Mudhouse Gang
Mudhouse Gang is a blues/roots/rock trio from Wadsworth, Ohio. Rick Phillips and Doug Ackerman formed the band along with second drummer Scott Aspinall (Morgantown, WV) in 2017 while searching for a new inspired musical direction. This trio released a self-titled debut album in September of 2018. Rick and Doug then became a duo in 2019 and released a second album “Get Yer Demons Out!” in October of 2021. Mutual friend and bassist Chuck Wingerter started jamming with the band in 2022 and they are currently working on new material together. The original concept of Mudhouse Gang was a foundation of finger-picked hill country blues while blending in other musical genres to create a unique sound. The addition of bass guitar is further evolving the sound of the Gang as they stretch out musically in their live performances.
Rick spent 6 years (2011 – 2017) living in Germany as guitarist for the psychedelic rock band Simeon SoulCharger who became a massive cult success across Europe. Throughout his career, Rick has opened the stage for Daryl Davis (pianist for Chuck Berry), The Pretty Things, Parliament Funkadelic, Richie Havens, Hot Tuna, Kansas, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, D.A.D. (Disneyland After Dark), Stefan Dettl (of La Brassbanda) Guru Guru and Fernando Saunders (bassist for Lou Reed).
Spider the Akronaut
Spider the Akronaut, previously known as Spider Monkey, is an international musician, songwriter, video game music composer, producer, and mastering engineer originally from Akron, Ohio.
Upon moving to Europe in March of 2011 with his past music endeavor, Simeon Soul Charger, Spider has performed over 600 times in 14 countries as well as garnered over 4 million collective YouTube views by means of original music releases, mastering for global artists and King of the Dot battle rap league, composing scores for the Stachey Bros iPhone App, and producing/collaborating with dozens of bands and artists from the US, Europe and Indonesia.
In support of his 2nd solo release, an homage to his childhood home in Firestone Park titled, “84 E. Ido Ave” Spider the Akronaut will be performing for the first time in almost 9 years, opening for his brother Rick Phillips’ trio “Mudhouse Gang” (who also featured on 84 E. Ido Ave) for a concert at The Rialto Theatre this January 7th, 2023 in Akron.