Smiley LIVE! presents The Bells
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
6:30pm
The Contemporary Club, 173 S. Eureka St., Redlands, CA
The Bells serve up a musical gumbo with hints of swamp rock, gospel, and blues. Led by vocalist and songwriter Marilou Stuart, the band plays a mix of original music and folky versions of classic tunes. Stewart, formerly of The Black Tongued Bells, weaves stories and myths through her lyrics. Her soulful voice and timeless songwriting are a powerful pairing.
Harmonica player Jeff Masters is also an alumnus of The Black Tongued Bells and a fixture in the Southern California blues scene. His playing is reminiscent of Dust Bowl-era jailhouses and America’s original freight train hoppers.
Jerry O’Sullivan is a guitarist and vocalist who has fronted bands like Claremont Voodoo Society and Stolen 58s. His vocals and evocative electric guitar playing add contrast and depth to the band’s sound.
Bassist and vocalist Rob Donofrio is best known as the frontman for longtime Southern California blues outfit, Blue Hwy. He rounds out the down-home sound of The Bells by playing an upright bass and brings a few of his own songs to the table.
Woody James is a percussionist who may be recognized from his tenure in the bands Blue Hwy and Bodegas. He seasons
The Bells’ music with hints of New Orleans “street beat” and driving rhythms. We invite you to witness and partake and celebrate our shared histories through music.
This free public event is part of the Smiley LIVE! concert series. It’s family-friendly, with a Q&A segment where young and old alike can ask the performers questions about their music, their performance, and anything else they may be curious about.