Local Band Slick Dog Wilson rocked the blues away at the Celtic Fox April 16. The band formed in June 2010, and had their first live performance after just three practice sessions.  Their first gig was for the Citywide Neighborhood Night Out in August 2010.

The founding members are Michael Powers, lead guitarist and vocals, Jerald Henry on guitar (and acoustic), and Greg Munoz on bass. They have all played in previous bands before forming Slick Dog Wilson. Roger Peralta, drummer, and his wife, Julie (on vocals), joined Slick Dog Wilson not much later after their former drummer left. “The first night Roger played with the band, we all clicked,” said Powers. Julie’s voice is golden, and flows flawlessly with the music. Her favorite song to perform is “Regret.”

How Slick Dog Wilson got their name was when the band members came to practice with lists of names. Originally, the band chose the best two names off the list, but when Roger came up with Slick Dog Wilson, everyone agreed with the name. Slick Dog Wilson plays both original and covers, and has a great bluesy resonance.  They are primarily blues, with a bit of classic rock. “We like the loud rocking blues,” said Peralta.

Henry is a part-time student at Washburn, where he is currently a sophomore.  He started going to Washburn for the fun of it at first: “My major chose me,” said Henry. He is a Criminal Justice major, and was recently awarded a Criminal Justice scholarship. His wife, Kim, is also a Washburn graduate. When not at school or performing, Henry also works for the state of Kansas.

Powers is originally from Kansas City, Missouri, but all members of Slick Dog Wilson reside in Topeka. Powers’ wife, Kim, is their sound tech. Slick Dog Wilson recorded a demo in a local studio, all originals, and is considering recording a CD in the near future. They would like to be a part of Top City Thursdays as well. “There’s a lot to do in Topeka, you’ve just got to find it,” said Powers.

Slick Dog Wilson has a Facebook fan page, and their next performance at the Celtic Fox will be June 4, 2011. They will also be at Jeremiah Bullfrog’s, live on the Patio, on July 23, and September 23.

The Celtic Fox is located downtown at the corner of 8th and Jackson at 118 SW Kansas Ave. The Celtic Fox has a historical Washburn connection as well. Their third floor was the first location for the Washburn Law School, and was built in the mid 1800s.