Founded in 1988, the Bad Influence Band has spent over three decades as a cornerstone of the Washington, D.C., and Mid-Atlantic blues scene. While many bands drift through personnel changes, Bad Influence is defined by a remarkable consistency; their core lineup remained largely unchanged for over 25 years, a rarity that has resulted in an exceptionally tight, intuitive ensemble sound.

The Lineup and Evolution

The band was founded by guitarist and bandleader Michael "Jr" Tash. After spending years in the rock trenches, Tash was mentored by D.C. blues legend Steve Jacobs, which pivoted his focus toward the roots and grit of the blues. The "classic" lineup, which cemented in 1993, includes:

• Michael "Jr" Tash: Guitar and vocals.
• Roger Edsall: Harmonica and vocals.
• Bob Mallardi: Bass and vocals.
• Joe Wells: Drums.

Unlike many blues bands, Bad Influence features two lead singers in Edsall and Mallardi, allowing them to shift seamlessly between different textures—from soulful R&B to high-energy Chicago shuffle.

Recorded Legacy

The band has released several critically acclaimed albums that have earned them a stack of Washington Area Music Awards (WAMMIES). Their discography reflects their journey from blues purists to masters of a "blues-infused" hybrid sound:

• Where We Been (1998): A 13-track homage to their roots that put them on the national map.
• Tastes Like Chicken (2003): Winner of the WAMMIE for Best Blues Recording.
• Under the Influence (2011): This album reached the top five on SiriusXM’s B.B. King’s Bluesville "Picks to Click" chart.
• Got What You Need (2019): Their 30th-anniversary celebration, showcasing a refined blend of original songwriting and reimagined covers.

Influence and Presence

Beyond the local haunts of D.C. and Maryland, Bad Influence has established a national reputation, performing everywhere from the blues festivals on the East Coast to Buddy Guy’s Legends club in Chicago to the hallowed clubs of Beale Street in Memphis. They are known for their "unabashed crowd-pleasing" style, which combines technical virtuosity (Bad Influence is a Northern Virginia Blues Hall of Fame inductee) with an insistence that the audience has as much fun as the band.

Whether they are tearing through their originals or slowing down James Brown's "I Feel Good" into a greasy swing, Bad Influence remains a vital part of the "long and worthy Washington blues tradition."

Web: https://badinfuenceband.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/badinfluenceband

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badisblues/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@badisblues

General Admission - All Ages

Doors open 7:00 pm

The historic Shepherdstown Opera House is a cozy theater that seats 100 — advance ticket purchase encouraged. Online sales end 1 hour before showtime. Beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks for sale during the performance (ID required for beer & wine purchase, no outside food or drinks please). Lobby, theater & restroom are wheelchair accessible.