Band

Holy Smoke Blues is a 5-piece blues and rock band from State College, PA. Our song list includes a mix of originals and cover songs. The covers we play are favorite classic rock and blues songs. Our original music collection includes everything from straight 12-bar blues to harder rock tunes.

The band features Anthony Stauffer on lead guitar and vocals; Darryl Carter on rhythm guitar; Doug Whitfield on keys; Kevin Sliman on bass; and Bennett Hoffman on drums. Lori Stauffer and other members of the band sing backup vocals.

A key aspect to the band is our dedicated musicians, who we are, and our core values. We are down-to-earth, friendly people, with a humble and grateful attitude towards music and life. We try our best to reflect this on and off the stage.

Anthony

Instruments: Guitar/Vocals/Songwriting/Band Leader

Influences: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Freddie King, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Chris Duarte, Muddy Waters

Previous Bands: 3E, ToneStack, ToneStack Blues

Bio
Today I make my home in State College, PA. I’ve worked full-time as a software engineer for a local company ever since I graduated from Penn State in 1999, (BS Electrical Engineering). Approximately 23.8% of my life is spent behind a computer, while at work, but 90% of the ’stuff’ that makes up my life happens outside of work. I do quite a bit on the computer while not at work, whether it be maintaining this site, doing websites for other people, research on music opportuniities, or simply finding stuff out about one of my many intrests which are many.From my humble beginnings as a frustrated college student, learn ing the blues, and driving my dorm mates crazy at the same time, I’ve come a long way. I still, and always will pay homage to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix in my playing, but the songs that I’ve written have been influenced by a very diverse list of influences. Songwriting is my passion, and I’m really amazed to see a song come together no matter how many times it happens.I am married to the greatest woman on earth. She brings a balance to my life that helps me stay grounded. She’s a professor who works in the area of childhood obesity, a field in desparate need of attention. She’s a great singer, a great cook, she’s got brains that scared a lot of men away, and I love her more than anything but God. We are both weekend warriors at home improvements. In the past two years I’ve learned how to stain the deck, find and fix a flooded outside light switch, install floodlights, frame walls, install lighting, install carpet, and build various things for the house.

Bennett

Instruments: Drums / Percussion

Influences: Allman Brothers, Jeff Beck, James Brown, Earth Wind & Fire, Marshall Tucker Band, Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Stevie Wonder, ZZ Top, & Kansas

Previous Bands: ToneStack Blues, Phat Albert, Route 66, No Regrets, Scott Ott Band, Porch Dogs, Blacksmith, Crossfire

Biography:

Inspired by the funk & groove drum chops of his older brother, Bennett decided to pursue playing the drums at a young age. His first professional performance was at age 13. For the last 30 years, he has had the opportunity to study and perform with very talented musicians. He has played in bands representing a wide range of musical styles, including the Blues, Funk, R&B, Country, Contemporary Rock, Southern Rock, Hard Rock, and Heavy Metal. In the late 1980’s, Bennett started playing additional percussion instruments, and began teaching drums and percussion to students interested in learning improvisation and coordination theory.

In 2001, Bennett started his own company, Teamworks Inc., with a mission to bring better communication, closer relationships, and higher quality, to the workplace. The passion that fuels his work also drives his musical ventures too. He considers it an honor to be a member of Holy Smoke. The innovation, and the powerful message of Anthony’s songs has inspired him musically and spiritually. His experience in the business world has been vital to Anthony since they meet in 2000. He is also involved with children’s sports both as a parent and a coach.

Darryl

Instrument: Rhythm Guitar

Influences: Ernie Isley, Michael Hampton, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton.

Biography:
Darryl started playing guitar in high school, influenced at the time by Funk and R&B music. He studied music by artist such as Ernie Isley from the Isley Brothers, and Michael Hampton of the Funkadelics. He was also influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. While attending Widener University Darryl joined a college band playing mostly Funk and R&B.Upon meeting Anthony in 2000, Darryl’s interest turned to blues. He and Anthony would play together on Sunday mornings at Unity Church of Jesus Christ, and occasionally jam together. When Anthony offered him the slot of rhythm guitarist in the Holy Smoke project, he quickly accepted, sensing a need to play music that would bring healing and encouragement to his own life. Upon preparing for the band’s debut concert, Darryl maintained a grueling rehersal and practice schedule, quickly learning a style of rhythm playing that was practically brand new to him.

Darryl is in charge of Human Resources at Smith Transport, a position that enables him to work with other people on a daily basis. This experience has made him a key team player in Holy Smoke, and his enthusiasm is a constant motivator for the rest of the band.

Doug

Instruments: Piano, keyboards

Years Playing: To many to count

Biography:
Doug was employed by Smith Transport in 2005. It was through that process that Darryl met him and soon after Doug joined the band.

Kevin

Instruments: Bass

Other Instruments: Guitar, Drums, Vocals

Previous Bands: Illustrious Cow Pick, PTYO, Featuring

Years Playing: 16

Biography:
Bassist Kevin Sliman has been playing for 16 years and has had the privilege of playing in bands with such unfortunate names as Illustrious Cow Pick, PTYO (pronounced typo- get it?) and Featuring. In addition, he has played bass for Stephanie Peters, Brandi Mavrich and Carrie Linto in different musical venues. Kevin also plays guitar and drums and sings both lead and backup vocals.