| Meet Blue Mercury |
Brent Coburn
Tammy Boyd
Bill Belshaw
Brent Coburn – Guitar & Vocals
A self-described “perfectionist”, Brent Coburn’s vantage point is front and center – on stage with his guitar and off
stage where he oversees the band’s entire sound. Born in December of 1956 in Peoria, Illinois, Brent’s passion for
music was determined at a very young age. Brent noted that he feels most of his love for music came from listening
to his mother and father play. He considers them his biggest influence for his love for music. Brent noted that
there is not an instrument that his mother cannot play. Brent did not begin playing guitar until the age of 21 and
notes that his sense of timing was developed at a very young age from his mother rocking him on the Montgomery
Ward ringer washer that resided in their house. Imagine that! Brent initially played for about five years in which he
played with several local musicians in the area. Over the years Brent has spent many hours listening, learning, and
taking the opportunity to master his trade. I don’t think there’s a doubt in anyone’s mind that have heard Brent play
that he can hold his own with some of the best. His stage presence and ability as player give Blue Mercury its
unique sound.
Brent presently works for Komatsu as an Electronic Specialist and has for the past 30 years. Brent’s knowledge of
Car Audio sound and involvement in the industry also made him one of the best in the business. His knowledge of
the local music industry and stage production has proven invaluable for the Jim Davis Band over the past few
years, behind the scenes and in the spotlight. Brent brings fans a perfect combination of stage presence and
smooth, solid guitar playing as his signature style.
Brent plays Gibson and Fender guitars and uses Marshall Amps.
Bill Belshaw – Drums
One of the newer members of the band, Blue Mercury, Bill Belshaw’s style is hard hitting both on stage and off. Born in
February, 1959 in Newport, Rhode Island, Bill’s fate as a drummer was sealed at the age of 7, when he woke up
Christmas morning and his first drum set sat ready to play next to the Christmas tree. It wasn’t long after that
professional musician, Greg Volz (formerly with Petra) as well as members of the local band the Wombats stopped by the
Bill residence for an impromptu jam session in the garage. It was at that time that Volz awarded Bill with his first set of
professional drum cymbals. Zildjians of course!
Bill’s roots as a drummer span three generations and date back to grade school, where at the age of twelve he met up
with some local friends and formed the band – The Winter Harvest. Although short lived, we only knew three songs) Bill
continued his musical career while under the direction of Rich Elam -Professional Percussion instructor at Don’s Music
Land, Peoria Illinois. Rich Elam was and I still consider one of the finest drummers I know!
Bill’s competitive nature has contributed to his success on and off the stage. A lot of jamming went on since then,
sitting in with several different players over the years. Bill’s college years allowed him the privilege while attending
Illinois State University, the opportunity to play in a band, “The Cross Town Rivals”, and “The Look”. Prior to becoming a
part of his most recent band, the Sadistic Cowboy’s , Bill teamed up with old friends, Dan Carroll (bass), Kevin
VanDusen (guitar), Darryl Hadley (Keyboards),and Dan Gruder (guitarist) to form the band, Tuesday Weld. The band
played just a few gigs before pursuing other interests.
Bill’s determination as a high school athlete allowed him the opportunity to be a part of the 1975 Class 3A State Football
Champion, Metamora Redbirds. In 1998 he coached the Peoria Jr. Rivermen Hockey Bantam AA Hockey Team to a State
Title.
Bill holds a degree in Medical Technology and presently is a Lab Systems Specialist at BroMenn Regional Medical
Center, Normal, Illinois – knowledge that has proven invaluable in negotiating deals for the band and building his own
successful career.
Known for his wild but precise chops, Bill has developed his own unmistakable style of high energy, highly polished
drumming, bringing the band, Blue Mercury, to the forefront in the local music scene.
Bill plays DW drums as well as Zildjian cymbals.
One of the newer members of the band, Blue Mercury, Bill Belshaw’s style is hard hitting both on stage and off. Born in
February, 1959 in Newport, Rhode Island, Bill’s fate as a drummer was sealed at the age of 7, when he woke up
Christmas morning and his first drum set sat ready to play next to the Christmas tree. It wasn’t long after that
professional musician, Greg Volz (formerly with Petra) as well as members of the local band the Wombats stopped by the
Bill residence for an impromptu jam session in the garage. It was at that time that Volz awarded Bill with his first set of
professional drum cymbals. Zildjians of course!
Bill’s roots as a drummer span three generations and date back to grade school, where at the age of twelve he met up
with some local friends and formed the band – The Winter Harvest. Although short lived, we only knew three songs) Bill
continued his musical career while under the direction of Rich Elam -Professional Percussion instructor at Don’s Music
Land, Peoria Illinois. Rich Elam was and I still consider one of the finest drummers I know!
