About the Band
The Buddies: TBSB is comprised of Tucson music scene veterans Jim Gasper, Tom Dukes, Steve Bennett, and Steven Hirschbein. The Buddy System Band places a significant emphasis on cross-genre classics featuring acoustic and electric guitars, bass and percussion arranged in support of plenty of 2, 3, and 4-part vocal harmony.
Genres: Classic rock, folk rock, blues, Americana, British Invasion, country, and sometimes a touch of jazz.
Covering: America, Bob Dylan, Brooks & Dunn, CSN&Y, Cat Stevens, Dave Clark 5, Dwight Yoakum, Eric Burden & the Animals, Eric Clapton, Hal Ketchum, Hoyt Axton, Jack Johnson, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Jason Isbell, Jason Mraz, Johnny Nash, John Anderson, John Hiatt, John Mellencamp, Johnny Cash, Johnny Rivers, Jose Feliciano, Kenny Loggins, Linda Ronstadt, Lyle Lovett, Marvin Gaye, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, The Beatles, The Bee Gees, The Byrds, The Eagles, The Gin Blossoms, The Mamas and Papas, The Rolling Stones, The Young Rascals, Tom Petty, Van Morrison, Willie Nelson, and more!
Venues: Restaurants, clubs, bars, patios, private parties, weddings, corporate events, etc.
The Players:
Tommy Dukes: Acoustic and electric guitars, vocals
Originally from Gary, Indiana, Tom has been plying his guitar and vocal talents in Tucson’s music scene since 1975. In addition to his duties as lead guitarist for TBSB, Tom also performs with several other local groups, such as Minute2Minute, Connie Brannock’s Little House of Funk, and The Dukes, a family band that features his children, Emily and Phillip. You’d be hard pressed to identify another guitarist who has traversed more of Tucson’s musical landscape than Tommy Dukes. However, Tom’s talents are not limited to playing and singing; he’s also the “sound man,” taking charge of the band’s live performance mix while also serving as the band’s resident master of musical theory! Very helpful!
Jimmy Gasper: Percussion, guitar and vocals
Another original from Gary, Indiana, James “Mr. Jimi” Gasper is a singer/songwriter/character and star of his own radio show (Jim & Daves Road Side Rest Stop on 99.1 Downtown Radio Tucson)! And when it comes to character, Jimi has plenty; kind of a cross between Neil Young and Mick Jagger (the singer/songwriter part anyway). Mr. Jimi brings unmistakable energy and creativity to every performance. Listeners especially appreciate his improvisations that keep his performances as fresh and lively as they are unpredictable. Over the years, Mr. Jimi has been a producer and songwriter who has fronted many Tucson bands, but it was his vision and drive that led to the formation of The Buddy System Band where his influences remain front and center!
Steve Bennett: Acoustic guitar and vocals
A Toronto native raised largely in the Bay Area, Steve’s voice is a gift that invokes a sound of pure Americana, with frequent comparisons to artists like Lyle Lovett, Jackson Browne, and David Crosby. Steve came to Tucson in the mid 70’s to attend the UofA where his roommates inspired him to learn to play the guitar. After college, Steve’s first gig in the Tucson music scene was as a solo artist appearing at the historic Sanmaniego House, a venue with a rich local music history. Soon after, Steve had the good fortune to meet and perform with some well established players in Tucson’s ’80s music scene which eventually lead to his introduction to Tommy Dukes (circa 1983). After a decades long hiatus, the two have renewed their musical friendship in TBSB.
Steve Bennett
Steven Hirschbein: Guitar, bass guitar, percussion and vocals
Raised in the great metropolis of Chicago, Steve first took his act to Denver before bringing his talents to Tucson in 2015. Like the rest of the crew, Steve has been playing in bands all his adult life. Besides his unique sense of humor, Steve brings his stellar vocal skills to the stage where he constantly amazes, hitting high notes that seem to come soaring from somewhere north of heaven. The TBSB originally started as a trio, but it’s a testament to Steve’ talents that the first time he sat-in with the band, the other players looked at each other and thought, “We gotta get this guy!” “Yeah, but we already have two guitar players… Ok, what about bass? Let’s see if he can play bass”. And so it came to be.
Rates and Dates: email us at: thebuddysystemband@gmail