Rust Belt: formerly the Steel Belt, is a region of the Northeastern United States, Midwestern United States, and the very northern parts of the Southern United States. It includes Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, the Iron Range of Minnesota, southeastern Wisconsin, and small parts of Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, and the St. Louis metropolitan area in Missouri. From 1850 to 1950 this region became the most industrialized and prosperous area on the planet!
Mafia: a group of people of similar interests or backgrounds prominent in a particular field or enterprise.
Rust Belt Mafia formed in 2015. After several line up changes, the band produced their first album in 2019 at Audio Trax West in downtown Portville, New York.
Historically, founding members Mark and Preston were part of Zeus, later becoming Starlift. Afterwards, Mark joined other bands, known as Lipz, 305, and Barley Able. As destiny would have it, these two dudes hooked up and the magic began.
Many great jam sessions down the road cultivated into what has now become…Rust Belt Mafia:
Mark (Slixx) Bowen
Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Long time Zeus mate with Lil’ Rusty. Considered a sturgeon of sorts by some. Now absolutely enjoying new ventures within the world of Rock !
Pres Van Curen (aka Li’l Rusty)
Percussion, and other sounds.
Zeus – late 1970’s.
Reconvened with Slixx about a decade ago, serendipitously, at the one-off Zeus reunion. Embryos were fertilized, and somebody had to look after these babies. Here they are!
Joe “Mama” Caya
Lead Vocals
The VOICE of RBM, growler and crooner extraordinaire. Raised by a band of enraged beavers and muskrats amongst secret coves along the Allegany river basin. Lethal with a sling and loves singing Rock n’ Roll.
Goes all the way on the first anything!
Greg Lampack (Captain Crunch)
Lead Guitar / Vocals
The “Crunch” to RBM, kick-ass leads and soulful rhythm’s. Greg brings a full spectrum of style to the group from heavy metal riffs and rip ass leads, to sweet, soft blues.
Cliff( the Big Red Dog ) Withy
Bass Guitar / Vocals
Cliff brings sassy bass, thunder, and musical wisdom to RBM. His vast experience includes touring the hotel circuit along the east coast. Cliff leads the group into the awesome vibes of the not so distant past…