In 2009,  Ray Burkhart returned to the Mid-West and met Jane Todey. They started jamming in the back of Ray's bowling alley. The magic began as players were added eventually becoming 6 piece bluesy band. Over the years many players have been associated with this group. The group plays steadily as a smaller unit and takes advantage of the winery circuit and concert shows to expand to the full unit of 6-7 performers. The current musicians include Gabe Scheid, Tommy Doggett,  and Greg Tesdall on saxes and flute, Mark Monroe on drums, Jeff Knutson on saxes and percussion. Seth Jamison, our new guitarist, has added a lot of fire and energy to the band. Guitarists Kent Johnson and Alan Smith, steel guitarist Dale Thomas...plus many more of the best of the areas musicians join the Passengers on special occasions.