From Bluegrass to Dixieland
Tank and the Beez is an old-time roots string band from Chicago, specializing in traditional blues, folk, and jazz tunes. With strong vocal harmonies and driving acoustic rhythms, Tank and the Beez is a cross between bluegrass, dixieland, and New Orleans street jazz.
Tank and the Beez can operate as a duo, trio, or quartet depending on availability and the needs of the venue. Centered around husband and wife, Brian “Tank” (bass/harmonica/vocals) and Beth “Beez” (guitar/vocals) Blankenship, the band often features local Chicagoland musicians like Amy Malouf (washboard/piano/vocals), Tommy Malouf (mandolin/vocals), and Jeff Teppema (fiddle/vocals).
The band's catchy classic tunes explore the roots of popular American music and appeal to audiences of all ages. Tank and the Beez sure to please crowds in venues ranging from large festivals and state fairs to intimate coffee houses.
Tank and the Beez has been called “transporting” by local author Geralyn Hesslau Magrady, and Alan Bresloff of Around Town Chicago has referred to their music as “stirring” and “well-done”. The group's timeless vocals and unassuming instrumentation hearken back to the era of old-time radio.
“Their calling to this music genre is undeniable, as they capture a time and place many musicians strive to accomplish but miss the mark. Sure to be a new sensation in the community.”
Beez
Beez grew up in a musical family, with several artistically inclined siblings and her father directing choirs, teaching music, and playing in his own sixties rock-and-roll cover band. She sang and performed in choirs, musicals, and operas throughout her formative years. Beez also spent a stretch of time working as a server at Red Lobster, which she describes as, “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Beez is a Board Certified Music Therapist, specializing in children and adults with disabilities and hospice care. She is also a teacher for the internationally-recognized music program for parents and young children, Music Together.
Tank
Tank began taking piano lessons in grade school but quickly lost interest. His love of music was rekindled upon discovering The Beatles around age eleven. While in college, Tank discovered a knack for writing songs quickly and on-command. He was once hired to play guitar music for a wedding and, rather than admit he did not play guitar and pass up on the gig, he taught himself to play in two weeks.
Tank is a former non-profit professional and a current educator, teaching secondary English Language Arts as well as beginning and intermediate music. He also partners frequently with Chicago theatre companies as a musician, music director, and composer
Photo Credit: Laura Suprenant