Bios

Mason Clay ~ Lead Vocals ~ Acoustic Guitar
Image-of-Mason-Clay-Lead-Vocalist-for-Midnight-Rider-Band-Chicago
Mason Clay was born in Chicago and started playing accordion at the age of 5. He discovered the guitar at age 8 and never turned back. As a young man, he followed a calling to sing gospel music where he honed his vocal skills. Through the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Mason was the lead singer of the band “Roadhouse.” whose original music gained a dedicated following in Chicago & the Midwest. He then formed “Just Another Band,” which enjoyed a 15-year stretch of outstanding live performances. Despite all of the music played and the accolades favored upon him for his skilled vocal performances, the music of the Allman Brother has always resonated with Mason in a way that no other music could.

Bill Volling ~ Lead Guitar

Began playing guitar at the age of eight. Played with first band “Gunner” in the Joliet area, performing original music and 70’s rock covers. Eventually landed with the dance / rock band “Borderline” and took the show on the road from Canada to Alabama. Ensuing bands included a show band, which eventually led to a seven year engagement at Chicago’s Navy Pier, playing for passengers on the cruise ships “Spirit of Chicago” and “The Odyssey”. Next worked with “Class X”, then “Rewired, playing clubs and festivals and opening for national acts. Spent the following 15 years in two power trio bands before joining Midnight Rider. My musical influences are primarily Jimi Hendrix, Texas Blues artists, and British Guitarists.

Vic Perrino ~ Lead Guitar

For more than 30 years Vic Perrino has performed for enthusiastic crowds at some of the most prestigious venues and popular venues in the greater tri-state area including House of Blues, Chicago fest, Buddy Guys Legends, Synergy, Milwaukee Summerfest and Cubby Bear. Vic Perrino’s main influences on Guitar are Duane Allman, Dickie Betts and their signature Blues-Rock Style.

Kent Kaled ~ Bass Guitar

It all started playing trombone & singing in the choir at Visitation Grammar School in the 60’s, then it was on to high school & the bass guitar. The first “real” band was Northwind, a brass powered “Chicago” tribute way before such things even existed, Eventually things led to NETWORK, the southside area party band that was around for almost 40 years. After filling in with Midnight Rider now & then over the last several years, Kent became an actual “card carrying” member in 2022.

Frank Judd “Juddzey” ~ Hammond Organ ~ Sax ~ Vocals

Frank “Juddzey” Judd began his music studies at the famous Old Town School of Music while still in kindergarten, during which time his Father taught him music theory on a plectrum banjo. He learned to be a sound and light engineer working with Dave Major & The Minors, The Four Lads, The Four Diamonds, The Four Aces, The New Chordettes and Dick Contino, the original Italian Stallion! Juddzey played with Second Wind in the 80’s before spending a decade as a Contemporary Christian band leader. He also spent considerable time in musical theater with a professional troupe. As a well rounded professional entertainer returning to the Live Music scene, Juddzey has worked with several popular Chicagoland acts such as Evil Wayz, Standing Eight Count, Z Sharp and Pirates Over 40. Juddzey is excited and delighted to be a part of this band of brothers embodying the spirit of the Live Allman Brothers Band musical journey.

Mike Lerner ~ Drums

Started playing drums and singing lead at age 15, mostly the acid rock from the 60’s. Got heavily into jazz after high school. Joined the T.S.Henry Webb group in 1973, opened a lot of shows featuring national bands such as Styx, Mahavishnu Orchestra and many others. That band turned into the Eddie Boy Band. We had a great following and we’re considered the Northern version of the Allman Brothers! In 1975 we got signed with MCA, Universal Pictures filmed our last show before heading to L.A. to record our first L.P. That film was intended to be a short subject before the hit movies of 1975. Did several tours, opening for the Beach Boys, Styx, Journey, Kiss, Mountain, Sha Na Na and many more. A highlight of the band was when members of the Eagles and Dan Fogelberg jammed with us at the Wise Fools Pub on Lincoln Ave. Another highlight for me was when Better Midler was brought to our show and she requested I come to her table and meet her. She raved about my drum solo! We also performed with headliner, Chuck Berry as his back up band at a show in Green Bay, which featured opening act, Muddy Waters! We were about to go on tour with the Marshall Tucker band and Black Oak Arkansas when the band broke up due to artistic differences. That group morphed into the C.Y.Walkin’ band, which signed with Casablanca Records and did one album. Toured the West Coast and the Midwest. Opened for Van Halen at the Whiskey A Go Go. Greatest memory in that band was when Joe Zawinal and Jaco Pastorious were brought to the Bulls club to hear us and we jammed with them for a couple of hours! Spent 1980-81 doing sessions and gigs with over 20 acts in L.A. Was offered to join the Al Stewart tour but had to turn it down due to obligations to my band that was recording an L.P. at the Record Plant. I did actually perform on the Merv Griffin show with him, which featured Clive Davis’s new signings. Before moving to Ireland to play Celtic Rock, I auditioned for the Turtles and Karla Bonoff tours and was briefly a member of the Marcy Levy band(co-writer of Lay Down Sally, with Eric Clapton). Returned to Chicago in 1984 and played with several jobbing bands until I permanently joined the popular Fox Valley band, Street Corner Blue in 1994. Looking forward to a successful run with Midnight Rider. Love the challenge of capturing the performances of the Allman Brothers in this premier tribute band.

Dr. Sweat ~ Percussion ~ Drums ~ Vocals

Since the age of six, music has been a passion for the good doctor. He has been playing with bands in and around the Chicago area since he was 12 years old. His list of professional credits includes The Captain and Tennille, Lou Rawls, Ramsey Lewis as well as a two-week tour of the Australian Coast with Sine … The Band to support the 2000 Olympic Torch Ceremonies. Dr. Sweat has vast experience as a multi-genre musician has found him in professional situations as diverse as the city of Chicago, which he calls home. As a talented percussionist and entertainer, Dr. Sweat brings the depth required to give the audience the true Allman Brothers musical experience.