Bo Burkes

Bo Burkes is a multi-instrumentalist from Baker, Louisiana. A small town directly north of state capital, Baton Rouge. This musical journey begins in a true millennial fashion. It begins upon the discovery of Guitar Hero. Bo became obsessed with rock & roll music. One day after school, the song "Give It Away" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers came on the local rock station. Bo knew right then and there he wanted to play the bass. He began teaching himself the at age 14. Idolizing players such as Flea, Geezer Butler, Cliff Burton, and other rock bassists. The guitar followed a couple years later.

Bo's current list of influences range the entire musical spectrum. Bo is completely self-taught, but it hasn't stopped him from turning his passion into a full-on career. He has played guitar & bass in groups spanning from rock, pop, r&b, fusion, even traditional & modern country. In 2018 Bo went on tour with Texas country crooner Jake Worthington, a finalist on The Voice. He especially idolizes John Mayer & Pino Palladino, as both are highly successful self-taught musicians (Mayer a Berklee drop-out & Palladino completely self-taught). His pride in being self-taught is something that was further heightened when he fell in love with his neighboring New Orleans funk. "Down there, those cats learn on the job" Bo says. "You don't need that degree. If you just listen hard enough and pay attention, you'll play what needs to be played. It's in the water down here. It's all about feel, and you can't fake feel."

In 2018, Bo traveled to Pennsylvania to teach at a prestigious youth summer music program with instructors from 4 continents. He and his bandmate from Baton Rouge were the only instructors without a formal music education.

Bo can primarily be seen playing bass alongside Louisiana Music Hall of Famer & Billboard Top 10 Blues Artist Jonathon "Boogie" Long; playing Blues & Louisiana based shows across the world. From the Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas, to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, to beloved New Orleans venues Tipitina's & the Maple Leaf, and everywhere in between. Bo fills the rest of his calendar by fronting & playing lead guitar for his multi-genre cover band Hip Deep. The 7-piece band is member of the Louisiana Association of Fairs & Festivals and plays public & private events throughout the Southeastern US Region.