THE MOONLIGHTERS have been a part of the New York City jazz and pop music scenes since they formed in 1998. Based around a core of harmonized vocal duets backed by warm acoustic instruments including Hawaiian lap steel guitar, ukulele, guitar and bass, they explore traditional and classic tunes with a unique, romantic approach that is appealing to listeners of all ages. The band members include Bliss Blood, vocalist and ukulele player; Cindy Ball, vocalist and guitarist, and Peter Maness on bass; and Mark Deffenbaugh on steel guitar. Their original songs encompass many styles of 20th Century jazz and pop: ragtime, swing, Hawaiian, country, blues, and even be-bop flavors can be found among their recordings. They list among their influences Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, the Boswell Sisters, Sol Hoopii, King Bennie Nawahi, Annette Hanshaw, Al Bowlly, George and Ira Gershwin, and many more illustrious entertainers from the golden age of popular music, when tunes on the radio held appeal for every member of the listening audience. They have performed weekly in the New York City area as well as at many private and corporate parties and weddings, in addition to touring Germany in 2002, 2006, and again in November 2007, as a well as playing two jazz cruises on the Queen Elizabeth II, in 2001 and 2002. Their romantic lyrics and lyrical musicianship make them a favorite of lovers and jazz fans wherever they perform.