BOATHOUSE BLUES
A five or six piece blues band from Barrie /Innisfil Area. Specializing in covering blues classics, soul and funk.
The Boathouse Blues delivers an immersive and energetic performance, engaging audiences wherever they play. The three dynamic lead vocalists Ross Pityk, Peter Fitzgerald and Roman Chicago deliver their songs with soul and passion. The band has played almost 200 performances, including iconic Blues clubs in Toronto, The Orillia Opera House, The Friday Harbour Pier Stage, The Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival, The Barrie Blues Festival and numerous venues across Southern Ontario. The playful improvisation between band members makes for a unique and memorable blues experience at every show.
In August 2025 The Boathouse Blues project recorded their album “Songs From the Boathouse.” The seven original songs feature the band's bluesy, soulful and funk styles.
“This group specializes in playing Blues and blues-inspired songs that are sure to get the crowd on their feet and singing along. With a wide range of musical influences, this band has the ability to perform songs from different genres with ease. They put their own unique spin on each cover, while still staying true to the original version of the song. Their performances are lively and engaging, with a great stage presence that captures the attention of the audience."
Kevin Lamb Photojournalist author of 'Three Songs No Flash: Canadian Music on the Road'
The
Project
Current Lineup
Current Line Up
Ross Pityk
started a piano- bass duo with Debbie in the summer of 2020. The duo started performing fundraisers and private parties on boat house roofs, that became the inspiration for our band name. Ross has over 30 years of experience playing and jamming with bands and has recorded with Grammy award-winning sound engineer Paul Massey. He enjoys playing in local venues when he travels, and is dedicated to the Blues, constantly searching for opportunities to learn from the greats.
Debbie Bisbee
got her start in 2019 with House of Gaga, a Lady Gaga tribute band. She has also played with Missing Green, a folk rock band of original music.
In March 2020, Ross invited her to form a Blues Duo of piano and bass, which quickly became The Boathouse Blues Project, with the addition of guitar.
Peter Fitzgerald
Pete has been a mainstay in the Simcoe County music scene for years, fronting the band “The Fitzees” and playing rhythm guitar with the band “Dawghouse”. Pete is known for his personable frontman skills, gritty vocals, sweet harmonies, and Irish roots.
Roman “Chicago” Kuchirka
joined us on harmonica in late 2023. He leaves it all on stage with a masterful command of the blues harp and with his soulful vocals. He has been playing the harp for 53 years and has played in every province in Canada as well as internationally in the US , Germany and Mexico. He has played and recorded with his band Bardos Chicago, and with Indie artists Roadkill Deli , Alan Naskall, Craig McIlveen, and Bob Kraemer.
Jay Rothenburg
is a multi-instrumentalist. When he's not drumming with us, he can be found playing bass with the band “The Faculty” and "Celtic Fiere" or keys with the band “Table Nine” and loclal jazz bands. He is a recently retired high school music and art teacher. Jay continues to perform and direct music for various community theatre groups, teach private music lessons, and compose/arrange music.
John Richardson
John has been drumming since he was a teenager and studied music at University of Toronto. He drums in several bands including All Staff Blues, and The Michael Brown Trio.
Chris Nicholl
has played saxophone in clubs , restaurants, resorts, festivals , and special events, including fronting for the band at the Hot House Cafe, voted Toronto's most popular jazz brunch. In recent years, Chris has been focusing on recording original compositions, playing multiple instruments.
Burke Erwin
Alternate guitarist . Burke enjoys a busy solo career and was the lead guitarist with Boathouse Blues for several years.