The Desert Howlers

"These Howlers from the high desert fuse classic Chicago and Texas blues with a raw swagger!"

Blues Time!

The Desert Howlers have established themselves as Central Oregon’s premier roadhouse blues band. Formed by veteran bassist and vocalist Howard Dyer, they’re driven by the dynamic rhythms of drummer Mitch Peay. Steeped in gritty blues traditions with rocking rhythms, The Desert Howlers deliver powerful performances that resonate like a slapback echo across time from the heyday of Electric Blues and Rock "n" Roll to the present day. With a tight rhythm section, soulful vocals, and the blazing harp and guitar work of British born Blues Man Steve Counsel, The Desert Howlers are fast becoming a fixture of the Pacific Northwest blues scene.

the band are.....

- Howard Dyer (Bass, Vocals) A stalwart of Central Oregon’s blues community, Howard Dyer has spent decades refining his warm, expressive vocal style and impeccable bass grooves. Beyond his work onstage, he champions the genre through his long-running radio show Shake and Bake on KFSL, where he spotlights both legendary blues artists and emerging talent.

- Mitch Peay (Drums) Known for his solid pocket and dynamic fills, Mitch Peay provides the backbone that drives The Desert Howlers high-octane performances. His deep understanding of blues rhythms and his ability to lock in with Dyer’s bass lines ensure every gig pulses with authentic backbeat grooves.

- Steve Counsel (Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals) British-born and steeped in the legacy of the U.K. Blue Boom, Steve Counsel brings a distinctive edge to the band on both Guitar and Blues Harp. His critically acclaimed album Out of the Shadows, produced by Savoy Brown’s legendary Kim Simmonds, earned high praise from critics and fans alike.

Ira Robbins of New York Newsday observed, “Steve Counsel is a gritty, engaging singer and a roaring harmonica powerhouse,”

while Mike Rimmer of Cross Rhythms noted, “Counsel blows a mean harp … he sounds like a young Van Morrison spitting out the words here with a raspy soulful passion.”