OLEAN, NY – Diggin’ Roots Band, featuring five musicians from the greater Olean area, won the Western New York Blues Society’s Memphis Bound Competition in Buffalo in September to earn the trip.

The band features Gerry Loiacano of Allegany on guitar, Johnny Mac of Olean on harmonica, Whitney Riley of Cuba on lead vocals and trumpet, Toby Lindberg of Allegany on bass, and Marty Smith of Black Creek on drums.

On Jan. 10, Diggin’ Roots Band will play a show with several other area acts at DHU Strand Theater in North Tonawanda, NY from 2pm-6 pm. A $15 donation at the door will support the band’s efforts to get to Memphis.

On Jan. 17 they will perform another fundraiser at the Allegany American Legion Post 892 (4350 Route 417), also featuring The Chillbillys, DredNeks, Jeff Fetterman Band and Terrance Dean Bellamy Blues Band. The event from 1-7pm will include music, food and drinks with an admission charge of $10 for those 18 and older and $5 for ages 10 to 17, while children under 10 will be free with a parent or guardian.