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Guitar Lessons Buffalo, NY
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Guitar Lessons Buffalo, NY

Lewis & Klark Corporate Entertainment - Private & Wedding Entertainers - Clubs

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Guitar Duo Entertainment - Lewis & Klark

BOOK REVIEW

by Bob Silvestri

The Customer Service Specialist and Personal Driver

-Tommy C. Seay Sr.-

You know the saying “everybody has a story”? It really is true. Especially in the case of my friend Tommy C. Seay Sr. I first met Tommy about five years ago when he became our bus driver for our annual trip to Toronto for a baseball game. Always friendly and quick with a quip we made sure to take care of him as he always got us there and back safely. But this year something different happened. Tommy mentioned to me that he had written a book. Dumbfounded as to what our jovial bus driver could have written a book about, he began to tell me his story and let me tell you, that guy who say he is the most interesting man in the world has never met Tommy C. Seay Sr.

Born and raised on Buffalo’s East Side by parents who gave him the right ethics to succeed he worked as a youngster for his uncle John Young who was one of the early pioneers of Buffalo Chicken Wings. His mom also made dinner once for President Ronald Reagan when he was in town. Tommy eventually got a job at the Buffalo Hilton and some of the other hotels in Downtown Buffalo as door man and driver to the stars. While I can’t tell you all the stories (or you wouldn’t get a copy of the book) some of his encounters include the likes of actors Yul Brynner and Richard Harris, the Chinese Ambassador to the United States Chai Zemin, the whirlwind entourage and team of Michael Jackson and his brothers, boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, Disco Diva Andrea True who had a smash hit with the song “More, More, More (How Do You Like It?) and led an unconventional life as an adult film actress before turning to a singing career and singer Kris Kristofferson to name a few. Eventually Tommy transitioned to becoming a bus driver first for the NFTA and then Niagara Scenic Tours where he still drives to this day. Driving for Niagara Scenic Tours led Tommy to new adventures where in addition to drives like our baseball game and other local tours he drives for some of the major sports teams when they come to town to play. This has led to more anecdotes that you can find in the book including encounters with ex-Bills coach Sean McDermont, a hilarious story about Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and many more. Tommy also delves into the way each team operates before and after the bus ride to the venue. He has also driven for the National Hockey League and shares stories from those encounters too.
While all those celebrity encounters sound like a lot of fun the real meat in the book are the life stories and lessons that Tommy brings to the pages of the book. His stories are not just about fame and celebrities but about encounters with every day people that are the most heartwarming. Among the stories of celebrities Tommy takes the time to thank the everyday people who are so instrumental to his success and to keeping things running smooth behind the scenes. Tommy may not realize it but he has touched the hearts of so many people in so many ways. And I hear he makes a mean Tailgate Lasagna. For more information about Tommy C. Seay Sr. and his book The Customer Service Specialist and Personal Driver visit www.unveilingpress.com

ALBUM REVIEWS

by Bob Silvestri

Katie Knipp

-Live at Theater 5150-

Award winning roots and blues rocker Katie Knipp has released her tenth album a double disc live album featuring thirteen original compositions and three unique takes on cover tunes. The album is culled from a live performance at the Theater 5150 in Carmichael, CA and features Knipp on vocals, piano, guitar and harmonica and her top flight band consisting of Pancho Tomaselli on bass, Steve Utstein on the Hammond B-3 and Wurlitzer, Neil Compisano behind the drum kit and Quinn Hedges on lead guitar. Lots of highlights off Live at Theater 5150 including the paint peeling blues rocker “Santa Cruz Blues” which kicks off the disc and sets the tone for the rest of the album, the churchy and soulful mid-tempo blues number “I Don’t Sing for You”, the sweet and gentle “Dirty Cables”, the bluesy and sinister sounding” The Devil’s Armchair”, the jazzy film noir vibe of “Metro in Paris”, the swinging shuffle “Get Outta My Dream” and the rock and Reggae feel on “Stillness”. Rounding things out are three outstanding covers, a dark and chilling run through Justin Townes Earle’s “If I Was the Devil”, a full throttle bluesy and funky cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “State Trooper” and a stellar version of Blind Willie Johnson’s traditional blues number “John the Revelator”. Katie Knipp’s latest album Live at Theater 5150 shows the power that live performance still has over any of the new computer-generated fluff. For more information about Katie Knipp and her new album Live at Theater 5150 visit her website www.katieknipp.com or you can go to www.facebook.com/katieknippmusic

