We're the Faithful Strays , a St. Louis Roots/Blues/Americana band serving up originals, covers...and original covers. The band features: Marc Chechik (guitar, vocals), Spencer Marquart (drums), Chris "Iron Jaw Taylor (harmonica, vocals), Mike Wayne (bass) and Amy Wooters (vocals, tambo).

So, you may be asking "Why do the Strays need a GoFundMe?" The answer? We (quite unexpectedly) won the International Blues Challenge regional qualifier in Washington, Missouri...and we've been invited to compete in the national competition on Beale Street in Memphis, from January 14-17, 2026.

We'd love your help in getting us to Memphis to show some MO pride. The Washington MO Blues Society generously contributed cash to the cause to offset our travel, but with a five-piece band it takes a little more folding money than when Muddy, B.B. and Sonny Boy did it. ;)

Whatever you can manage would be truly appreciated. For those of you who contribute, you'll be invited to a contributors-only show after the Memphis competition.

Thanks so much for any support you can offer. And if you're feeling the walkin' blues, come on down to Memphis and join us!

Marc, Spencer, Iron Jaw, Mike and Amy