Guitar enthusiast. Pedal junkie. Blues aficionado! Brian Schwager not only knows his gear but can melt your ears with his unique playing style. 

 

He thanks his mom and dad for putting a trumpet in his hands at the age of four, and his first guitar at 14. Followed by countless hours of diligent practice, Brian has grown into the musician he is today. 

 

Early in his career Brian performed in Ska, Rock, and Country bands. He’s shared the stage with renowned acts like Blake Shelton, GA-20, Thomas Rhett, Mike Zito, Daniel Donato, Sierra Hull, Umphrey's McGee and many more.

 

In 2019 Brian teamed up with Tom Buckmiller to create The Buckmiller | Schwager Band. They perform throughout the upper Midwest as a 3, 4, 5, or 6 piece band. He and Tom also offer duo shows and in late 2021 they took first place in the Iowa Blues Challenge. This allowed them the opportunity to compete in the 2022 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN where they advanced to the Semi Finals.

 

Brian has performed in a wide variety of groups with many of Central Iowa’s top musicians and he’s recorded with his own band and numerous others. 

 

Music media professionals have this to say:

 

“Schwager isn’t one of those guitarists who shreds just to shred. He takes his time, deciding what the song needs.” - Dan Ray, Iowa Public Radio

 

“Together Tom Buckmiller and Brian Schwager are taking the Iowa blues scene by storm with their original working-man blues.”  - Phil Smith aka Philly Cheeze  (Philly Cheeze Rock & Blues Review)