The Hi-Risers play energetic, song-oriented rock’n’roll. Formed in 1998, the founding members are Gregory Townson (vocals, guitar) and Todd Bradley (vocals, bass). In 2002 Jason Smay joined to play drums. The band has recorded three CD'S, "Panic", "In The Spotlight" and their latest "Lost Weekend" They have also contributed recordings to three CD compilations.

The Hi-Risers have played to enthusiastic audiences in a wide variety of venues, including upscale niteclubs, country joints, blues clubs, punk dives, and outdoor family oriented festivals. All of rock’n’roll’s influences are present in the Hi-Risers’ music, whether it be rockabilly, rhythm and blues, country, doo-wop or surf. With their unique selection of songs, the Hi-Risers aim is to entertain with their integrity hopefully intact!

Todd Bradley and Gregory Townson began their musical partnership in 1984. In addition to playing hundreds of shows and releasing two records with The Essentials and The Salamanders, they have recorded with Rock’n’Roll Hall-of-Famer Hank Ballard, jazz legend Bill Doggett, funk pioneer Bootsy Collins, James Brown’s bandleader Pee Wee Ellis, and soul great John Ellison. On stage they have backed up everyone from Bo Diddley to Delbert McClinton. They have shared bills with such diverse acts as NRBQ, The Ramones, and many, many others. Todd and Greg’s recordings were reviewed favorably in Billboard, Guitar Player, Option, Cool and Strange Music, Blue suede News and many other music publications.

Jason Smay has found true happiness performing American Roots Music. Starting his professional music career at age 16, Jason began playing jazz at such venues as Rochester's legendary Shep's Paradise. He also explored the local blues scene with bands like The John Coles Blues Band, Steve Grills and The Roadmasters and his own Jason Smay Trio. From there he pursued his love of rockabilly music. Within this genre he has performed with such greats as Rosie Flores and Commander Cody frontman John Tichy. He continues to tour and perform with The Lustre Kings, most recently at the annual Viva Las Vegas.

The appeal of the Hi-Risers is probably best expressed by a bar patron who, after hearing the band for the first time, declared "you would have to be a total jerk not to love this band!"

What the Experts Say…

"Their exuberant performances are reminders that Rock’n’Roll used to be a really simple thing."
- Democrat and Chronicle

"By playing roots music with equal parts precision and abandon they truly shine. Go see the Hi-Risers and be entertained!"
- City Newspaper

"Their unrestrained Rock’n’Roll and uncomplicated take on life could be used to set off spontaneous beach parties!"
- After Dark

Discography:

The Hi-Risers
Lost Weekend
Spinout Records
(Full-length 16 song collection)

The Hi-Risers
In The Spotlight
Spinout Records
(Full-length 17 song collection)

The Hi-Risers
Panic
2 Bit Records
(Full-length 14-song collection)

Flower City Pop Compilation
Rocket Racket Records
(Contributed ‘I Got It Made’)

Garage Pop Records Compilation
(Contributed ‘Gear Bustin’ Sort of a Feller’)

The Salamanders
Livestock In the Living Room
After Hours Records

The Essentials
Gas Money
Earring Records