Mike Zito and Blood Brothers perform April 11

4/2/2025

Mike Zito, a nine-time Blues Music Award winner and founder of Gulf Coast Records, has recorded more than two dozen albums and performed with some of the greatest blues musicians in the world.

Yet, when he began a tour with “Saturday Night Live” alumni and actor Bill Murray, Zito declared it was the highlight of his career so far.

Zito, a singer and guitarist, will perform with Bill Murray and his Blood Brothers at Val Air Ballroom on April 11. 

Zito explained how he began playing with Murray. Zito and his friend, Albert Castiglia — a fellow Blood Brothers musician — have been friends for a long time. They performed in festivals and events alongside each another, and, before long, the two began a tour together.

They formed the Blood Brothers in 2022. Actor and musician Chris Barnes attended a Blood Brothers concert and brought John Murray, Bill Murray’s brother, along.

John told the pair he had invited his brother, Bill, but he never came to a show. Later, they were asked to perform a concert at The Murray Brothers annual Caddyshack Golf Tournament in St. Augustine, Florida. 

“When we got there, they said Bill is singing,” Zito said. “We didn’t even know he sang.”

They rehearsed a few songs and, during the performance, Zito was surprised at how good Murray was. 

“He was on fire. He was so passionate. It was dramatic. It was like kids jamming in a basement. I felt like a kid again. It was so exciting,” Zito said.

Then Zito and Castiglia asked Murray to join the band. Murray agreed, yet Zito felt skeptical. 

“Was he really serious? We didn’t think he’d have the time,” Zito said.

Murray did. The three sent each other song ideas, and Murray showed up at events, singing on stage. 

“He proved himself,” Zito said.

As a longtime fan of Murray’s comedy and movies, Zito can recite the classic lines of Murray’s movies. 

“I’ve worked with the greatest musicians in the world, and now I get to play with my idol. It’s surreal,” Zito said. “That’s just the coolest thing. He’s my friend now.” 

Zito began singing and playing guitar at age 5 in his hometown of St. Louis. He liked the blues, but his dad thought it wasn’t a good idea. 

“My dad said, ‘Why don’t you play country music? You can make more money,’ ” he said. “How could I? We live in the city — St. Louis — that’s the blues. I can tell my story, and people can relate.”

Winning his first blues award helped boost his career with more shows and opportunities, but Zito said playing the blues is different than playing pop or top 40 hits. 

“(Performing) the blues is a slow and steady career.  The awards are great, but I don’t make music to win awards.” 

He said he likes the blues genre as it is relatable to all who are listening. His latest album, “Life is Hard,” was dedicated to his late wife after she died of cancer. 

“I play what I feel. I sing how I feel. I’m not sure you could do that in other genres, such as Michael Jackson singing ‘Beat It.’ It can’t be melancholy,” he said.

At the upcoming Val Air show, Zito, Murray and their nine-piece band resemble a “traveling circus” and include Des Moines’ own Scot Sutherland playing on bass guitar.

Zito said folks won’t want to miss the show. 

“Something happens when we’re up there. Every night is similar but unique. I’ve seen people in tears,” he said. “I’m fortunate I get to do music. It’s everything and more. I’m really excited.” ♦