily following in their footsteps. Joe also has played professionally in the St. Louis area for over 20 years. Joe and Matt, who are life long friends, have played in many bands together throughout their careers. It's obvious when you see them perform. Joe's unique lyric ability motivates this band to higher levels.

Danny Beaver - Bass Guitar, Vocalist

Danny has also played throughout the State of Missouri. He has played in various bands from country to hard driving rock and roll. His backbone and solid rhythm playing established the groove necessary for good Blues music. Danny, formerly of Dr. Drive, was approached by Matt and Joe to join the Blues Handle in 1991 and has played a major role in the development of the band.

Mark Hoffman

Mark considers himself a jack of all trades. He has had the experience of playing in a local dinner theatre, playing in an original rock band, numerous variety bands, and has found a comfortable spot in the local blues scene. Mark once said," I believe I have found myself in a variety of musical situations, but what can one expect if you're listening from everything from Mozart, to Miles and Muddy".

The Blues Handle band has performed at a wide variety of venues:

• K-SHE 95 Blue Monday Radio Show, audience of 350,00
• Soulard Mardi Gras Annually - performed 1994-2002
• St. Louis blues Heritage Festival/Big Muddy Blues Festival 1994,1995,1997, 1999,2003
• Soulard Bastille Day
• Bellevue Blues Festival, featured
• Mid-Coast Mania, viewing audience of 2.2 million
• Harp Attack - St. Louis 1996, 1998, 2002
• Mid Mississippi Muddy Waters Blues Bash, Quincy, IL 1998
• WSIE 88.7 Live Broadcasts
• Opening Act for Chuck Berry and Bobby Rush 1999
• St Charles Blues Festival 2003

Most recently performing one of their original hits "She's So Fine" on the television show Mid-Coast Mania, seen on KPLR in St. Louis.
Blues Handle can be seen throughout the St. Louis region weekly and look forward to their CD release in 2001.

For booking information call Blues Handle at 314-739-4097, or email the band at blueshandle@aol.com