LogJam Story

Meet 5 old guys with an attitude. Steve Ritter (guitar) and Kevin Hauser (keyboards) founded the band in 1986. Bob Burns (bass) joined soon thereafter and has anchored the rhythm section with Mark Kelly (drums) ever since. Ralph Gross (vocals) became the Logjam frontman with his soulful vibe behind the microphone.

Logjam formed in the 1980s as a jam band. After myriad line-up changes throughout the years, we found the right blend of personnel and repertoire: Kevin on keys, Steve on guitar, Bob on bass, Mark on drums, and Ralph on vocals. The band’s music has also evolved over nearly four decades, moving from bluesy rock covers to original compositions. Today, this seasoned bunch brings a rock groove to the stage mixed with compelling originals that capture our improv roots.

This old-guy band, Logjam, is playing out on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The venue only seats 100, so you may want to arrive early. We're prepping a set list that blends bluesy-rock covers with catchy originals:

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Set One

Stormy Monday • Barefoot Dancing • Ain't No Sunshine • It's Gonna Be Okay • Friend Of The Devil • If I Were You • Many Rivers To Cross • Ain't My Cross To Bear

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Set Two

Peace, Love & Understanding • The City • Sky In Flames • From The Beginning • Leaving Space • Whippin' Post • Cleanse • Comfortably Numb

The Band

Steve Ritter

Hosts the My Corner Retreat hub and is the founding guitarist and songwriter for Logjam, an improvisational quintet that puts their own groove on a growing collection of covers and originals. As the owner of the Midwest Institute, LLC music publishing service, Steve is responsible for getting our collaborations on the major music platforms for listener enjoyment.

Mark Kelly

Mark Kelly is Logjam's drummer and spiritual advisor. In college, he played in a folk/punk band, Hot Spit, that performed with Allen Ginsberg. As a percussionist, he played with renowned freestyle jazz artist Hal Russell. Mark is a long-serving educator, arts advocate, and Chicago cultural leader. He recently retired as the Commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and now serves as an advisor to a number of cultural organizations.

Bob Burns

Bob started playing bass at age 16. Like so many children of the 60's, inspired by the Beatles, he joined a garage band. Band members and band names came and went. He played, wrote and recorded music for decades, but Progressive Rock is his favorite genre. Being named as the Musical Director of Logjam was a hoot and a half because there's nobody he'd like to play with more in the twilight of his musical life than these 5 dudes!

Kevin Hauser

Kevin is the co-founder of the band and multi-instrumentalist, adding keyboards, harmonica, and backing vocals to the Logjam groove.

Ralph Gross

Ralph is Logjam’s vocalist and front man, poached from the Chicago-based band, Lake Effect and the AWWA On Tap Band, Ralph brings a soulful vibe to the Logjam groove.