Bill’s competitive nature has contributed to his success on and off the stage. A lot of jamming went on since then,
sitting in with several different players over the years. Bill’s college years allowed him the privilege while attending
Illinois State University, the opportunity to play in a band, “The Cross Town Rivals”, and “The Look”. Prior to becoming a
part of his most recent band, the Sadistic Cowboy’s , Bill teamed up with old friends, Dan Carroll (bass), Kevin
VanDusen (guitar), Darryl Hadley (Keyboards),and Dan Gruder (guitarist) to form the band, Tuesday Weld. The band
played just a few gigs before pursuing other interests.
Bill’s determination as a high school athlete allowed him the opportunity to be a part of the 1975 Class 3A State Football
Champion, Metamora Redbirds. In 1998 he coached the Peoria Jr. Rivermen Hockey Bantam AA Hockey Team to a State
Title.
Bill holds a degree in Medical Technology and presently is a Lab Systems Specialist at BroMenn Regional Medical
Center, Normal, Illinois – knowledge that has proven invaluable in negotiating deals for the band and building his own
successful career.
Known for his wild but precise chops, Bill has developed his own unmistakable style of high energy, highly polished
drumming, bringing the band, Blue Mercury, to the forefront in the local music scene.
Bill plays DW drums as well as Zildjian cymbals.
Tammy Boyd - Bass & Vocals
Tammy Boyd is also a new addition to the band - and a key element in the Blue Mercury rhythm section. Tammy’s natural talent and self-
assured style have laid a solid foundation for success. Born December 1966 in Homestead, Florida, Tammy began her musical career at an
early age playing flute. It was before then she remembers always “playing” piano while visiting grand parents. Her passion for music
carried on into her high school years as well. While continuing to play in the band she managed to find her way into the school’s chorals
group as well as swing group called the Entertainers. After high school, Tammy joined a Barbershop Chorus and eventually too an interest
in guitar. It wasn’t long after playing guitar, that her desire to play bass took over. Tammy notes that she truly enjoys all types of music, so
it’s hard to narrow down any particular group or sound that has influenced her. She likes the blues, because of the many stories the songs
tell, while Classic Rock is second with Jazz and Classical following respectively.
When Tammy isn’t playing the bass, you can usually find her running her own Hair Salon and Massage Therapy business with her husband
Steve. They are equally as dedicated and put a great deal of their hours into making the business successful. Occasionally when time
permits, you’ll see the tow of them slip off on an exclusive scuba diving excursion. They enjoy life and that’s what it’s all about.
Tammy’s training and involvement with other musical situations has allowed her to make major contributions to the band., Blue Mercury,
right away. On stage, her voice is consistently strong and her range sounds limitless. Tammy’s style is smooth , yet energetic, and her
natural talent on bass provides a solid foundation for the band.
Tammy’s hobbies when she isn’t playing bass are scuba diving, practicing martial arts, and running. She holds a second degree black belt
and has completed two Chicago Marathons and dozens of half marathons.
Tammy plays a Warwick Fretless Bass, a Fender 5 String Jazz Bass, and uses Trace Elliott Amps.
Tammy Boyd is also a new addition to the band - and a key element in the Blue Mercury rhythm section. Tammy’s natural talent and self-
assured style have laid a solid foundation for success. Born December 1966 in Homestead, Florida, Tammy began her musical career at an
early age playing flute. It was before then she remembers always “playing” piano while visiting grand parents. Her passion for music
carried on into her high school years as well. While continuing to play in the band she managed to find her way into the school’s chorals
group as well as swing group called the Entertainers. After high school, Tammy joined a Barbershop Chorus and eventually too an interest
in guitar. It wasn’t long after playing guitar, that her desire to play bass took over. Tammy notes that she truly enjoys all types of music, so
it’s hard to narrow down any particular group or sound that has influenced her. She likes the blues, because of the many stories the songs
tell, while Classic Rock is second with Jazz and Classical following respectively.
When Tammy isn’t playing the bass, you can usually find her running her own Hair Salon and Massage Therapy business with her husband
Steve. They are equally as dedicated and put a great deal of their hours into making the business successful. Occasionally when time
permits, you’ll see the tow of them slip off on an exclusive scuba diving excursion. They enjoy life and that’s what it’s all about.
Tammy’s training and involvement with other musical situations has allowed her to make major contributions to the band., Blue Mercury,
right away. On stage, her voice is consistently strong and her range sounds limitless. Tammy’s style is smooth , yet energetic, and her
natural talent on bass provides a solid foundation for the band.
Tammy’s hobbies when she isn’t playing bass are scuba diving, practicing martial arts, and running. She holds a second degree black belt
and has completed two Chicago Marathons and dozens of half marathons.
Tammy plays a Warwick Fretless Bass, a Fender 5 String Jazz Bass, and uses Trace Elliott Amps.
