The Blind Dog Band was formed when 3 members of The Amazing Blues Wizards, Big Mike Simpson, Mike Dotson (AKA Maricopa Slim) and Ray DeSylvester (AKA The Root Dr.) decided to form a new band and take a slightly different musical direction. The band is really a lot of fun to play in and listen to.

We have performed at the Monterey Blues Festival in 2001 and 2002, The June Bug Blues Festival in Payson in 2001 and 2003, The Prescott Folk Festival for four years, The Phoenix Folk Festival for four years, The Back Porch Blues Showcase, the West Valley Art Museum, The Glendale Public Library, Mesa Community College Outback Theater and at the Tempe Town Lake Concerts.

Big Mike Simpson: Guitar, Vocals

Mike Simpson, AKA "Big Mike" is a native of Arizona and originally from Casa Grande has always been interested in blues music. For several years he coordinated the Blues in the Schools program sponsored by the Phoenix Blues Society. Big Mike is also an ASCAP member and songwriter.

The Root Dr.: Harmonica, Vocals

Ray DeSylvester, AKA The Root Dr. acquired his stage name from a previous band that he was in called The Root Doctors. He is a traditional yet innovative Harmonica player. He received the award for best Traditional Performer in the Phoenix Blues Society's Blues showdown competition in 1998 as a solo harmonica player.

Maricopa Slim: Guitar, Vocals

Mike Dotson, AKA Maricopa Slim began performing on stage when he noticed that there were few musicians playing traditional blues. Mike has received recognition as a guitar maker and his handmade guitars are marketed as The Maricopa Guitar Co. One of his guitars was sold at The London Resonator Centre in England. Mike was featured in Guitarmaker Magazine in the Summer 2000 , issue number 41