meet the wilson river band
TERRY BLACK
BASS GUITAR, VOCALS
Terry's musical roots date back to the days of the British Invasion when he, like so many, picked up a guitar and then got hooked on a lifetime of playing music. He eventually gravitated to the bass because he enjoys delivering that solid musical floor and back beat. He's played in numerous bands over the years, mostly in the Chicago area and suburbs. He's very excited his musical journey has now lead him to the Wilson River Band.
JAY CHERRY
LEAD VOCALS, GUITAR, HARMONICA, PERCUSSION
Jay grew up in the Chicago suburbs, where he began his musical path early, experimenting with percussion, clarinet, and harmonica before ultimately finding his long‑term home on guitar and harmonica. He has spent the past 45 years developing his sound and performing throughout the Midwest. Over the years, Jay has been part of several bands, including Bad Haircut, The Cherry Pickers, Probable Cause, and Reasonable Suspicion. He has also performed in duos and built a strong solo presence, most recently across the Chicagoland music scene. In the Wilson River Band, Jay shares lead vocal duties, adds harmony layers, and contributes his harmonica and percussion work to the group’s overall sound. He’s genuinely pleased to be part of the band and its ongoing musical journey.
RUDY CHMELIK
DRUMS
Rudy started playing drums at the age of 6 in a drum and bugle corps. He played in several bands during high school and played in jazz band in college. Formerly of Lights Out Chicago and many other local bands, his classic rock and jazz background has brought him to multiple genres of music over the years. Rudy has played all over the Chicago land area and is excited to bring his talents to the Wilson River Band.
BOB LAKE
LEAD VOCALS, PIANO
Bob is a classically trained pianist, having started piano lessons at the age of five. He developed his pop skills at the piano after seven years of classical training and his tenor voice in high school. He has performed as a member of Elgin Master Chorale, an audition choir specializing in classical choral works and has been a featured tenor soloist with Studio 10, an Elgin-based vocal group. Bob’s vocal abilities and piano skills give the Wilson River Band a real advantage in the range of repertoire we can play. Bob appreciates the opportunity of working with such talented musicians and creating great music with the Wilson River Band.
PAUL WIELAND
lead guitar, vocals
The Beatles inspired Paul to pick up the guitar at the age of eight and he's been passionate about the instrument ever since. He started lessons at age 8 and was performing with his first rock band at the age of 13. Through the years he has developed a well-rounded style by playing many different genres including acoustic fingerstyle, altered tunings, jazz and classical. Previously he also spent about 15 years playing lead guitar with Field Day, a popular Chicago-area cover band. His first music love is and always will be playing electric guitar in a rockin’ good band, so he’s crazy about being a part of the Wilson River Band. Paul really enjoys the camaraderie of the band and the fun and excitement of playing live music.