Brad “Guitar” Wilson

-Boundless-

The latest album from blues rocker Brad “Guitar” Wilson titled Boundless finds the guitarist exploring new genres and new ways to express his smooth guitar chops and vocals. The new album finds Wilson venturing into soul, roots and more to add to his already vast musical palette. Wilson (guitar/vocals) is backed by a host of fellow musicians including Toto Poznantek, Chriss Ross and Adam Gust (drums), Chris Rhyne, Luca Catalfamo and Frankie Vriens (keyboards), Hal Cragin, Brian Beal and Fabrizo Erba (bass), Francis Buckley (Synth bass/percussion) and Paulina Campos and Valerie Chanelle (backing vocals). Choice cuts off Boundless include the heart on your sleeve rocker “More of You”, the infectious roots rocker “Gonna Stay or Go”, the piano tickling romp “Let’s Dance Tonight”, the heartfelt rocker “Home”, the smooth and soulful “San Francisco Nights”, the razor-sharp rocker “Sundown and the Cowboy” and the slow blues moaner “Sky Full of Rain”. Four excellent cover tunes add to the festivities with a shimmering cover of the B. B. King classic “The Thrill is Gone”, a rowdy run through the Percy Mayfield penned and Ray Charles smash “Hit the Road Jack”, Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and a slowed down and churchy cover of “Cry Me a River” popularized by Julie London. For more information about Brad “Guitar” Wilson and his latest album Boundless head over to his website www.bradwilsonlive.com or you can head over to www.facebook.com/bradwilsonlive

Mitch Woods-A Night in New Orleans

-Live & Solo at Snug Harbor-

Snug Harbor is a music club in New Orleans that over the years has hosted the likes of Allen Toussaint, Dr. John and many other masters of the ivories. Now another master of the eighty eights takes his turn in the spotlight as Mitch Woods presents his latest album titled A Night in New Orleans-Live & Solo at Snug Harbor. The twelve songs are interspersed with stories, insights and a toast or two to the music and the Cresent City itself and makes for a joyous listen. The recording is raw with the mistakes and crackles and pops left in and show a true representation of the feel only live music can offer. Nuggets to choose from off Live in New Orleans include “Rock That Boogie” a rollicking Boogie Woogie number that kicks off the album and is complete with audience call and response singing, a sweet run through Fats Domino’s classic “Blue Monday”, a cover of Boogie Woogie piano pioneer “Champion” Jack Dupree’s “Nasty Boogie”, Huey Smith’s infectious “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu”, a couple of early rock and roll classics with Jackie Brenston’s “Rocket 88” and “Shake Rattle and Roll” a smash hit for Big Joe Turner and Bill Haley and The Comets and Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”. Also of note are three Woods originals that seamlessly blend in with these Bayou classics “Amber Lee”, “Cryin’ for My Baby” and “Broke”. For more information about Mitch Woods and his latest release A Night in New Orleans-Live & Solo at Snug Harbor go to www.mitchwoods.com or visit www.facebook.com/Mitchwoods88

Johnny Rawls & Dave Keller

-Tribute to Soul-

Johnny Rawls and Dave Keller have played countless shows together trading licks and vocals along the way. But for some reason this modern-day Sam and Dave had never hit the studio to record a proper album. Until now that is, with their debut album titled Tribute to Soul featuring eleven songs from the Classic Soul Era. Rawls (vocals/guitar) and Keller (vocals/guitar) are backed by Keller’s band featuring Ian Friedman (organ/piano), Alex Budney (bass) and Jay Gleason (drums) along with guests Paul Johnson (tenor and baritone Saxophones), Ben DeLong (trumpet) and Travis Geiman (trombone). Highlights from Tribute to Soul include the horn drenched opening track “I’m Qualified”, the Eddie Floyd/Booker T. Jones penned sweet soul ballad “I’ve Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)”, the Joe South soul classic “Walk a Mile in My Shoes”, a biting run through the Jimmy Hughes classic “Neighbor, Neighbor”, an outstanding cover of Joe Tex’s “Hold What You’ve Got”, a sensual run through Little Johnny Taylor’s “Make Love to Me Baby”, Z.Z. Hill’s “The Kind of Love I Want’, a searing cover of Albert King’s “Drowning on Dry land” and the jubilant soul gem “You Didn’t Know It But You Had Me”. To find out more about Johnny Rawls and Dave Keller and their debut instant soul classic album Tribute to Soul go to www.johnnyrawlsblues.com or www.davwkeller.com

