JUL
17
2026
Manteno American Legion
Open to the public. Full band. PA provided.
OPEN
01 — THE STUFF
Classic rock, R&B, and a touch of country.
A five-piece built to keep a room full. Standards from the Southern rock canon, a few country classics, some R&B you'd forgotten you loved, and one slow burn to close it out. The set list shifts with the room — that's the whole point of a cover band that's played the same songs a thousand times.
02 — ON THE BOOKS
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Where to catch us next.
Public shows are free to attend unless noted. Private events and parties aren't listed — but if you're a venue or event planner, drop us a line.
SEP
19
2026
New Lenox American Legion Post 1977
Open to the public. Afternoon set — full band. 815-485-4651 for venue info.
OPEN
NOV
14
2026
New Lenox American Legion Post 1977
Open to the public. Afternoon event — full band. 815-485-4651 for venue info.
OPEN
More dates added weekly
Hit the Facebook page or drop your email — we'll send the next month's schedule as it locks in.
03 — THE BAND
Meet the Band
Steve "Buck" Dennison
Lead vocals · Guitar · Booking
Frontman, calls the gigs, owns the room. The guy you talk to when you're booking. Want to hear it? He'll probably know it — request just about anything and chances are he's got it ready.
Frank Gatto
Guitar
Three decades of playing out, teaching, and selling behind the counter at music stores — and a luthier at Gatto Guitars. One of the best guitar players you'll ever meet, and most people in the room already know it.
Jim "Crash" Mihalovich
Drums · Backing vocals
Been playing drums his whole life — since before he could reach the pedals. A veteran, a lifelong baseball fan, and the kind of drummer every band wishes they had. Local bands, road gigs, every kind of room you can name. The reason the rest of the band sounds tight without ever asking for the spotlight.
Bill Thorpe
Bass · Vocals
A working musician for over 40 years. Multi-instrumentalist — bass, fiddle, and whatever else the night calls for. Wedding bands, bars, VFW halls, American Legion rooms, festival stages. He's played them all and he still shows up early.
Billy Thorpe
Guitar · Recording & Video
An all-around guitarist who handles the band's recording and video — and built this website. Son of bassist Bill Thorpe; every time he's on stage, there's a Thorpe holding down the bass end too.
04 — ROOMS WE'VE WORKED
A few of the venues.
Frankfort VFW Post 1493
Frankfort, IL · VFW hall · full band sets
Bradley American Legion – Post 766
Bradley, IL · American Legion · parties + private events
Manteno American Legion
Manteno, IL · American Legion · regular sets (back July 17)
New Lenox American Legion Post 1977
New Lenox, IL · American Legion · afternoon sets · Sept 19 & Nov 14
White Rhino Bar & Grill
Dyer, IN · bar · food + drinks · 8:30pm sets
More rooms coming — venues drop us a line if you'd like to be listed here.
05 — RECENTLY PLAYED
A few we've been playing lately.
Sample set, just so you get the idea — interchangeable with the room.
- Before You Accuse Me Eric Clapton
- Memphis, Tennessee Chuck Berry
- Tulsa Time Eric Clapton / Don Williams
- Main Street Bob Seger
- Melissa Allman Brothers Band
- Friends in Low Places Garth Brooks
- Unchain My Heart Ray Charles
06 — BOOK THE BAND
Let's talk about your night.
Bars, VFW halls, American Legion posts, fall fests, private events, private parties, corporate. Anywhere with a power outlet and a crowd.
PRIMARY BOOKING
Steve "Buck" Dennison
Phone: (708) 214-4901
Email: buck956@att.net
Messenger: Message the band
ON THE WEB
The Usual Suspects
Facebook: /TheUsualsuspectsBand
YouTube: @brassbootstudio
Brand site: playtheusualsuspects.com