Bucket of Puppies

Bucket of Puppies is an eclectic jam band born from the creative depths of West Virginia's vibrant music scene. Formed by a collective of like-minded musicians with an insatiable thirst for freedom in their sound, Bucket of Puppies is more than just a band—they are an experience. Their music is an immersive tapestry of genres, blending funk, jazz, rock, and blues into experimental jams. Their sonic explorations take listeners on a journey, resonating through their ears and straight to their souls, filled with memorable hits and hard-hitting original songs.  The band currently consists of Matthew Locy (guitar), Derrick Beattie (guitar), Jan Dijkstra (bass), Travis Hoard (drums), and Sarah Haywhacker (lead vocals), each bringing their unique musical perspective and skill set to the table.

Matthew Locy Bred from generations of musicians, his ardent melodic guitar playing runs in his blood.  You can hear his inspirations of David Gilmour, Steve Via and Joe Satriani as he takes you on a voyage with his riffs. He can pilot you down into the darkest depths of your soul and then propel you from the darkness with perfect balance, precision and improvisation of his craftsmanship. You may recognize his name as a former member of The Rusty Haywhackers, where he played alongside his current BOP bandmate Sarah Haywhacker.

Sarah Hedges (aka Sarah Haywhacker), formerly of The Rusty Haywackers, is a powerhouse vocalist with a voice that’s equal parts grit and soul. This songwriting siren effortlessly blends blues, jazz, rock, folk, funk, and Hip Hop. When Sarah belts out a song, audiences are left breathless, captivated by the sheer power and emotion she pours into every note. She commands the stage with a magnetic presence, blending heart-pounding rhythm with soulful storytelling. Sarah’s voice doesn’t just sing—it transcends genres, drawing you into a world of raw, unfiltered emotion and leaving you craving more.

Derrick Beattie is a guitar wizard who lives and breathes music. His progressive playing infuses a fresh, vibrant flavor into every mix. With a down-to-earth vibe, Derrick plays the language of the universe, delivering riffs that transport listeners to another place, space, and time. When he’s not rocking with Bucket of Puppies, you’ll find him solo gigging, using a wide array of instrumental techniques to create a full-band experience all on his own. Derrick is also a current member of Inflatable Spacestation and plays with Colin Southfield and the Mushroom Country Band.

Jan Dijkstra (aka Dutch), formerly of The Greens and founding member of BOP, is the root holding us all down and locking us in. Known as the "Funky Dutchman" his bass sets the vibe for the tribe. He is not only the root for our band, but also his musical community. He manages FB pages for musicians in the Ohio Valley area (Ohio Valley Gigs) and hosts open mic nights within his current role on the production team in Wheeling, WV, at one of their newest music venues, Waterfront Hall.

Travis Hoard is a musical mastermind who graduated with a degree in music from WVU. He can play just about any instrument you hand him. While you might catch him on keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, or even horns, you'll find him behind the drum kit with Bucket of Puppies. His energetic and dynamic drumming is legendary in the Ohio Valley. Travis has played across a variety of genres, from jazz and pop to reggae, and has contributed his talents on sax and keys with The Trainjumpers, Adrian Niles, and KR-3. Originally the keyboardist for Bucket of Puppies, he made the switch to drums, where he truly shines—playing his favorite instrument.

Through their myriad of live performances at local venues and music festivals, Bucket of Puppies has earned a reputation for their unforgettable live shows and devoted fan base. Every show feels like a family/friend reunion! Their ability to blend structured compositions with extended improvisations create an atmosphere of unbridled energy, freedom, and joy, creating a conversation between the band and their audience, all of which adds to the collective groove.

Not just a band; it's an experience of joy, connection, camaraderie, and the limitless power of music.