Rum Punch Bandits Bio

Now in their 8th year, the Rum Punch Bandits is a seven piece Gulf-n-Western  band from the Charlotte , NC area. Not sure what Gulf-n-Western music is? Well it’s 2 jiggers of Buffett, a splash of Jerry Jeff, two fingers of Bob Marley, a dash of the Stones, plenty of ice and shake….don’t stir. The Bandits have  opened for Buffett three times and also Kenny Chesney prior to his recent Columbia , SC concert at Williams-Brice Stadium. They’ve headlined numerous  ParrotHead events, countless private affairs, and performed in a multitude of clubs around the southeast.

Kevin Loop is the lead singer, rhythm guitarist and blues harpist. He hails from Charlotte and is chief songwriter and a founding member of the band; Percussionist Bob Robinson is from Chester , SC and also a founding member; Fort Mill , SC native John Griffin cranks out lead acoustic and electric guitar riffs for the Bandits; JT Layton is the keyboardist and guru for the band. He’s an all-knowing musician who offers his vast knowledge for the boys to draw from; Donny Martin is from Rock Hill , SC and plays bass for the Bandits. Be sure to check out his solo in Brown Eyed Girl; Ed Pernick, another Rock Hillian, handles the drums  and keeps the band in time from time to time; Lastly, Scott Dowless, from Tega Cay, SC and the band’s newest member, is the electric guitarist who has a nice collection of toys to dazzle you with (think Paul Reed Smith, a Fender Strat and a vintage Fender Telecaster). Scott is an amazing talent and a strong addition to the band.

The Rum Punch Bandits Cast of Fiendish Characters:

Kevin Loop: Lead vocals, acoustic guitar and harmonica
Bob Robinson: Percussion, vocals
John Griffin: Acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin and vocals
JT Layton: Keyboards, pedal steel, guitar, vocals and pretty much anything he sets his mind to
Donnie Martin: Bass guitar
Scott Dowless: Electric guitars, vocals
Eddie Pernick: Drums

For a mere pittance above and beyond our normal fee, steel drums are available upon request.
Please book far enough in advance in order to secure this instrument.