MEET THE BAND
JUSTIN KAUSAL-HAYES Lead Vocals, Guitar
Born in Chicago to a musical family, Justin took piano lessons as a child but quickly realized that 6 strings were far more portable and gravitated towards a second hand acoustic guitar. He migrated to Seattle in his early teens, spending his formative years immersed in the legacy of Seattle music, using that guitar to learn Jimi Hendrix and Stephen Stills licks (and later Stevie Ray, Clapton,…and Pearl Jam, of course) He and some high school buddies formed a band and started playing out around town, cutting their teeth in the legendary Pioneer Square scene. Justin spent the mid 90’s
playing all kinds of covers but his heart has always remained in the blues!
A professional musician for over 20 years now, Justin works on studio recordings and performs with multiple Seattle area bands, including The True Romans (covers from all the decades), Kings of Hollywood (Eagles tribute), GeorgeFest (the music of George Harrison), and High Cheese (originals and classic covers). Additionally Justin performs with his original band Buckets of Rain, and plays solo gigs all around the area.
SCOTT DONALDSON - Guitar
A Seattle native with over 25 years' experience performing in the Pacific Northwest, Scott enjoys a variety of musical styles and currently plays in a number of bands in addition to Bell Bottom Blues, including Taylor Made (James Taylor tribute), Wasted Words (tribute to The Allman Brothers), Reckless (Bryan Adams tribute), Feelin' Alright (tribute to Joe Cocker), and GeorgeFest (Seattle's musical celebration of the music & life of George Harrison).
In addition, Scott plays with the Trailer Park Kings (70's Classic Rock), Rival of Kings (original Hard Rock band), and with Brian James, playing both original and current popular music.
JIM SAVERY - Bass
Originally from Boston, Jim got his start playing in New England-area cover bands. After touring as a bassist and trumpet player with the USAF Bands, Jim moved to Seattle where he plays bass not only with Bell Bottom Blues but also PNW bands such as The Luxury, Mojo Circus, Taylor Made (James Taylor tribute), Feelin' Alright (Joe Cocker tribute), and GeorgeFest.
Rick Bourgoin - Percussion
Rick was born with drumsticks in his hands. Well, not literally, of course. That’s just wrong. And physically improbable. He did take up the drums at a young age, however, playing in legendary bands Frenchface, Oldsmobile on Fire, and Rodann. Rick’s studies in astrophysics, nanotechnologies, animal husbandry, and modern dance set him up for a bright future. But the pull of the drums (a real thing, apparently) was just too much. With stints in The Impacts, Avalon, The Bastard Kings, The Shreds, The Jackson Taylor Band, Random Manor, Curtis Moore and the Stone Blind Horses, Petty Thief (Tom Petty tribute), and the seminal Seattle band, The Heats, Rick has earned his reputation as the guy you want bashing behind you. In addition to Bell Bottom Blues, Rick also plays with Feelin' Alright (Joe Cocker tribute), and GeorgeFest.
JOHN HAGE - Organ/Piano
John established himself as up-and-comer on the international music scene at the age of 7 when his breathtaking solo piano performance of “The Magic Show” garnered glowing reviews from the drunken audience of the talent show aboard a cruise ship en route to the Bahamas. His prospects as a serious musician never materialized but he still plays a lot. John’s band resume includes Seattle-area bands Subways On The Sun, Made Of Boxes, Northern Nomads, Feelin’ Alright (Joe Cocker tribute), The Trembling Thrilburys, The Hosen Ones, and HalloQueen. One time John got to perform on the big pipe organ with the orchestra at Benaroya Hall.
That was neat.
ELAINE SKEFFINGTON - Backing Vocals
Elaine has been performing in one form or another since her East Coast childhood. With training in voice, ballet, theater, piano, and flute, she has appeared with choirs at the New England Conservatory of Music and supporting productions of the Pennsylvania Ballet. Temporarily distracted by Developmental Psychology and graduate school, a cross-country move, and the joys of motherhood, Elaine was reinvigorated by her new surroundings and jumped back in to music.
Since moving West, Elaine has appeared on KIRO-7 TV and shared stages with many of Seattle's top musicians (Overton Berry, Brian Monroney, Chad Quist, Frank Seeberger, and more). She currently performs with multiple local bands including Bell Bottom Blues, Feelin' Alright (Joe Cocker tribute), The TROPICS (party/dance band), and GeorgeFest (a celebration of George Harrison), and was also half of the popular acoustic duo IvyLane for its 15-year run.
CHAR BAILEY - Backing Vocals
Rumor has it that ever since she could talk, Char’s been singing. The Philadelphia area native grew up honing her musical chops in church, school, community choirs, musicals, and plays. She continued this life long passion after moving to the Pacific NW 22 years ago and found a new musical tribe here. All of her experience set the stage perfectly for becoming lead singer and bass player for local band The Charlies, playing numerous years at WigStock, other local festivals and venues, and even opening for Molly Hatchet.
Other bands Char’s fronted range from classic rock cover band Smokestack Lightning to The Poachers, a country cover band. In addition to BellBottom Blues Char performs with the Joe Cocker tribute Feelin’ Alright, and was recently asked to guest with the talent-packed GeorgeFest ensemble, which has been both a privilege and major highlight for her.
ALL-STAR ALUMNI: ED TISSUE - Lead Vocals
An Everett native, Ed has been lead vocalist with multiple Seattle area bands for the past 30+ years, performing with 8 Feet Standing, The Penguins, Triple Shot, Rear View Mirror, American Vinyl. Ed supplied unparalleled vocals and captivating stage presence as front man for both Bell Bottom Blues and Feelin' Alright (Joe Cocker tribute) for many years. We love you, Ed!
Keep watch for future guest appearances with us!