Riding the Same roads that were paved by such artists as Ernest Tubb, Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Tex Williams, Jack Guthrie and Hank Thompson. The Western Starlanders blend elements of classic Country, Western Swing, Hillbilly Boogie, Jazz, and Blues into all of their material. 

The band is comprised of some of the best players in the genre that the Midwestern USA has to offer: The rhythm section features J.P. Cyr on upright bass and lead vocals with Brian Kreutziger on the drumkit and percussion. Together, they form the cohesive unit that gives the Western Starlanders their signature swinging sound. The lead section is comprised of Bobby Rivera on take-off guitar, Bill McRoberts on console steel guitar and Blaine McQuinn on the fiddle.  With twin steel and guitar leads and classic “call and response” style solos, these three really bring a big sound.

Innovative arrangements of classic material plus their own original songs ensure that the Honky Tonk Swing of the Western Starlanders look into the rearview mirror of the past while keeping a firm eye at the road ahead.

J.P. Cyr (Upright Bass, Lead Vocals)-J.P. has studied the bass for over two decades and has an unwavering passion for Country, Western Swing, Western, Honky Tonk, and Hillbilly music. As the resident historian of the band, he brings great knowledge of the genres to his songwriting and performance. He has wielded the mighty upright for many acclaimed midwestern roots music acts. He was also (along with Bobby) a member of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Wanda Jackson’s backing band for her only 2006 Milwaukee appearance. J.P. is a noted session player and sits in with many of Milwaukee’s notable roots music musicians both on the stage and in the studio.

Bobby Rivera (Take-Off Guitar, Vocals)- With many records and performances under his belt, his previous bands have played with such acts as Brian Setzer, Ronnie Dawson, The Paladins, Dick Dale, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Jim Lauderdale, Alejandro Escovado, Southern Culture On the Skids and the Flat Duo Jets among many others. Bobby also backed (along with his own hand picked band) the Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson, at her only 2006 Milwaukee, WI appearance.

In 1999, Bobby did a stint as a member of internationally known instrumental masters, The Exotics. He was also a founding member of MKE's own R&B Kings, the Uptown Savages and was featured on their first record.  He was most recently the bandleader for the Del Ripleys, who enjoyed nationwide airplay and many 2010 "best of" lists for their 60's surf/ 50's honky tonk inspired brand of Americana music.  Bobby also continues to work with his instumental combo, "The Bobby Rivera Trio" and is a hired-gun for many of the area's top Americana and roots music performers.
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Bill McRoberts (Steel Guitar)-Bill has loved the sound of the steel guitar since he first heard “Hawaiian War Chant” as a child. Citing luminaries such as Noel Boggs, Herb Remington, Kayton Roberts and Speedy West as influences, he has been playing for over 20 years and been featured at steel guitar shows throughout the Midwest playing his brand of true Country and Western Swing steel guitar.

He has opened for such acts as Dale Watson, Jack Greene and BR-549, and has played steel in performances of the musical's "Patsy Cline-Always" and "A Walk With Patsy Cline". When he’s not busy with the Western Starlanders, Bill also slings his quad-neck Fender for the Rough Rider Band.  For more info see rnzmagazine.com/2011/05/interview-bill-mcroberts-by-julia-russell/

Blaine McQuinn (Fiddle, Vocals)- Blaine is the newest member of The Western Starlanders.  He adds tasty fiddle leads, great harmony backround vocals and an extensive knowledge and love for Country and Western Swing music.  He has toured the USA with Celtic Punk group "Whiskey of The Damned" as well as several orchestras. Blaine is also a graduate in Music Performance from Fancy Book Learnin' College and is also a banjo and bagpipe player.  When he is not playing with the Western Starlanders, he can be seen with his folk/celtic combo, "The Brothers Quinn".

 
Brian Kreutziger (Drums, Percussion)- As a veteran of both the stage and the studio, Brian has the history of the Big Beat permanently branded onto his hands.  He has played percussion in bands ranging from garage rock to various orchestras throughout the midwest.  Most recently, Brian was a member of the Del Ripleys with Bobby and has sat in with artists such as local favorties the House Rockin' Blues Band, Avante-Jazz artist Celia Faye and "Chamber-Rock" performer Janet Schiff. 

He is also a music performance graduate from Some Fancy Book Learnin' College with extensive knowledge not only in drums, but also instruments such as Marimba and Tabla.