The Scott O’Neal Band

-Call Me Mr. Blues-

Michigan born and now Arizona based singer songwriter and guitarist Scott O’Neal along with his band The Scott O’Neal Band have released a new album with the title Call Me Mr. Blues featuring thirteen tracks of progressive modern blues. Backing O’Neal are Brian Waterbury on guitar, Carl Dalgren on keyboards, Mark Winley on the bass, Mike Hutchinson on drums and Mary Kelley and Meri McKee on backing vocals. Lots of good stuff for your listening pleasure among the all-original tracks including the steady groove on “Nothing to Gain”, the soulful horn-soaked vibe of “Love Somebody”, the breezy and bright tropical rhythms of “Just Another Day”, the burning slow blues rocker “Givin’ Me the Blues” and the hard driving rocker “Cash is King”. Also of note are the soulful and seductive title track “Call Me Mr. Blues”, the greasy rocker “It Ain’t Worth Bitin’”, the mid-tempo blues ballad “That’s What Love Is” and the big and beefy blues rocker “Time for Walkin’”. You can find out more about The Scott O’Neal Band and their latest release Call Me Mr. Blues by going to https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Scott-ONeal-Band-100070545622523

Brigitte Purdy

-Mother of the Crossroads-

Award winning artist Brigitte Purdy has released a new album titled Mother of the Crossroads featuring nine tracks of blues, roots, Gospel and soul. The album is dedicated to Purdy’s grandmother who taught her to sing and those times remain some of Prudy’s fondest memories. Purdy is assisted on these recording by Dave Osti who produced and wrote or co-wrote the material and also played guitar, piano and percussion along with Drake Shining and Michael Fell. Highlights off Mother of the Crossroads include the razor-sharp opener “Sugar Fried Candy”, the funky “Blues Collar Woman”, the Southern fried soul of “Memphis Hotline”, the percolating title track “Mother of the Crossroads”, the powerful “Losin’ Time for Love”, the churchy sounds of “Make Love Higher”, the barn burning harp howling roots rocker “Come to Mama” and the hard charging LP closer “Rise Like the Water”. For more information about Brigitte Purdy and her new album Mother of the Crossroads go to www.brigittepurdy.net or go to www.facebook.com/brigitte.purdy?fref=ts

J. P. Reali

-Grateful Blues-

Veteran Washington, D.C. blues man J. P. Reali fell in love with the music of the Grateful Dead over fifty years ago. Since then, he went on to have a successful career as an in-demand engineer and sound man while fulfilling his own musical career. But it always came back to Jerry, Bob and the band so he finally hit the studio to record his own reimagined take on some Grateful Dead classics and more on his latest release titled Grateful Blues. Helping Reali (guitar/vocals) are Jim Larson (drums/percussion), Rich Budesa (keyboards), Monty Cullum (bass), Rob Swanson (acoustic bass) and Trina Meade (backing vocals). Check out the folk blues boogie of “Easy Wind”, “Loose Lucy” now turned barrelhouse rocker, “West L. A. Fade Away” from the Dead’s most commercial era, the Bob Weir penned “I Need a Miracle” now transformed into a Texas shuffle along with a little tease of “Bertha” as well, a steady slide remake of “Mr. Charlie” and a Piedmont style version of “Tennessee Jed”. For more information about J. P. Reali and his mighty fine new album mosey on over to www.jpreali.com or visit www.facebook.com/jpreali

