The Loaded Dice Band was formed in January 1993 and since then has played regularly across southwestern Michigan at clubs and numerous festivals and area bars. In November 1995, the band had the honor of playing the first notes in the inaugural Budweiser Blues Series at the Kalamazoo State Theatre, opening for Smokey Wilson. In July 1994, Loaded Dice opened for blues legend Buddy Guy and Big Daddy Kinsey at Battle Creek's First Friday series blues concert. The band warmed the First Friday series stage again the following year, this time for Lonnie Brooks. Loaded Dice also has opened for Lil' Ed and The Blues Imperials and played at the Kalamazoo Blues Festival several times. The band opened for Lonnie Brooks again in 1998's Budweiser Blues Series, and Joe Ferguson played harp there with Eddie King, and Smokey Wilson. The band has also opened for Wayne Baker Brooks Band, Larry McCray, Shemekia Copeland, and The Radio Kings. In 1997, band members Mark Schwerin and Joe Ferguson embarked on an exciting new musical direction by branching off to form their own acoustic duo. Later teaming up with Tom Duffield on piano, to form Loaded Dice Acoustic Trio. A big hit in small clubs, micro-breweries, and restaurants across SW Michigan. In March of 1998 the trio recorded it's first CD.
