Short Bio
Regional winners of the Self-Produced CD division 2024 - Connecticut Blues Society.
Blues Blast nomination 2025 - New Artist Debut Album.
Finalist - Unsigned Music Awards.
Fran Drew and the Lucky Strikes — think Peg Bundy meets Lou Ann Barton. Sass collides with raw, Texas style blues power - a perfect mix of attitude and grit.
The Lucky Strikes blend rock, blues, and funk with infectious grooves that’ll have you shimmying whether you're in a dive bar, a smoky juke joint, or cruising down a dusty backroad. It’s a sound that’s equal parts raw power and musical mastery, with enough swagger to keep your feet tapping long after the show is over.
Frontwoman Fran Drew leads the charge with powerhouse vocals that hit hard, demanding attention. Whether she’s wailing through a scorching blues number or taking it down to a slow burn, Fran’s voice cuts deep, rich with soul and all the grit you’d expect from someone who’s seen it all. She’s got the kind of voice that makes you feel every note, like she’s been around the block a few times—and let’s be real, she probably has.
Backing up Fran are seasoned musicians who know exactly how to lay down a groove. Gene Donaldson slings a guitar with sharp, gritty precision, adding just the right amount of edge to the band’s sound. Dennis Cotton, holding it down on drums, is the kind of player who knows when to keep it tight and when to let loose, laying down beats that will make you move whether you’re ready or not. Then there’s Max Samson on bass, keeping the low end deep and steady, adding that perfect thumping pulse that fills out the band’s already rich sound. Richie Badowski's harmonica leaves the listeners breathless. Henry Spadoni on guitar shreds with class keeping us all in check.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. Periodical special guests bring even more fire to the mix, layering in extra flavor and texture that makes every show feel fresh.
For a Good Time — Look No further than Fran Drew and the Lucky Strikes.
Contact: blue-diva@cox.net
Long Bio
Regional winners of the Self-Produced CD division 2024 - Connecticut Blues Society.
Blues Blast nomination 2025 - New Artist Debut Album.
Finalist - Unsigned Music Awards.
Fran Drew and the Lucky Strikes — think Peg Bundy meets Lou Ann Barton. It's sass colliding with the raw, bluesy power of Texas roots rock.
Frontwoman Fran Drew leads the charge with powerhouse vocals that hit hard and shake hips. She's got a voice that can turn a slow burn into a full-blown fire, delivering soul and grit like she’s been around the block a few times—and she probably has.
First singing on the street corners of the New Orleans French Quarter as a teenager and later in a local gospel band, Fran found her passion and calling. After honing her skills at open mics she fronted a swing blues band before forming her own combo The Lucky Strikes.
Her acoustic duo, Mad Max and the Hootchie Cootchie Gal entertain with 'Roots Blues and Bawdy Ballads' during the warmer months at outdoor events.
Backing her up are seasoned musicians who know their way around a groove:
Gene Donaldson - Connecticut Blues Hall of Fame Artist, has been performing with numerous musical acts since the 70's including Phil Guy, LeeShot Williams, Johnny Rawls, Mary Taylor and The Motown Revue as well as his own band The Stingrays. As a solo artist he covers a wide range of musical genres and artists. Donaldson slings a guitar with sharp precision, bringing a gritty edge to the band's sound.
Dennis Cotton - on drums keeps things tight and steady, but knows when to lay down a beat that’ll make your feet move without you even realizing it. Dennis has recorded over 35 albums and toured worldwide as a member of the British Blues/Rock group Savoy Brown, as well as Commander Cody, Duke Robillard, and The British Blues All-Stars.
Rich Badowski - has worked as a studio musician recording with blues legends Sonny Rhodes, Eddie Kirkland and Johnny Rawls for the JSP record label. He performed at Foxwoods Casino with Shorty & the Allstars, and won first place in the Springfield Valley Advocate Grand Band Slam for best blues band in 2008 with Sharp Harp Junior and the Blades. In 2009 he formed the Rich Badowski Blues Band and in 2012 won the CTBS Blues Band Challenge and played the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN in 2013. He Joined the band EasyBaby in 2014 and returned to Memphis for the IBC IN 2018.
Henry Spadoni - Henry has been playing the blues since the 70’s and has shared the stage with James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and other blues notables. Now playing with Down The Alley, St. George & the Dragons, Morgan Giosa, and Fran Drew & the Lucky Strikes. Introduced to the blues by his parents when he was a toddler, he started playing classical piano, but switched to guitar and the blues at an early age.
Max Samson - on bass, holding down the low end with a solid, thumping presence that fills out the band's rich, full sound. Max competed in the IBC in Memphis in 2018 with the band EasyBaby. He gigs in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island on a regular basis with the Rich Badowski Blues Band as well as house bass player every Monday with the Whip City Allstars.
During the warmer weather he might be spotted busking with Mad Max and the Hoochie Coochie Gal, an acoustic duo. He also subbed for many of the Ct area Blues Bands.
Together, the Lucky Strikes weave a mix of rock, blues, and funk-infused grooves that’ll make you want to shimmy and shake—whether you’re in a honky-tonk bar or cruising down a dusty highway. It's a blend of power, attitude, and musical mastery that’ll leave you with a permanent bounce in your step.
For a Good Time — Look No further than Fran Drew and the Lucky Strikes.
Contact: blue-diva@cox.net