Brian

Notable musical endeavors: JammSammich, The Corn Wolves, Brian & Rockin’ Ronnie, Loveshine, Rumor Hazzit

Brian Carroll has been performing and entertaining crowds for thirty years.

An early-seeded passion for the music of the Beatles, Electric Light Orchestra, Elvis and KISS, grew into a love affair with electric guitar and being onstage. As a founding member of the pre-eminent ’90’s era Peoria band, “Rumour Hazzit”, Brian and friends rocked clubs, colleges and special events and became familiar with the business of running a band. Rumour Hazzit split bills with National acts such as A Flock of Seagulls, 38 Special, Eddie Money, Head East and James Young (Styx).

The late ’90’s saw the formation of Loveshine – a musical vehicle for Carroll’s original pop-rock tunes with drummer Shandal Tassart (Bubblegum Jack), journeyman guitar wizard, Don Mabus and Nashville Signer/Songwriter, Dennis Smith. In the heat of the Nu-Metal takeover, Loveshine cut a more psychedelic groove – unashamedly wearing the collective influences of the Beatles, Jellyfish and ELO on their sleeves. The band opened for heroes, Enuff Z’nuff, was featured in Chicago and Nashville “International Pop Overthrow” events – and were featured on a nationally-released tribute to the band Jellyfish covering their whimsical “Ignorance is Bliss”.

JammSammich began as a 5-piece funk and soul band. Founded by Carroll, guitarist Mike Mercer and Carroll’s longest musical partner, Doug Rendleman on drums. The band soon rounded out its lineup with bassist Matt Tomlianovich, Christopher Summers on keys and the multi-talented Bill Trulove on trumpet. News of the band’s fresh sound spread quickly and audiences and bookings grew. Over the band’s 25 years (and still going), lineup changes, shifts in taste, etc, JammSammich has remained one of Central Illinois’ favorite party bands. With the addition of Steve Davis (Thrillsville) on keys and vocals, the band solidified its “Dance Rock Party Madness” setlist – while rocking the area’s largest stages, rocking the Las Vegas Strip, headlining festivals across the State, sharing the stage with pop star/actor Rick Springfield – and even rocking multiple kickoff tailgate parties with the Green Bay Packers.

The incredible list of players who have rocked with JammSammich includes longtime bassist, Scott Wiignall, guitarist Josh Bradshaw (Jonny Quest), keyboardist and Rumour Hazzit alum Eric Anderson, drummers Jeff Lee, Jack Hammond and Chris Booher, bassist Adam Erickson and vocalists Cherry Whitaker and Carrie Soderstrom. In 2016, upon Wignall’s departure and cross-country move, George Herbst, local music scene veteran and multi-instrumentalist became the unanimous choice for new bassist. The band continues playing regularly at venues around Central Illinois – with Carroll splitting time with Revel in Red.

The Corn Wolves is Carroll’s current acoustic quintet. Featuring local music heavyweights BJ Price on keys and sax, Bill Trulove on trumpet, Roland Millington on bass and drummer Eric Wrigley. Formed as an avenue for fundraising for a favorite cause, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the band can be seen at events like the Steamboat Classic and Pekin Christmas on Court and specializes in playing whatever they feel like – including instant requests.

“Music has taken me places I could have never imagined”, says Carroll.

The solo artist, Brian Carroll found a new way to take his love for music and desire to explore new musical styles to new, intimate audiences. During the Covid pandemic lockdown, Carroll would frequently “go live” for house and patio concerts – donating tips to friends and causes in need. He was featured in the Award-Winning Hoop House Creative documentary “The Peoria 3” and has shared the stage with Tesla’s Frank Hannon and longtime Billy Joel saxophonist/Ring Starr bandleader, Mark Rivera. Chances are he’s listening to or playing music right now.