_

Guitarist Orvil Ivie always finds the groove. He performs in a variety of musical styles from a soloist to a duo with Percussionist Mike Renwick (performing mostly Contemporary Jazz using state of the art high-tech laptop-sequenced background tracks) to a dynamic acoustic guitar duo “IVIE/MEZIERE DUO” with fellow guitarist & best buddy Garry Meziere (http://garrymeziere.com) to a full live 4, 5, or even 7 (with a horn section) piece band “THE IVIE/MEZIERE BAND” that performs Blues, Rock, Swing and Contemporary Jazz. Orvil Ivie was raised in Salem Oregon and to this day he still makes Salem his home. From the age of 12 Orvil has had a guitar in his hands. Growing up in the 60’s he was listening to and playing music from the Ventures to the Beatles. His first gig was the 8th grade party at his junior high school. From there he was hooked on music & performing in front of an audience. By the time he was nineteen Orvil was already in his first professional band Eskape (http://pnwbands.com/eskape.html). They toured all throughout the Pacific orthwest. Orvil played in Eskape with fellow guitarists Maitland Ward (from Kenny Loggins band and musical director for Madonna) & the great Starr Donaldson from Jo Jo Gunne. After Eskape Orvil joined the band “Malta” for a couple years playing with his late brother Randy Ivie on bass and dear old friend Steve Banks on drums. In the late 1970’s Orvil found himself in a band that would go on to become a local and regional household name until it’s breakup in the mid 1990’s.That band was KICK. Orvil was both the leader and the main focal point of the band. They were one of the most popular bands in Salem and the Northwest. The band played covers and original tunes 5 and 6 nights a week. From the mid 90’s to the about 2004 Orvil teamed up as a duo with his lovely & talented wife Kathy Ivie. The Ivie duo known as “Steppin’Out” became very well known playing popular variety music (anything from ZZ Top to Patsy Cline). Kathy’s voice & Orvil’s guitar work made a super combination that people just couldn’t get enough of! Later in the 90’s they added their old friend Steve Banks on drum & vocals. Shawn Lyday was also added on keyboards making “Steppin’ Out” a four piece band. “Steppin’ Out” was one of the areas favorites for dancing and listening. They disbanded when Kathy started her nursing career. Orvil is and has always has been one of Oregon’s finest and most talented musicians. His music style has a wide range of influences with deep roots in rock, blues and Contemporary jazz. His playing is both driving and subtle when need be and will leave you spellbound and craving more. Ask just about anybody who knows the music scene and they will tell you that “Orvil Ivie is one of the best guitarist they have heard anywhere”. He has now added solo guitar performances featuring nylon string guitar playing the best of Contemporary (Smooth) jazz with a touch of blues. His early influences are Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana. Current Jazz and Blues influences: Peter White, Jeff Golub, Larry Carlton, Chuck Loeb, Marc Antoine, Robben Ford, Duke Robillard, Alex Schultz, Charlie Baty, Jim Mesi, Billy Gibbons, Arlen Roth and Les Paul. Orvil is now available as a solo act (with his high-tech midi sequence backing tracks) “A Tribute to Contemporary Jazz Guitar” This solo act is a soft volume easy listening type of performance, for low keyed events. Best suited for Dinner clubs, Wineries, Street Fairs, Weddings, Corporate Events, Holiday parties, Private parties, Special Occasions and Charity Events. Also, his acoustic guitar duo “THE IVIE/MEZIERE DUO” and full live band “THE IVIE/MEZIERE BAND” (no backing tracks used) are available for engagements. Ivie Music: Live Music That Works With You!