About
Robert Rial- Lead Vocals, Guitars
Robert Rial is a singer-songwriter, composer and guitarist who has been playing out in bands since 1991. He is a classically trained vocalist specializing in antiquated singing styles who has been singing ever since he can remember, first along with Bugs, Daffy and Woody, along with the radio, in school musicals since 2nd grade, then later on in church and regional choirs, high school choral competitions and all four high school musicals. At the seniors honors ceremony he was awarded The National School Choral Award for the Milton Union High class of 1990. The following year at college he would audition into the Morehead State University's Concert Choir for their 1991 performance of Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. In fall '91 Robert transferred to Ohio University. In and out of O.U. for the next 8 years, his time in Athens found him in several rock bands and multiple plays and musicals at O.U. and in the Ohio Valley Summer Theater. His gothic Americana group Bakelite 78 performed from 2003-2019, in Chicago and then Seattle, recording with producer Jimbo Mathus and opening for acts such as Holly Golightly, Erin McKeown, Brave Combo, Asylum Street Spankers, The Squirrel Nut Zippers, Jason Webley, Baby Gramps and more. He has received favorable reviews and write ups in The Chicago Reader and The Seattle Times.
Robert's new Band, The Silverbushes, is a Vintage Oldies Revue Rock Band and a vehicle to showcase his heart and substantial vocal powers, as he does faithful renditions of songs sung by Ray Peterson, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Elvis, and many more. Interspersed into this revue are his original songs, which he hopes will become classics in your heart as well.
CHECK OUT Robert Rial and The Silverbushes’ triumphant return performance! We have a new bass player who's going to knock your socks off and a whole bunch of new songs. Also we're celebrating Robert's 51st birthday so COME OUT
8:00 p.m.-12:00 midnight on SATURDAY, November 4th, 2023, at
The Sugarbowl, 904 Washington Ave in Kalamazoo !!!!
John Coburn- Bass Guitar
John Coburn is a self taught bassist who's been playing since the 1970's, working in Arizona, Texas, and Florida until returning to Michigan in 1988, performing in several bands in the Michiana area. John joins the Silverbushes after a three year hiatus from music due to Covid. He is happy to get back in to the business.
Kathleen O'Dell- Keyboard, backing vocals
Born in Cadillac, Kathleen learned piano at around age 5 but frustrated her piano teacher when she kept playing by ear. She sung in choirs throughout her childhood. At 15, Kathy won an award for best marcher player in the Lake City Marching band while playing the glockenspiel and cymbals. She also played oboe in the concert band.
As an adult, Kathleen has played piano for a few small churches, and enjoys performing Bob Seger songs at open mic.
Kathy is happy to be joining the Silverbushes!
Photo Gallery
