MEET THE BAND
BLUE STEEL was forged in the fire of two music styles, Country & Rock. With powerful male and female lead vocals, supported by rich three-part harmonies, and backed by some of the finest musicians, they deliver an unforgettable musical experience.
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Male Lead Vocals | Manager
BLAKE DOUGLAS
Blake Douglas is the frontman, manager, co-founder, and driving force behind the award-winning country band BLUE STEEL. Known for his high-energy performances, commanding stage presence, powerhouse vocals, and genuine connection with audiences, Blake has become one of the region's most recognizable entertainers.
His passion for music began at a very young age, singing in church, where he developed a strong musical foundation rooted in faith and family. While Blake enjoys a wide variety of music, his heart has always belonged to '90s country.
Although music has always been his passion, Blake's performance background was built in live theatre and musical productions. Years spent performing in plays and musicals helped him develop the charisma, confidence, and stage presence that have become trademarks of every BLUE STEEL show.
Today, Blake wears many hats within BLUE STEEL. In addition to serving as the band's lead vocalist and frontman, he manages bookings, oversees marketing and social media, coordinates production logistics, designs and operates lighting, assists with stage production, and helps ensure every show delivers an unforgettable experience.
Whether performing at county fairs, festivals, casinos, clubs, or corporate events, Blake's mission remains the same: to create an authentic, high energy show that keeps audiences engaged from the first song to the last.
With the help of current and past members, BLUE STEEL has grown into one of the Midwest's premier country rock acts, earning multiple regional honors, including 5 consecutive RAMI Awards for Best Country Band, People's Choices Artist of the Year, and an induction into the RAMI Hall of Fame.
For Blake, music has never been just about performing - it's about bringing people together, creating lasting memories, and sharing his passion one show at a time.
When offstage, you will always find Blake at home with his family, wearing the "DAD" hat!
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Female Lead Vocals
LAUREN HAMMES
HI! I'm Lauren
Drums
PHIL SULSER
For as long as I can remember, drums have been a part of my life. What started as a fascination with rhythm as a little boy quickly became a lifelong passion. From tapping on anything I could find to performing on stages across the country, I’ve dedicated my life to the pursuit of great music and great performances.
That passion led me to earn some of the highest musical honors during my school years, including the prestigious Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and the John Philip Sousa Award, recognizing excellence in musicianship, leadership, and dedication to music. Those early accomplishments laid the foundation for a career that has been built on hard work, versatility, and a genuine love for the craft.
Today, I’m proud to be the drummer for Blue Steel, one of the Midwest’s premier country bands. Together, we’ve earned multiple RAMI Awards and the incredible honor of being inducted into the RAMI Hall of Fame. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with legendary artists, including Shania Twain, and opening for numerous nationally recognized acts. Every performance, whether in front of thousands or at an intimate venue, is another opportunity to connect with people through music.
While performing is a huge part of my life, I also have a deep passion for teaching. I enjoy helping students of all ages develop their skills, confidence, and love for drumming. Watching the next generation of musicians grow is just as rewarding as performing myself.
If it involves drums or percussion, I’m all in. I love exploring new sounds, refining my technique, and continually learning because I believe there’s always something new to discover behind the kit.
Above all else, I’m incredibly grateful for my family. Their unwavering love and support keep me grounded through every rehearsal, every mile on the road, and every performance. They are the reason I’m able to pursue my dreams while never losing sight of what matters most.
Music has given me opportunities I could only dream about as that little boy with a pair of drumsticks. I don’t take a single one of them for granted, and I look forward to every new stage, every new student, and every chance to inspire others through the power of rhythm.
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Lead Guitar | Vocals | Music Producer
RICK RHOADS
This Is Rick!
Rick started playing guitar in his dad’s gospel band at the age of 12. He moved to Rockford in 1972 and started a band called “The Sabers.” Rick has formed and/or performed in many of the top bands in Rockford for the past 50 years!!
Some of the bands include:
“The Dreamz” “Centerfold” “Night Shift” “Slick Nickel” the original “Blue Steel” “Rocktagious” “The Missing Links” “Brianna Sky” “Penny Mae Dixon” “Total Axess” and “Pablo & The Rhythmix”
Rick has opened for many top artists and is a 19x RAMI Award winner. He has also produced 2 albums with “The Dreamz” and “Barry Joe and the Cheeters.”
Rick was honored and awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award" in 2025 for his extensive 50 year catalog of music and entertainment brought to the Rockford Area.
Rick is the co-founder and one of three original members of BLUE STEEL.
Rick has recently entered his 7th decade of life and shows no signs of slowing down!
Rick would like to THANK all of the "Rick Rhoadies" for the continued support!
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Keyboards | Guitar
BILL CHANCE
Say Hello to Bill Chance
Bill is the keyboardist and rhythm guitarist for BLUE STEEL. His first love was the bass guitar. He started playing music with his father in a "Chet Atkins" style on the bass. With having a good ear for music, Bill has been able to play numerous genres for most of his career. He spent a lot of his teen years playing southern and contemporary gospel, both in church and in bands.
As time went on, he shifted gears and found a new love in playing classic rock, 80's Metal and Country.
After moving from the Quad Cities to Rockford, his music life boomed. Playing in Centerfold (80's hair bands and Pat Benatar), Southern Storm (along side my Dad, a great success), Rocktagious, Total Access, Over the Limit, and is now the Utility Player for BLUE STEEL.
Music, in all facets, has played a pivotal part in his adult life to where he owned and operated his own sound company. Running sound for bands all over the region. Many of which are still playing out LIVE.
Bill is also one of three remaining original members of BLUE STEEL and has helped bring 7 awards to the trophy case along with a Hall Of Fame induction status in 2025.
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Bass Guitar
JAY VAN MATRE
“Music is my Mistress, and no one plays second fiddle to her”
- Duke Ellington
Jay’s first love, the love of music started at a very young age. While other kids were practicing sports ball, Jay was in his room listening to albums and working on guitar parts, vocals, & saxophone.
Early music mentors helped pave the way to playing gigs at age 12, a show at Carnegie Hall at 19 and a lifelong pursuit to play live music and bring joy and emotion to others.
While pursuing a double major in Jazz Composition/Jazz Saxophone Performance at Illinois State University he picked up his first Bass Guitar and soon started playing gigs on Bass as well.
His love of Jazz music lead him to New Orleans where he lived and worked till Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Jay has played in Jazz, Rock, Reggae, R&B, Funk, Original, Cover, and Country bands.
In late 2024, through divine intervention and God’s will, Blue Steel was looking for a bassist at the same time Jay was looking for his next musical project. The rest is history.
“I feel so blessed to be part of Blue Steel. From the music, to the friendships, to the amazing folks that show up to our shows who have become like family. This has been one fun ride! One I hope continues for a long time to come!” - Jay Van Matre
