SUPPORTING MUSICIANS

ALL PLAY, a Grand Haven based band, is using their past to prepare for a big future. Hitting the studio before playing even one show, things are looking up. “Girl Problems” leaked quickly amongst teens, and its edgy upbeat autotuned madness blew up on Ipods all over   West Michigan. The second wave came when most recent song “ You  and Me” provided an energetic real life song to jam to. 

ALL PLAY provides an alternative blend of Reggae and Pop Rock, resulting in a unique, catchy style that many people haven’t heard. Prepare for no work, and “all play” with this band over summer 2010.

 

ANDREW MOORE started playing the guitar not long ago and plans on making his own future with it.  His inspirations are Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, The Beatles, and his father.  He grew up listening to The Beatles and Ween. He tries to implement wisdom into his lyrics and songs. Even though he is young, (born in 1992) he still has plenty of things to write about.

ANDREW MOORE is

an insanely carefree guy who believes in love, and thinks that peace isn’t only achievable, but it’s inevitable even in the world today.  Eventually we’ll get there.

THE BARNDOGS evolved from an informal monthly jam session in a little barn in Alpine Township that started back in 2001, and developed into a versatile seven-piece band that plays a compelling blend of rootsy and fun Rock-and-Roll with Country, Folk, Blues, Garage, Alternative and Psychedelic influences.  They present a lively musical production interpreting songs that have contributed to the soundtrack of their lives.  Rock and Roll is a great way to share creative expression, and THE BARNDOGS feel it’s important to be honest to the music that has been such an enormous part of so many people’s lives.
BOX SET emerged from the coffeehouses of San Francisco as the acoustic duo of Jim Brunberg and Jeff Pehrson. After touring as a duo a couple of years up and down the coast and through Europe, BOX SET enlisted a rhythm section, formed a full electric band, and released their self-titled CD January, 1994. The band quickly gained a strong regional following due to their soaring harmonies and well-crafted songs whose hallmarks are catchy guitar hooks, upbeat rhythms, and thoughtful lyrics. By December, BOX SET was named by Billboard Magazine in an Honor Roll of Unsigned Talent.
BRAD VANDER ARK
Bradley Allen Vander Ark was born in Kalamazoo, MI in 1969. After toiling in the world of corporate rock as a bass player with The Verve Pipe for 10 years, he moved to New York City (1999), where he established himself as a graphic design artist and critically-acclaimed independent musician. Brad is currently the world’s preeminent leader in the PopComElectroCompRock genre, a category he created, and of which he is the only member.
BRIAN VANDER ARK scored a succession of Top Ten hits, ruled MTV and lived to stoke the star maker machinery as the principal songwriter and lead singer for The Verve Pipe. Then the Michigan native rid himself of worries, sold all his possessions, and hit the road. Crisscrossing the country in his 1994 Ford Searcher RV, BRIAN VANDER ARK played his songs for the faithful and nourished the muse that had inspired him in the first place.

BRIAN VANDER ARK’S gift is one of tremendous storytelling clarity expressed through melodies and rhythms that are familiar but somehow new and fresh. His honeyed voice and intimate finger picking guitar style hearken back to an era when artists were unafraid to express their heart’s direction and the soul’s design. As he travels the road, playing his songs and enjoying his fans, BRIAN VANDER ARK revels in a freedom that few can claim.
THE BUSTER BLUES BAND is made up of…  

Terry Westphal – Bass
“Big Dog”

Terry Westphal, aka “Big Dog”, started playing Guitar at 20 years old and picked up the Bass Guitar about 10 years ago. He currently play Bass in a Classic Rock/Oldies Band and with the “Buster Blues Band”, who he has been with for about 6 years.

Lance Karum – Guitar
“Liberator of Love”
Lance has always had a love for music from the beginning. He was forced to take piano lessons in the 4th grade, played coronet in the 6th grade, and joined the marching band at Nelson Jr. High and Muskegon High School. At a summer bible camp, he discovered ‘chicks dig guitars’, so he’s been playing guitar ever since. He helped to form THE BUSTER BLUES BAND in 1996, and is the only original member left.

Bart Lucas – Drums
“Black Bart”

Bart Lucas is a drummer with the unique nick-name of ‘Black Bart’. Bart was given that nickname by friends who somehow associated him with the famous Wild West gun slinger ‘Black Bart’. He has played the drums throughout all of his schooling years and played in various rock bands in the late 60′s and early 70′s. Being drafted into the Army in 1972, Black Barts MOS (Military Occupational Skill) was a musician in the Special Services Division. After serving his time, Black Bart came back to Muskegon and played with a few bands. He took a 30 year sabbatical to settle down and start a business in Grand Haven, eventually get married and raise a family.  Although rusty (after 30 years of not playing) Black Bart has found that he can still keep a beat.

