< Bio Born in Chicago and raised in the west suburbs, guitarist Neal Rudnik had an abundance of influence in his upbringing. There were plenty of Eric Clapton, ACDC, and Beatle records pumping out his dad’s 30 year old receiver. At age 11, while still in grade school, Neal picked up the bass guitar. Though junior high and high school he provided the low end for various bands at the same time studying old Chicago blues greats. In high school, Neal expanded to the guitar. As an undergrad at the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire, Neal devoted a considerable amount of time studying the recent history of Chicago blues. In 2001 he started a year long study on the current state and history of the Chicago blues circuit. This capstone project would eventually earn him a degree in history. You can read his research at www.bluesinchicago.com. Though his college days, Neal never strayed too far from his musical passion. To earn extra cash, he studied the fine art of entertainment as a wedding disc Jockey. He also spent his summers in Chicago playing for various blues bands. Email Neal: theman@theredtick.com you can also vist his website at: www.theredtick.com   By the time he returned to Chicago in May of 2002, Neal was no stranger to big shows. He entertained thousands of blues fans at both the 2001 and 2002 Taste of Chicago festivals. Neal comes to Rhythm on 22nd through a former band which also featured drummer Martin Dreilich. Neal has been busy in 2007 playing in an acoustic duo most Monday nights at K.A. McBrides in Plainfield, IL. Neal’s influences include: Johnny Winter, Brian Setzer, Willy Porter, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, the Vaughan Brothers, Billy Gibbons, Jim “The Reverend” Heath, Junior Brown, Paul Pigat and Blues Saraceno. Neal would like to thank the following people for their support: My loving wife Sara, Tony and Margie the superfans, Beth, Tom, Brian Hogan, Tony Galassi, Toronzo Cannon, Brian Lupo, Mike Wheeler, Kenny Zimmerman, Carl "CC" Copeland, Tommy Tuesday, The Gretsch Pages, Rock n Roll To Go Plus!, Robin and Matt Scharpf, The Miars Family, and Chicago Drive Shaft. Neal would also like to thank the following business for their products and services: Sal and Sharon at Guitar Fun, Gretsch Guitars, Fender Guitars & Amplifiers, D’Addario strings, Maxon Effects, Full Tone Effects, Peavey Amplifiers, Seymour Duncan Pickups, Bob Weil at Visual Sound, Third Coast Guitar Services, Midwest Buy & Sell, Shure Electronics, and Tullamore Dew.