Russ Green

-Stone Cold-

When Russ Green was growing up in Chicago his family could not afford an expensive guitar for him to pursue his musical talents but he did have a harmonica that he learned how to play at the feet of his mentors and Chicago harp legends Billy Branch and Sugar Blue. The acclaimed harp player has now released his sophomore effort titled Stone Cold a ten-song album filled with sharp harp playing and soulful vocals. Green (harmonica/vocals) is backed for the album by Giles Corey (guitar), Vince Agwada (guitar), Vic Jackson (bass), Felix “D-Kat” Pollard (drums) and Joe Munroe (Keyboards). Highlights among the all originals here include the swampy harp howling hard luck tale “Lint Redux”, the driving and soulful title cut “Stone Cold”, the funky groove on “12 Feet of Water”, the gentle tale of unreciprocated love “Waitin’ on You”, the primal beat of “Need You So Bad”, the mournful plea for renewed love “I Believe”, the blues shuffle “Troubled World” and the red-hot boogie howler “Boogie Joint”. For more information about Russ Green and his latest album Stone Cold go to www.russgreenmusic.com or go to www.facebook.com/russgreenmusic

Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival

-Electric Eden-

Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival have released a new album titled Electric Eden featuring nine songs recorded live at the Belle Mehus Auditorium in Bismark, ND. Straddling the line between classic rock and contemporary modern blues the eight originals and one cover song show the intensity and power of the band. Lyn handles guitar and vocals and The Groove Band featuring Richard Torrance on guitar and vocals, Jim Anderson on drums and vocals, Barb Jiskra on keyboards and Nolyn Falcon on bass lay down the rest of the sound. The album kicks off with the heavy rocking “Breaking Chains” followed by the pulsating blues rocker “Light the Fire” before segueing into a raucous snippet of the Memphis Minnie/Led Zepplin classic “When the Levee Breaks”. Barely coming up for air they offer up a gritty run through the Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit”, the soul blues ballad “Lay Your Memory Down” and the honky tonk blues rocker “Sucker for the Pain”. Rounding things out are the greasy New Orleans vibe of “Baggage”, the slinky groove of “’59 Cadillac” and the grand arena style ballad “Refuge”. For more information about the dynamic and up and coming Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival and their latest album Electric Eden head over to their web page www.jlynandthegrooverevival.com or visit www.facebook.com/JenniferLynAndTheGrooveRevival

The Name Droppers

-Let’s Live Together-

The Name Droppers are a high-octane band specializing in blues, R&B, soul and rock and roll. The outfit’s roots can be traced back to the 1980’s when they were known as Charlie Karp and The Name Droppers. After Karp’s death in 2019 the band continued on in their current incarnation. Their latest release titled Let’s Live Together continues with a mix of originals and cover versions of classic songs. The band features Bobby “T” Torello on drums, Rafe Klein on guitar and vocals, Scott Spray on bass, Ron Rifkin on keyboards and Simone Brown on vocals. Highlights off Let’s Live Together include the horn-soaked opening track “Grey Haired Blues”, the joyful and soulful title cut “Let’s Live Together”, a live version of “Chain of Fools” with Simone Brown on vocals, a smooth version of Bob Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody”, a couple of tracks from the Charlie Karp days with “Talk Dirty” and “Love Lightnin’” and a solid run through Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy”. For more information about The Name Droppers and their latest album Let’s Live Together go to www.thenamedroppers.net or you can go to www.facebook.com/bridgeportblues

