Sneezy: The Enduring Funk-Soul Jam Band from Chicago

In a world where musical acts often form and disband with the fleeting nature of trends, it's rare to find a group that has managed to maintain its core spirit and camaraderie over the years. Sneezy, a funk-soul jam band with roots in the vibrant Chicago music scene, is a testament to the power of lifelong friendships and a shared passion for music. For lead singer Brett O'Connor, the journey of Sneezy began not with grand ambitions, but with the simple joy of making music with friends in a living room.

The seeds of Sneezy were sown when O'Connor and his friends were just kids, barely out of kindergarten. It was then that they first picked up instruments, guided by the family of their acoustic guitarist, and began to explore the world of sound together. This early experimentation eventually led to their first performance in first grade, a humble show that included covers of classics like Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog." What started as a childhood hobby, with the group calling themselves the Hound Dogs, soon evolved into something more substantial. By the time they were in second grade, they had already booked their first paid gig, a milestone that O'Connor still looks back on with pride.

As the years passed, the band underwent transformations, expanding its lineup and exploring different genres. From its origins as an acoustic hip-hop trio called Sneezy Trio, the group grew to include more musicians, each bringing their unique perspective and sound to the table. The name "Sneezy Trio" eventually became a misnomer, as the collective expanded to include six members, prompting them to drop the "Trio" and become simply Sneezy. Today, the band is a rich tapestry of talents, with O'Connor, Jack Holland, Tom Hannum, Austin Leter, Cody "Codes" Hersch, Destiny Diggs, and Danny Delacruz all contributing their distinct musical elements to create a sound that is both eclectic and cohesive.

For O'Connor, the beauty of Sneezy lies not just in the music they create, but in the bonds they've formed along the way. When he talks about his bandmates, it's clear that he sees them as more than just musical collaborators – they're friends, confidants, and kindred spirits. The line between band life and personal life is blissfully blurred, with rehearsals and performances feeling like extensions of their everyday interactions. This camaraderie is at the heart of Sneezy's music, which is as much about the joy of creation as it is about the end product.

As Sneezy prepares to take the stage at the Steamboat Resort base area as part of the Bud Light Rocks the Boat Free Concert Series, it's a testament to the power of their enduring bond. From humble beginnings in a living room to performances on the international stage, Sneezy's journey is a reminder that music can be a potent catalyst for connection and community. For fans and newcomers alike, their show promises to be a celebration of the funk-soul sound that has become their hallmark, as well as the friendships that have made it all possible. As O'Connor and his bandmates look out at the crowd, they'll be reminded that, for them, music is not just a profession, but a passion that fills their souls and brings them closer together.