Gene Schwartz & The G-Force

Gene “Geno” Schwartz is renowned as a Hall of Fame drag racer and NHRA record holder and as an accomplished bass guitarist.  His career spans over five decades of musical prowess. He toured Europe and Japan with Robert Lockwood Jr. and remains active in the local Cleveland music scene. Recently, he formed a new 3-piece ensemble, the Gene Schwartz and the G-Force band together with Hank Hess (drummer) and Tyler Petko (lead guitar). Prior to his latest endeavor, he performed alongside his brother, the legendary guitar virtuoso Glenn Schwartz, in the Schwartz Brothers band.

Hank Hess is a lifelong drummer who began his journey in high school as a member of the Unfortunate Sons band. In 1969, his drumming skills secured him a position with the northeast Ohio band Pig Iron, followed by the Mr. Stress band. In the early 80s, he joined The Elm Street Blues band and continues to perform in the local music scene and at wineries around Cleveland and Madison, Ohio. Currently, he is a member of The Gene Schwartz and the G-Force Band alongside Gene Schwartz (bass) and Tyler Petko (lead guitar).

Tyler Petko is the guitar prodigy of Glenn Schwartz, a Cleveland guitar legend and teacher to famed musician Joe Walsh, as well as an inspiration to Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. Tyler’s mastery of blues riffs and slow blues can be attributed to his adherence to Glenn’s teachings and unforgettable blues style.  Tyler is currently the lead guitar player in the Gene Schwartz and the G-Force band and plays along with founder Gene Schwartz (bass) and Hank Hess (drums).