Many words have been used to describe this blues trio from Southwest Missouri, “High energy, rock solid, intense, a blues machine!” Their performances have continually earned rave reviews from blues fans, the music press, and industry professionals throughout the midwest. Perhaps the greatest compliment to date, comes from legendary blues radio host, Sunshine Sonny Payne, after the band’s live performance on the King Biscuit Time radio show in January ‘04. Sonny’s reaction to what he heard? “Wow, what a band!” Tripwire formed in the summer of ‘99, when three of the most talented young musicians in the midwest began performing blues with the showmanship, intensity, and energy of souls on fire with one mission; Keeping the Blues Alive! That mission has propelled Tripwire to the front of the blues music scene regionally, performing at some of the most noted blues venues across the midwest. Tripwire has represented two of the Ozarks most active blues societies at the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, finishing as semifinalists all three years! Band members, the Cottengim brothers, Stoney Lee(bass,vocals), and Jody Guy(drums,vocals), and Nathan Bryce Melton(guitar,vocals), are held together by the musical bonds of their love for the blues and the years of experienced gained from performing the blues since childhood. Each member contributes their own special talents of playing, singing and writing, that when blended together, creates the blues explosion called Tripwire! With their second CD currently in production, Tripwire, continues to carry on the blues tradition, performing as headliners, as well as sharing the bill with some of the most popular names in the business; Tommy Castro, North Mississippi Allstars, Fabulous Thunderbirds, and BB King, just to name a few! The band also finds time in their busy schedule to perform at some of the region’s biggest charity events, promoting awareness of blues music while raising money for many various charitable organizations and blues society projects.