Michael Rubin

-5 Minutes of Passion-

In the forty-one years that Michael Rubin has been playing the harmonica he was always happy to be the side man to the singer or the star. But as he got older his songwriter began to take form and Rubin began to release his own recordings. By his own admission he is not the best vocalist but what he lacks in skills he more than makes up with his witty word play, droll delivery and master harmonica chops. This is most evident on his latest release titled 5 Minutes of Passion a collection of eleven original tracks. Rubin is assisted by a bevy of musicians including Greg Izor, Cesar Crespo, Josh Fulero, Matthew Smith, Michael Archer, Jason Corbiere, Emily Gimble, Guy Forsyth, Sweet Gary Newcomb and others. Highlights from 5 Minutes of Passion include the Jazzy Dixieland vibe of “Dirty Words”, the instrumental harp workout “Doo Doo Daa”, the smokey blues number “Big If”, the out of this world blues romp “Alien in a Chair”, the title cut “5 Minutes of Passion” a slice of salacious advice dressed up as a country weeper, the swinging “Dig That Ditch”, a celebration of one of the best activities around “Nap” the musically and lyrically haunting “Propaganda” with Izor on chromatic harp and the vengeful blues shuffle “Grudge”. To find out more about Michael Rubin and his new album 5 Minutes of Passion go to www.michaelrubinharmonica.com or you can visit www.facebook.com/michael.rubin.505

The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra featuring Willy Jordan

-What Can We Do? -

Based out of San Francisco The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra has been delighting audiences for nearly twenty years with a slick retro soul sound that harkens back to the Golden Age of Soul in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. Their latest album titled What Can We Do? features eleven original tunes and one cover tune that are authentic, rambunctious and delightful. The band is fronted by Anthony Paule (guitar/vocals) and along with Willy Jordan (vocals), Tony Lufrano (keyboards), Timm Walker (bass), Bowen Brown (drums), Derek James (trombone), Ethan Pires (trumpet), Charles Mc Neal (Tenor sax), Johnnie Bamont (Baritone Sax) and Larry Batiste, Omega Rae and Nona Brown (backing vocals) make up the core outfit. Highlights from What Can We Do? include the horn drenched soul blues opening track “Still Smellin’ Smoke”, the heartbreaking soul ballad “Too Late”, the dark and slinky end of a romance tale “Stranger”, the high energy story of a deceitful lover “You Lie Like a Rug”, the swinging instrumental “Bigger Guitar”, the title track and a soulful plea for our times “What Can We Do?”, the achingly beautiful soul ballad “The Heart Never Says Goodbye”, the boozy and brassy instrumental “Blue Mood Indica” and an outstanding run through the Dean Martin standard “You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You” on which Jordan really belts it out. . The Anthony Paule Orchestra featuring Willy Jordan has made the perfect record to add the punch to your next party. To find out more about the band and the album What Can We Do? go to their website www.anthonypaule.com or head over to www.facebook.com/AnthonyPauleSoulOrchestra

Doug Duffey and BADD

-Souvenirs-

Louisiana native Doug Duffey has been bringing the sound of the Bayou to audiences for fifty some years now. He has written hits for the likes of Marcia Ball, George Clinton, Rare Earth and Funkadelic among others. Now he and his band BADD (an acronym from the band members first names) have released a new album titled Souvenirs featuring nine original tracks. Duffey (vocals/keyboards) and bandmates Dan Sumner (guitars/bass/vocals/percussion), Adam Ryland (drums/percussion) and Ben Ford (bass) get some help on Souvenirs from fellow musicians Matt Morgan (mandolin), Mason Howard (accordion), Bob Dowell (trombone), Bert Windham and Coby Heath (trumpet), Nate Johnson (Tenor Sax), Wes Rougeou (Sousaphone) and The Sweet-N-Low Sisters and Betsy Shirley and Naomi Holder (backing vocals). Tracks of note from Souvenirs include the steady driving thumper “Broken Hearts and Empty Hands”, the funky tale of woe “Bad Luck”, the soulful groove on “Better By Me”, the piano ballad “Delta Melody”, the swampy “Axe Jes Rite” on which Duffey shows his Louisiana roots, the old fashioned honky tonk number “Love Song” the title track “Souvenirs” a soft tale about letting go of memories and more and a rousing New Orleans style horn soaked street parade number “Don’t Let the Darkness In”. Souvenirs, the latest album from Doug Duffey and BADD, is a delightful glimpse into his Louisiana roots. To find out more about Doug Duffey and BADD and their latest release Souvenirs go to www.dougduffeyandbadd.com or you can go to www.facebook.com/people/Doug-Duffey-and-BADD/100063681722740

