About Us
Blueskillet is a four piece blues and classic rock band rooted in the Peoria area. The band was started in 2003 when Tadd, with encouragement from many sources, began playing with bass player Eric Wahlmark, a co-worker. When they started looking for a singer, Tadd’s wife Monica quickly stepped in to sing a few songs and got bitten by the bug, taking over the lead vocal duties.
After doing some small shows without a drummer, Tadd looked to his childhood friend Justin Mooney who soon joined the band. Justin would stay with the band for about a year while playing with other acts and teaching lessons. This line-up stayed together playing many shows until mid 2004 when Tim Miller made his debut on drums. Blueskillet was now playing often at a wide selection of local venues, parties, indoor and outdoor festivals, and began to amass a great following of regular faces at their shows.
After doing some small shows without a drummer, Tadd looked to his childhood friend Justin Mooney who soon joined the band. Justin would stay with the band for about a year while playing with other acts and teaching lessons. This line-up stayed together playing many shows until mid 2004 when Tim Miller made his debut on drums. Blueskillet was now playing often at a wide selection of local venues, parties, indoor and outdoor festivals, and began to amass a great following of regular faces at their shows.
In early 2007, change was again in order when Eric relocated to northern Illinois for career purposes. At this point Dan Carroll, another co-worker of Tadd’s, was recruited to take on bass duties. The band began to gel quickly and Dan fit right in with his years of experience in various genres of local music.
In the summer of 2007, Tim also relocated for career purposes. Justin recommended a drummer that he knew named Manuel Lopez. Blueskillet played with Manuel until the spring of 2010, including the recording of the band's first studio release, Cure These Blues. Scheduling issues then presented an interesting opportunity for the band to reunite with Justin as their regular drummer for around two years. Then, the band connected with nationally renowned drummer Corey Flanigan, who played many shows with the band until his musical career began taking him places, literally. Late in 2011, Chad Sanders took over the bass guitar duties. Chad and Tadd grew up together and shared some of their earliest musical adventures. In 2014, Blueskillet played a private party with a drummer recommended by a mutual friend (Thanks Dan!) and Dave Kist has been doing gigs with the band ever since!
In the summer of 2007, Tim also relocated for career purposes. Justin recommended a drummer that he knew named Manuel Lopez. Blueskillet played with Manuel until the spring of 2010, including the recording of the band's first studio release, Cure These Blues. Scheduling issues then presented an interesting opportunity for the band to reunite with Justin as their regular drummer for around two years. Then, the band connected with nationally renowned drummer Corey Flanigan, who played many shows with the band until his musical career began taking him places, literally. Late in 2011, Chad Sanders took over the bass guitar duties. Chad and Tadd grew up together and shared some of their earliest musical adventures. In 2014, Blueskillet played a private party with a drummer recommended by a mutual friend (Thanks Dan!) and Dave Kist has been doing gigs with the band ever since!
Today’s line-up of Blueskillet shows represents a vast array of experience in multiple genres and disciplines. All members have decades of professional experience under their belt and enjoy playing together. Tadd and Monica are proud to keep the band they started moving forward to be your best source for Blues/Rock in Central Illinois!