Chris – Lead Vocals and Keyboards
Originally from Birmingham AL, Chris has been in Michigan for over 15 years. He has played piano for over 20 years, plays guitar, sax and accordion! He has played a variety of genres in various local bands in the Greater Grand Rapids area, but THE BUSTER BLUES BAND is his first effort on lead vocals.

CLIK is comprised of musically seasoned veterans, from the West Michigan, Lake Shore Community. The band, CLIK performs popular crowd pleasing cover tunes from nearly five decades. CLIK’s premium gear fills every venue with a rich tour grade sound. Their sound is complimented by a digital display of dmx intelligent lighting; that paints a colorful and interactive variety of moving scenes for their dancers. Available for any type engagement, where Classic Rock rules.
DAVID PALMER is Founder and Executive Director of Spread The Music Foundation. He was born in Grand Haven, MI. His parents listened to country music and his sisters listened to Led Zeppelin.  DAVE was inspired by all of it. 

Turning out a variety of music genres for his first CD, Miles to Go, Dave has performed in several bands including Wall Walkers and Blackwater. He has also performed with several well know musicians such as RB Rick Belkofer from the Tomas Esparza Blues Experience, Dave Taalman from Tailshaker, Bill DeMarse , Verlon Thompson, Robert Moore, Mike Slayton and many more.

DYLAN STERNER was born on September 16th, 1996 in Grand Haven, Michigan. He received his first musical instrument – a guitar – at the age of eight.  By age nine, he was already playing Stevie Ray Vaughn songs note for note and reading music at a high level.He has played over thirty shows in the area including live performances on WLAV FM Grand Rapids, MI. & opening both nights of the 2009 Harbor Island Music Festival. Dylan’s favorite musicians are Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Joe Satriani.
FOUR FINGER FIVE has appeared on WZZM TV-ABC as well as WXMI TV-FOX, their achievments have been featured in several West Michigan publications and they are also regular guests on local radio.  FOUR FINGER FIVE “flaunts rock-splashed soul and funk that abounds with infectious energy, experimental verve and jazz textures.” says the Grand Rapids Press. Capable of capturing many different audiences, the band is comfortable in front of any sized crowd. Brining an all original sound, with just the right amount of well placed covers, FOUR FINGER FIVE is sure to captivate any musically literate audience.
THE GIMMES are a Punk-Rock style band consisting of five Grand Haven High School guys:  drummer, Xander Snively; bassist, John Lahr; lead guitarist, Elijah Russ; singer, Schalk Vanniekerk; and guitarist, Dylan Tarr.  They write their own music and lyrics and have recorded two songs, “Static” and “A Wreck”.  They recently performed live at The Eagles and were one of the featured bands at the Harbor Island Music Festival 2010.  They give you music that’s real.
GROOVE SOLUTION draws from the talent of several premier West Michigan groups, and is composed of “Delicious” lead singer, Cindy Shedd and musical director/guitarist, Michael T Drost. “Delicious”, being a well known and long time established party/dance band in the Muskegon area will also be lending talent in the form of sound engineer, Eric Shedd, and bassist, Zach Russick. On keyboards is music prodigy, Larry Figueroa, who is currently wowing professors at Hope College’s School of Music. Thoroughly rounding out the rhythm section is percussionist, Will Watson Jr., formerly of “Throw Money.”  GROOVE SOLUTION also features an outstanding horn line including local greats Greg Nimtz (tenor), Terrence Massey (trumpet) and Jeff Baird (alto).Through professional attitude, pristine musicianship, great music selection, and just downright “good times”, GROOVE SOLUTION promises to make all of your special event wishes come true.
IGBY IRIS consists of two musicians from Grand Rapids, MI, with the desire to bring music to a new level of art.  The creation of IGBY IRIS began 5 years ago in a one-bedroom apartment.  The concept began as the story of a jester-type person, lacking in tact, and swimming in madness… IGBY… who  fully knows of the madness he possesses. He tells stories of great concern to himself and his listeners.  The concept quickly became an entity, consisting of epic sounds, and dark, beautiful melodies.
JIMMY POP!
Keith Andrasco…Keyboards, Vox
Mark Andrasco…Guitars, Vox
Jimmy Kavanagh…Drums, Vox 

With Keith and Jimmy combining over 50 years of bar gigging experience, JIMMY POP! is a band on a mission to bring smiles to faces and ladies to the dance floor. Add a dose of Mark’s youthful energy, and you’ve got a band that can satisfy young and old alike for hours. JIMMY POP! covers many styles and generations (sometimes in the same medley). All three sing lead and back-up vocals which keeps the audience interested and wondering… what’s next!?

