Chuck (McBob) Cameron – Manager, Bassist & Harmony Vocalist

Originally from Brockton, MA, Chucks (AKA “McBob”) interest in music started in the 4th grade when the elementary school he was attending introduced and began promoting a new music program for the school. After a short orientation and interview, Chuck was chosen to play Trombone which he quickly learned. This enabled him to excel and advance in his instrument which he continued playing through his Junior year in High School.

At age 14, Chuck picked up a Bass Guitar for the first time and immediately fell in love with the instrument. Just the feel of the Bass in his hands, the explosive sound it exuded, and the rhythmic opportunities and responsibilities in holding down the bottom sound in a band, were an instant appeal. Chuck is self-taught and describes himself as “A pocket bass player with an edge”. Some of his Bass player influences are John Entwistle, Mel Schacher, Dennis Dunaway, Billy Sheehan, and Pino Palladino to name a few.

Chuck has played in quite a few different bands in the Sacramento area over the years. Sanctuary, Dirty Looks, The Robin Cherry Band, and The Rods to name a few. It was during his stint in The Rods where he met Drummer, Robert “Bobo” Leven. The two began a friendship that has lasted over 40 years. 

After a five-year hiatus from music, in January 2021, Chuck approached Robert about the possibility of playing together again. They both jumped in feet first and after polishing up their skills, began their search for other musicians to play together with. Enter Walt “Wally” Simmons in October of the same year, and “Viola” the inception of Smoke & Mirrorz was created. 

Robert Leven, (AKA BoBo) has had a passion for music from a very young age. He started getting into heavier music listening to bands such as Deep Purple, Grand Funk, Black Sabbath, Rush, UFO, and Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush.

Robert started playing drums, thanks to his Dad, who also was also a drummer. Some of Robert’s influences are Neil Peart, Tommy Aldridge, John Bonham, Ian Paice and Leonard Haze. 

After encouragement from friends, Robert rented a drum kit and decided he wanted to try and give playing a shot. Robert hooked up with current bassist, and good friend, Chuck Cameron, and took on the drumming duties for The Rods. After his tenure with The Rods, Robert joined forces with Billy Haggard forming Open Fyre. Robert has played all over the Sacramento area at night clubs such as The Eldorado Saloon, Shire Road Pub, Rock Factory and The Oasis Ballroom.

Robert then decided to start a family. After a long hiatus, Robert and Chuck decided to put a new band together, finding Guitarist/Vocalist Walt Simmons. There was an instant bond between these three talented musicians. 

Robert feels like Smoke & Mirrorz offers that one two punch with their solid musicianship and great harmony vocals. Robert adds “We please every rock fan covering bands such as AC/DC, Aerosmith, ZZ Top, Grand Funk and Van Halen along with some original songs”.  “I love getting people up dancing and having a good time”. 

Originally from Palo Alto, California, Walt, known also as “Wally” from childhood days and at present, first picked up a guitar at 12 years old. It all started with a half-year of lessons, summarily ended upon his discovery that he had a keen ear by which he learned to play intuitively.  His stylistic influences were early Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Tom Petty, ZZ Top and Robben Ford, to name just a few. 

During the years in between, Walt played a considerable amount of solo acoustic and vocal music, covering rock, folk, blues, southern and country music.  He’s married and settled in Sacramento. 

Between 2008 and 2013, Walt was one of two guitarists in the Sacramento area-based Band, The Remedies. The Remedies played several substantial venues, including Harlow’s in Midtown Sacramento, Swabbie’s on the River and at the annual Sacramento Brew Festival at Sutter Health Park (formerly Raley Field). 

Having recently retired from career life, Walt joined up with Bassist, Chuck Cameron and Drummer, Robert Leven to form Smoke & Mirrorz in 2021. Walt provides both rhythm and lead guitar, as well as lead and supportive harmony vocals. His fluent style of arpeggiated chording, picking, innovative lead playing, and power chords help Smoke & Mirrorz sound bigger than a three-man band. 

Vocally a baritone, Walt’s vocal capabilities has led to trading off lead vocal assignments with high baritone/tenor vocalist and drummer, Robert Leven.

Walt loves guitars and one of his greatest passions in life is to play for and show a good time to an energized crowd.