Highway 61
“Bar Rockin’ Boogie Blues from the Northcoast”
Highway 61
Founded in Akron, Ohio in 2001 by harmonica player and front man Bob Moughler, Highway 61 keeps the spirit of bar rockin’ boogie blues alive from the Northcoast to the Keys. Rooted in Chicago grit and West Coast swing, the band delivers raw, good time blues with rust belt soul. Having shared stages with legends like James Cotton, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Highway 61 still rolls strong with Mike Lenz (guitar/vocals), Pat Hughes (bass/vocals), Todd Hobbs (harmonica/vocals), and Dylan Roth (drums, onstage energy and offstage goodwill ambassador)
As Bob always says, “It’s all good out on Highway 61”
Highway 61
Highway 61
Bar Rockin’ boogie from the Northcoast
Highway 61 was born in Akron, Ohio on October 10, 2001, the vision of harmonica player and vocalist Bob Moughler, who with bassist Pat Hughes set out to blend the raw Chicago sound with the swagger of West Coast boogie blues. Shaped by Bob’s years traveling between L.A. and Phoenix and inspired by mentors like Hans Olson, William Clarke, Kim Wilson, Rod Piazza, and James Harman, Highway 61 became a vehicle for tone, feel, and the kind of live energy that only comes from the barrooms and backroads of the American Rust Belt.
From its early days in the clubs of Northeast Ohio to gigs stretching from the Northcoast to the Florida Keys and as far west as Colorado, the band has built its reputation one night, one crowd, one gig at a time. Over the years Highway 61 has shared stages with legends including the Fabulous Thunderbirds, James Cotton, Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers, Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, and many more.
Though health has sidelined Bob from performing, his spirit runs deep in every set. The current lineup carries that same bar rockin’ boogie spirit with:
Mike Lenz – guitar & vocals
Todd Hobbs – harmonica & vocals
Pat Hughes – bass & vocals
Dylan Roth – drums, onstage energy and offstage goodwill ambassador
For the last 24 years, Highway 61 has remained a working blues band built on tone, rust, volume, and grit.
As Bob always says, “It’s all good out on Highway 61”
Meet Highway 61
Formed in Akron, Ohio, Highway 61 delivers a raw mix of boogie blues, rock, and roots music built on tone, feel, and years of playing together. What started as a tribute to the Chicago and West Coast sound is still constantly evolving and still growing after 24 years.
Each night’s show is different, but it always comes down to good friends, good times, and good company. Highway 61 keeps it moving.
Todd Hobbs – Harmonica, Vocals
Todd has been playing harmonica for more than forty years, starting with The Good Ole Boys alongside his uncles Bob and Danny Hobbs. He later formed Dr. Todd and the Remedy with his brother Troy, opening for artists like Duke Robillard and The 44’s. After moving to Ohio, he joined Highway 61 and became fast friends with Bob, Mike, Pat, and Dylan. Influenced by Paul Butterfield, Junior Wells, and The Red Devils, Todd continues to play across Wisconsin and Michigan while staying connected to his Highway 61 family.
Mike Lenz – Guitar/Vocals
Akron native Mike has spent a lifetime chasing great tone, feel, and the freedom of improvisation. Drawn early to the raw power of ’60s and ’70s rock and the bite of ’80s punk, he later found his home in the blues. His playing reflects the Delta, Piedmont, and Chicago styles, shaped by years of steady gigging and listening. On stage, Mike mixes blues and roots with open ended improvisation, making each set different from the last.
Dylan Roth – Drums/Goodwill Ambassador
Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Dylan grew up surrounded by music and started drumming before he could walk. He’s spent his life on both sides of the stage; playing, engineering, and running sound for touring acts around the world. A studio owner and veteran live engineer, Dylan brings precision, energy, and a strong sense of community to Highway 61, both on and off stage.
Pat Hughes – Bass/Vocals
Pat Hughes picked up the bass in his twenties and never put it down. Over the years he’s played with The Jademen, New Moon, Flies and Thunder, The Mojo Kings, Armed and Dangerous, and West L.A. Fadeaway. Since joining Highway 61 in 2006, Pat has shared stages with Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, James Cotton, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. He calls the journey “one incredible ride” and takes pride in keeping the groove steady alongside Dylan, Mike, and Todd.
