The Sonia Downs Band

 The Sonia Downs Band, formerly Sonia Astacio & The Harrison St Band are a straight ahead Chicago electric blues band based in Chicago IL. The bands big sound comes from 2 guitars, keyboard, bass, drums and the powerful lead vocals of Sonia Astacio Downs. Koko Taylor has had a big influence on Sonia's vocal style which you can hear in her covers of Koko's" Evil" and" Ernestine."

The Band has developed over several years into a powerhouse backup for Sonia's vocals. The electrifying sounds and skills of lead guitarist Andrew Goode were built playing in bands while growing up in London. The rock solid rhythm section is comprised of seasoned veterans of the local music scene, Dennis Ori on bass and Scott Tomeczko on drums. Franklin Silencieux on electric keyboard and Donnie V on rhythm guitar, both original members, help round out the bands sound.

Sonia and the Band are now working on their first EP release consisting of 5 classic blues numbers and one original. The busy summer season has brought them gigs at Buddy Guys Legends, The Chicago Blues Festival, Red White & Blues Fest, Granville Blues Fest and Rosa's Lounge along with corporate and charity events