Bio
The Simple Remedy
About
Rooted in Chicago, The Simple Remedy is a genre-blending powerhouse that brings together the soul of America’s musical past with the fire of its present. With a sound that fuses Country, Folk, Rock and Chicago Blues, their shows are anything but ordinary—no backing tracks, no gimmicks—just top-tier musicianship and raw, live energy.
The band’s repertoire is a journey through decades of American music, performed by some of the finest live musicians Chicago has to offer. Known for delivering concert-level performances at every event, The Simple Remedy brings spontaneity, heart, and unmistakable authenticity to the stage.
They’ve shared the stage with icons like Tim McGraw, Jason Isbell, Jon Pardi, Joe Nichols, Hailey Whitters, Midland, Brett Scallions, and more, solidifying their place in the Americana music scene.
Edward William Ryan
Lead Singer/Songwriter/Acoustic Guitar/Rhythm Guitar
Edward is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter and the founding member of the beloved South Side band Shades of Grey, where he played for over a decade.
After leaving the group he set out to assemble a new band that would be a true melting pot of American music. Grounded in the country music framework, his vision was to bring together the finest musicians Chicago has to offer, crafting a sound that stands out in its originality and depth.
The Simple Remedy is the band Eddie always dreamed of creating.
Laura Patricia
Lead Singer/Songwriter
Born and raised near Chicago, Laura sings with a voice that captures the city’s soul—gritty yet graceful, warm yet wild. She blends country, blues and soul into a sound that’s entirely her own, an Americana dream, where every note tells a story and every lyric feels like home.
Since joining the band in 2021, Laura has brought more than just powerhouse vocals—she’s brought heart, vision, and the spirit of a true songwriter. Her gifts for harmony and instinct for melody breathe life into every track, whether re-imagining the familiar or helping shape the band’s original sound.
Michael Pentz
Lead Guitar/Lap Steel
Mike Pentz is a seasoned rock & roll guitarist with deep roots in Chicago’s storied music scene. Known for his expressive playing and raw energy on stage, Mike blends heartland grit with classic rock tones to create a sound that’s both timeless and uniquely his own.
Over the years, Mike has been a driving force behind several acclaimed projects, most recently serving as lead guitarist for The Moonlight Pickers, where his dynamic style helped shape the band’s signature sound. A lifelong musician and performer, he’s also been a part of Chicago’s musical institutions — including time at the iconic 93.1 WXRT, one of the city’s most beloved rock radio stations.
Mike "Smitty" Smith
Bass Guitar
Affectionately known among many as “The King of Chicago,” Smitty is a seasoned veteran of the city’s vibrant country music scene. With a career spanning decades, Smitty’s dynamic bass playing has been the backbone for groups like The Moonlight Pickers and Stone Ruckus, his own band founded with partner Tim Gleason. Smitty was also a founding member of the band fronted by Nick Lynch.
Known for his deep groove and killer tone, Mike brings a soulful foundation to every performance.
Andy Wilmoth
Drums
Originally from West Virginia, Andy is the steady force behind The Simple Remedy. Now rooted in Chicago, his years of experience—shaped by time in both the Windy City and the music scene of Nashville—have made him a versatile and dynamic drummer.
With an impeccable pocket and unforgettable presence, Andy is the backbone of the band and truly the heartbeat, driving the rhythm while keeping the music grounded. You can see him occasionally performing with his side project Swearwords.
Heather Lizzy
Fiddle/Mandolin/Backing Vocals
Since picking up the violin at the age of seven, Heather's classical roots run deep: She served as Concertmaster at Iowa State University and performed in ensembles like the West Suburban Youth Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Youth Orchestra, and pit orchestras for productions such as Spamalot and Street Scene. But she also discovered early on—at just sixteen, playing with her first local band, Dixie Crush—that performing on stage with a band was where she really came alive.
Outside of performing, Heather has recorded fiddle sessions for a variety of local artists, from modern country bands to an unexpected grunge project, giving her a chance to explore how the instrument fits into totally different musical worlds.
Heather is excited to be joining The Simple Remedy and looks forward to contributing to the band’s original music. She’s eager to continue growing as a musician while collaborating with—and learning from—her talented bandmates and new friends.