Fresh off winning the SAMMY Award in 2026 for Best Blues CD, bassist Todd Shuffler recounts his inspiration for enlisting Mark Doyle to produce and provide his band, The Maniacs, for the recording of "Stoned and Lonesome":

"In 2009, Mark Doyle and The Maniacs released 'Shake 'Em On Down - A Salute to the '60s British Blues Boom.' On the back cover was a note from Mark: 'Special thanks to my wife Liz for pushing me for years to make a record like this.' My wife Kitty saw this and said, 'You know, you really should do a Stones album.'"

With a great band, great material, and engineer Jocko Randall, Mark and Todd enlisted former Maniacs alumni Pete McMahon and Michael P. Ryan to sing on the album. The musicians reunited in early spring 2026 to record a follow-up album, "Stoned and Lonesome Again," featuring Mark's longtime partner from Free Will and Jukin' Bone, Joe Whiting.

The Rolling Stones have been an inspiration for more than 60 years, introducing Black blues and rhythm 'n' blues to a whole new generation. The emphasis of both "Stoned and Lonesome" albums is to shine a light on the band's earlier, more obscure, and bluesy repertoire from 1963 to 1966.

The performance on Sunday, Oct. 18, at Auburn Public Theater will feature both albums in their entirety and serve as an official album release party for "Stoned and Lonesome Again."

Event Details & Performers

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Location: Auburn Public Theater

• Featured Musicians:

  • Mark Doyle (guitar, producer)
  • Todd Shuffler (bass)
  • Joe Whiting (vocals)
  • Pete McMahon (vocals)
  • Michael P. Ryan (vocals)
  • Terry Quill (guitar, harmonica)
  • Frank DeFonda (drums)
  • Dave Liddy (piano)