Blue Tonic band members, Tom Biller, Chris Ritter, Steve Eisenberg, Earl Arnette. The group will perform February 8 at Bainbridge Town Hall Theater.(Submitted photo)

BAINBRIDGE – Blues band, Blue Tonic will perform February 8 at Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre.

Blue Tonic plays blues and blues-inspired music from a variety of genres – traditional blues, rock, folk, country, jazz and honkytonk. The common element is music that expresses human emotions that we can all related to – love, sorrow, joy, good times, bad times – and makes us feel better upon hearing it. Thus, their name and tagline – Blue Tonic – music for what ails you.

For the performance at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre, Blue Tonic has assembled a song list that reflects the history and variety of the blues – from early Delta blues to Chicago blues and Texas blues – created and performed by artists such as Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Louis Armstrong, Hoagy Carmichael and Bob Dylan.

The band has been playing together for about five years. They connected with a common purpose – they all wanted to play blues and blues-inspired music that is fun to play and listen to, and that would make audiences want to tap their toes. They also aim for a volume that enables audience members to listen enjoyably and chat with their friends.

They found each other from playing in bands with each other before forming Blue Tonic. It has been a fortuitous collaboration, with each musician bringing their own sensibility to the band and naturally melding it into their own sound. Blue Tonic is best known for its diverse repertoire of both familiar and surprising songs, and for the fun they have playing together which rubs off on the audience. They are also known for their unique instrumentation and way of approaching their instruments, including guitars and slide guitar, harmonica, flutes, unique percussion and bass.

The name Blue Tonic is inspired by a B.B. King quote, “Blues  is a tonic for whatever ails you.” Blues can be happy, sad, calming, exhilarating…but it all helps us emerge feeling better. 

Band members are Steve Eisenberg, harmonica, flutes, percussion and vocals; Tom Biller, guitar and vocals; Earl Arnette, bass and vocals; and Chris Ritter, drums and percussion.

Steve Eisenberg (vocals, harmonica and flutes) began his music career playing traditional Irish music, but with his whistle, flute, harmonica, jaw harp, bodhran, bongos, ocarina and voice has spent the past 15 years telling half-truths and playing blues, old time music, country, bluegrass, old show tunes, and songs for the kiddies.

Tom Biller (guitars and vocals) employs picks, fingers, reverb, echo, slides, bends, rhythms, tremolo, feedback, vocal cords, and imagination to contribute accompaniments and melodies that complement the bluesy, country and jazzy sounds of Blue Tonic.

Earl Arnette (bass guitar and vocals) lays the solid foundation for Blue Tonic and brings a rocking spirit to the band. Long ago, Earl graduated from roadie to fill-in bass player for a southern rock band until everyone realized he had become more accomplished than the bassist he was filling in for. He never looked back, and the band is glad he did not.

Chris Ritter (drums and percussion) has played in a variety of blues, rock and roll, jam band, country, and jazz bands since he was 14. That’s more years than he cares to admit publicly. Chris draws on all these influences for the band's eclectic repertoire. 

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/bluetonicbluesband

On Feb. 8, the doors open at 6 .p.m. Tickets are available at the door or you may reserve ahead by calling 607-288-3882. In the gallery that evening, Scott Higby will be featured. The gallery is open at 6 p.m. before shows through intermission and is free to the public.

- Information from the Bainbridge Town Hall Theatre