About
The Pocket Architects is an emerging Blues/Funk band from the Omaha Metro area. Although young, this quartet is already steeped in the Blues tradition with a combined 10 years of blues music instruction and performance. Cam B, Wes and Caden have been playing music together for years in various school music programs in their hometown of Gretna, NE. Through the BluesEd program they met Cameron V and invited him to jam with them. All four are exciting musicians on their own but when they are together something magical happens. This foursome brings the funk as well as the blues. The Pocket Architects set is an energizing and engaging mix of originals and covers.
Cameron Bothwell - Vocals, Keys & Bass Guitar
Classically trained in both piano and vocals by his mom, Cameron has been involved in music his entire life. His music experience includes worship bands, show choir and BluesEd. In his senior year of high school Cameron was the lead vocalist in his show choir set. He has earned many awards for his vocal talent including being voted the best vocal soloist in the nation for his 2024 show choir season as well as several appearances with Nebraska All State Choir being selected as a featured soloist in the 2023 choir. Cameron played keys and sang in the BluesEd program for 2 seasons. In 2025, he performed with other BluesEd musicians in the Youth Showcase at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Cameron is a day trader when not performing.
Wes Burns - Electric Guitar
Wes became fascinated with guitar at 5 years old when he attended a Brad Paisley concert. His love for blues music developed a few months later when he watched Eric Clapton’s Unplugged performance. Wes has been taking guitar lessons since 7th grade. He has played guitar for his school’s jazz and show choir bands, winning 8 Best Band Awards. Wes has spent the last 4 summers playing guitar in the BluesEd program. In 2025, he performed with other BluesEd musicians in the Youth Showcase at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. The Memphis Project earned high marks at the IBC.
Cameron Vakili - Keys, Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar
Cameron Vakili was introduced to piano by his grandmother at the age of three and began formal classical training shortly thereafter. He has played continuously since, winning the Nebraska Music Teachers Association (NMTA) Piano Competition in 2021 and earning superior ratings at every University of Nebraska–Omaha district festival since 2015. Cameron is also the Pep Band Student Director at his school, leading a band of 30+ people at all home sporting events. During COVID, Cameron developed a strong interest in jazz fusion, teaching himself jazz piano and expanding his musicianship through learning bass and eventually guitar. A skilled multi-instrumentalist, he performs on keys, bass, and guitar, bringing an angular, jazz-influenced approach to the blues.
Through the Blues Society of Omaha’s BluesEd program, Cameron was selected for The Memphis Project, performing at the 2025 International Blues Challenge on Beale Street in Memphis. He plans to pursue a career in engineering, continuing to balance technical precision with creative expression in his music.
Caden Pendleton - Drums, Percussion
Caden took the drums at a very young age. After watching him air drum along with the band at church, his family got him his first drum kit when he was 3. Caden's first training was watching a Mick Fleetwood DVD on repeat; he has taken formal drum lessons as well. Recognized as a leader in school music programs, he led his high school show choir band to 8 Best Band awards as well as multiple Best Percussion caption awards in marching band. Caden connected with drumming sensation and creator Zack Grooves through social media and has designed some projects for Mr. Graybeal.