Age 28
Blues // Rock // Funk // Soul // Country
Zach Avery began playing in bars and venues at the age of 13. The Minnesota native was active in the Twin Cities’ local music scene, and began sitting in with bands and open jams throughout the area. In January of 2014 and in 2015, he helped lead two different Blues bands down to Memphis, TN to partake in the International Blues Challenge Youth Showcase. He moved to Chicago, IL in 2015 to study at Columbia College and quickly established roots in the local Blues and Rock scene. He formed a Funk & Soul band called “The Smokin’ Tones” (2016-2019) which played frequent shows around the Chicago area.
In 2019 he formed a new lineup with a new musical mission called The Zach Avery Band, which continues to play Blues, Rock and Soul regularly around the Chicago area. As the lead singer and guitarist, his music is arranged to move the body and soul, while incorporating a guitar-driven, tight groove. In addition to his own band, Zach has also made a name for himself as a hired gun, gigging guitarist for a variety of artists including Omar Coleman, Rick King’s Royal Hustle, Sheryl Youngblood, Black Diamond Sessions, and Darren Jay & The Delta Souls, to name a few.
In January 2023, at the age of 26, Zach Avery earned the opportunity to open for 8x Grammy Award Winner, Buddy Guy, at the living legend’s club in Chicago, IL.
On June 1st, 2024 he released his first EP “Live At Chicago Music Exchange” which was filmed and recorded live. Featuring three original songs, you can stream in on all major streaming services and watch the video HERE.
Zach has played at countless Chicagoland venues including:
Chicago Blues Fest 2019 & 2022 / Buddy Guy’s Legends / Kingston Mines / House of Blues Chicago / Metro Chicago (Battle of the Bands)