The Trevor B. Power Band

-Two Crows-

Roots and blues artist Trevor B. Power has been around the music scene for decades mostly in the background helping other artists achieve their musical vision. But a few years back Powers decided to step into the spotlight and formed The Trevor B. Power Band a three-piece outfit with Powers on vocals and guitar and featuring Steve Holley on drums and Dave Fields on guitar, bass, keyboards. They have now released their fourth album this one titled Two Crows featuring ten tracks of passionate roots, rock and blues. Fellow musicians assisting on the record include Dennis Gruenling and Will Wylde on the harp, Kenny Thorstenson on bass, Jasper Fields on the flute and Laura Kate Marshall on backing vocals. Lots of good stuff to choose from off the album including the Boogie Woogie album opener “Bobby Lane”, the blues rocker “Let It Ride” about making the best of the situation, the dark rocking tale “Ain’t Got No Bread”, the banging rocker “My Neighborhood”, the introspective “A Speck of Life”, the refreshing roots rocker “Horizon”, the moody blues dirge “The Fire Burns” and the heartfelt ballad “Our Time is Short”. To find out more about The Trevor B. Power Band and their new album Two Crows head over to www.trevorbpowerband.com or visit them at www.facebook.com/bluessoulandrocknroll#

Dave Thomas

-Bridge Street Blues-

British blues guitarist and singer Dave Thomas can trace his musical roots back to the 1960’s and the Golden Age of British blues. Over his distinguished 50 plus year career he has shared the stage with Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Genesis and Deep Purple to name but a few. He has also been asked to perform by special invitation for Sir Paul McCartney. For his latest album titled Bridge Street Blues, Thomas (guitar/vocals) convened to Ireland with noted producer and multi-instrumentalist Declan Sinnott who handles the rest of the instruments on the album. Highlights off Bridge Street Blues include the laid-back groove on the opening track “Go to Legends”, the smooth vibe of “City Streets”, a dose of levity and swagger with “Mr. Moonchild”, a couple of acoustic blues numbers “Big Fast Car” and “Busted”, the slinky and snaky blues number “I Know You Through and Through” and the emotional and reflective title cut “Bridge Street Blues” that closes the album. You can get more information about Dave Thomas and his latest album Bridge Street Blues by visiting his website at www.davethomasblues.uk or you can go to www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563319782559

GuitarLessonsBuffalo.com provides adult‑focused, personalized guitar instruction using the Lewis Guitar Method, covering multiple genres, with flexible scheduling.

Private Guitar Lessons one‑on‑one lessons specifically for adults, ages 18 and up. Lessons are customized based on the student’s goals, experience level, and preferred music style.

Offering Personalized lesson plans, Proper technique to avoid bad habits, A blend of theory + practical playing, Learning how to practice effectively

Playing real music early in the process, This method emphasizes fun, musicality, and understanding why things are played a certain way.

For More information Visit https://GuitarLessonsBuffalo.com

The Lewis & Klark Guitar Duo is a premier jazz‑influenced instrumental guitar act specializing in wedding and corporate event entertainment throughout Western New York. Known for their warm, melodic interplay and refined musicianship, they create an atmosphere that elevates any occasion—whether it’s an intimate wedding ceremony, an elegant cocktail hour, or a sophisticated corporate gathering. Their sound blends elements of jazz, Latin, pop, and contemporary acoustic styles, resulting in a musical experience that is both versatile and deeply engaging.

With an extensive repertoire that includes classic love songs, contemporary favorites, and a strong catalog of original compositions, Lewis & Klark tailor each performance to the unique mood and flow of the event. Their arrangements are thoughtful and expressive, often adding a fresh creative spin to familiar songs. Clients consistently praise their professionalism, musicality, and ability to read the room—qualities that make them a standout choice for live event entertainment. Reviews highlight their enchanting sound, seamless performance style, and the memorable ambiance they bring to every setting.

Beyond their live performances, the duo showcases a rich collection of original music that reflects their signature blend of genres and artistic chemistry. Their compositions range from smooth, lyrical pieces to lively Latin‑inspired tracks, demonstrating both technical skill and emotional depth. Whether performing covers or originals, Lewis & Klark deliver a polished, immersive musical experience that leaves a lasting impression on audiences and event hosts alike. Find out more at https://www.lewisandklark.com/