About Us

The SHADES are a classic rock
and pop music band that play in
and around Tri-Cities WA. The
SHADES offer popular live music
performances that are enjoyed
by many age groups.

Bobby Nelsen - Band Leader and
Founder of The SHADES, Bobby is
an awesome lead guitarist and
has been playing music
professionally even before his
teen years. He is also a seasoned
singer. He played in various full
time west coast road bands
including: Dillinger, Spread Eagle
and Dancer before forming "The
SHADES" in Seattle in 1982. Email
Bobby at: theshadesguitarist@yahoo.com

Faith Martin - Sings and plays
guitar. She has a strong and
passionate voice and throughly
enjoys and connects well with the
crowd. Faith performed in Private
Reality, Intention, Act of Faith and
Rokbox before joining The
SHADES in 2004. Faith is a
career radio "personality" and
was also seen as Morning News
Anchor on TV. She now is heard
on numerous stations owned by
Gapwest Broadcasting.
Email Faith at: info@faithmartin.com

Billy Hitt - is an excellent singer
and accomplished drummer.
Billy provides the energy and
"drive" that enables The SHADES
to rock solid! Billy has been a
professional musician since his
early years and used to play with
"The Cavaliers" of the hit record
"Last Kiss." He was also a
member of the Dallas Symphony
Orchestra for many years and
joined The SHADES in 1995. Email
Billy
at: billyhitt@yahoo.com

Tim Dallas - Our original bass
player is as solid a bass player as
they come! We count on his talent,
ability and unique style to play
numerous genre's of musical styles,
lay down an awesome grove and
and bring consistency to The
SHADES sound. We welcome him
back after a 3 year hiatus when he
played with other area groups such
as the Coyote Kings.

History of The SHADES

The SHADES were formed in
1982 in Seattle WA by lead
guitarist Bobby Nelsen. Original
members included singer Mark
Levick from "The Machine,"
guitarist Glen Eagleson from "No
Cheese Please," bassist Dan
Zoch from "Baby Knockers," and
drummer Mike Painter from
"Night Monsters."

The SHADES signed with the
WSA and FarWest booking
agencies, primarily playing road
dates throughout Washington,
Oregon Idaho, Montana and
Alaska. The SHADES also played
dates with artists such as TKO,
Doucette, The Charlie Bird Trio,
Elvin Bishop, and Boy Toy. In the
early years you may have seen
them at AK's and Dominiks while
they traveled through the
Tri-Cities between 1980-1990.

In 1994, Bobby Nelsen relocated
to the Tri-Cities and joined the
local band "Steel Wheels" with
Ronny Stephens before reforming
The SHADES in 1995. The
SHADES perform popular rock
and pop music from the 50's
through today for regional clubs,
taverns, company parties
,wedding receptions and special
events. Many of the band
members write and have
recorded original songs
individually but The SHADES
mainly play cover tunes to keep
the music familiar for their
audience.