BlackSmith Neighbors is a three-piece Americana band from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, blending Country, Rock, Blues, Gospel, and Folk into a sound that’s both soulful and dynamic. With Bob Black on guitar, Jeff Smith on bass, and Chuck Neighbors on percussion, their rich vocal harmonies and rhythmic energy bring every performance to life. Their setlist features a mix of familiar favorites and hidden gems from well-known artists, keeping audiences engaged and tapping along. BlackSmith Neighbors is quickly becoming a favorite at wineries, taphouses, and community events. This is a band that delivers music with heart, soul, and serious groove—don’t miss them.
Meet the Band
Bob Black is an Oregon native who has been passionate about music from a young age. He was inspired to learn how to play the guitar after watching the Beatles perform on Ed Sullivan’s Sunday variety show at the age of 10. Bob was a founding member of the bands Thunder Road and Brothers and once shared the stage with Elton John guitarist, Caleb Quaye. Over the years, he has played guitar and sung with a number of different groups and bands around the Pacific Northwest. Bob draws his inspiration from a variety of musical influences including Rock and Roll, Country, Blues, Popular, and Gospel. Bob has been able to balance his passion for music with raising a family, and his children have grown up surrounded by music, allowing him to create a fulfilling life for himself and those around him.
Jeff Smith is the bass guitar player, known for his melodic approach to bass playing that brings texture, movement, and interest to the band’s diverse range of song styles. Jeff has a degree in music theory and composition from Corban University, where he also received classical training as a trombonist. Throughout his career, Jeff has performed with various groups, including the Salem Symphony, Brass Alliance, local theater productions, and traveling bands requiring additional musicians. He has also written numerous band and orchestra arrangements for local musical productions. After spending 12 years as a keyboard salesman, Jeff embarked on a career in civil engineering; however, his love for music never faded. Jeff is a self-taught bassist with over 30 years of experience playing in bluegrass groups, rock bands, worship bands, and recording sessions with opportunities to perform in Canada, France and Russia. He is an integral part of the band, bringing his wealth of experience and musical knowledge their sound.
Chuck Neighbors is a multi-talented artist who drums and sings with the band. Originally from Michigan, he was born with a natural affinity for the arts. Chuck has been passionate about both acting and music since childhood and he was equally involved in both acting in plays, and playing drums and singing in various bands and musical groups. Having received offers to pursue both professionally, he chose acting and went on to have a successful career spanning over four decades. Chuck’s unique one-man shows have captivated audiences on stages in 18 different countries across 6 continents. Although now retired from acting, Chuck has not stopped creating and entertaining. He spends his time writing children’s books and has returned to his other passion of music, playing with BlackSmith Neighbors. Apart from his artistic endeavors, Chuck is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and makes his home in Salem, Oregon.