KALI REA is a young lady with three main passions; music, writing, and life. She believes there is a reason for everything that happens, good or bad, and that finding a way to use what we’re given is key. 

She began playing violin at age 4, transitioned to viola, and in high school taught herself to play piano. She composed her first song her sophomore year in high school, began singing her compositions publicly not long after.

KALI REA will tell you, “Expressing pieces of myself through music and songwriting is an ultimate happiness for me. I feel that music is something we need, every one of us, to narrarate our lives. With it, people can feel understood, express feelings, understand somebody else, feel better about something, feel an easing of pain, or just feel emotion of any kind. Music is sort of an awakening, a direct connection to something deeper that we can’t exactly understand.”

LEW RUSS is a vocalist and guitarist, playing a variety of musical styles including Blues, Jazz, Reggae, Country and Classic Rock.
He has also produced many recording projects for various artists. Ater a decade long career as a computer Analyst for General Motors, LEW RUSS decided to follow his dream and become a musician full time. And now he works with Spread The Music Foundation to help others’ dreams come true as well! LEW RUSS founded Howling Dog Records in 1994. He has also had the opportunity to travel all over the country pursuing his dream. He has played for Vail Resorts in Vail ColoradoYacht Clubs all around the Lake Michigan Coastline, the Gulf Coast of Florida and many points in between.
LOREN was born in Portland, Maine, and has moved all around the country with her Coast Guard family. LOREN taught herself basic guitar strumming when she was only 9-years old. It didn’t take long for her to realize her love for music.  LOREN has a true talent for any musical instrument she picks up. In addition to the guitar, LOREN plays the violin, upward bass and the ukulele. She would love to eventually add piano and drums to her list. 

LOREN is also an aspiring song writer, and spends many hours jotting down both whimsical and inspirational verses. She hopes to eventually pave a career path in the music industry.

 

 

LUX LAND
www.luxlandmusic.com
MIKKI MARSH traded in her heavy cello for a cheap acoustic guitar as a Texas teen, and began writing songs about everyday relationships.  Sneaking into bars in Amarillo – “a guitar works better than a fake drivers license” – the underage teen began to perform on stage and found the world’s best intoxicant: provoking a response from an audience.MIKKI MARSH was twice selected to perform in Texas at the Kerrville Folk Festival’s “New Folk Competition for Emerging Songwriters.” Although never quite comfortable with the “folk” label, the foundation for her songs lies in acoustic based folk and pop. With an emotionally charged voice, her evocative songs express universal concerns about relationships and the search for love and understanding. Whether finger picking a gentle refrain about love lost, or rockin’ to drive home a point about escape from life’s pain, her guitar and voice join forces as one.
OPEN LAND plays indie-folk music that combines the energy of Wilco with the groove of Stevie Wonder and the voice of Ray LaMontagne.  The subtle and complex songwriting of Dean Wiers-Windemuller centers around themes of human dignity and the eternal nature of everyday occurrences.  These songs are set apart by the use of three part harmony, fretless bass and the band’s training in Classical, Minimalist and Jazz music.  From opening for David Archuleta to a sold-out house, to packing out Founder’s Brewing Co., OPEN LAND has been inspiring and engaging audiences in their hometown of Grand Rapids, MI and beyond.
PREVAILING WINDS COMMUNITY BAND is an exciting new opportunity for  people of the Tri-Cities area and beyond to play their, perhaps long dormant, instruments. The band has been formed by Bob Fullerton, local musician and owner of “Prevailing Winds” Instruments & Instruction.Bob invites all those with some high school (or above) background in music. If you haven’t played your horn for years, now’s your chance to come have some fun in a very informal, no-pressure, 50+ member concert band.
RICK BELKOFER, also known as RB, has been a well respected guitarist on the lakeshore for over thrity years. His blend of Blues, Jazz, Rock, Latin, and Fusion has made his style of playing unique.RB has played with many well known musicians in West Michigan and has included many of them in his live performances and recordings. In addition to playing live and recording, RB is also a well respected guitar teacher in his Grand Haven hometown.
SCOTT PELLEGROM is one of the hottest rising stars of today. Since performing live at the age of five, he has transformed from a natural born rhythmist to an international clinician and educator. 

SCOTT PELLEGROM finds rhythm in everything that surrounds him, and currently inspires students with his world renowned talent does thirty clinics a year.

SCOTT PELLEGROM currently resides in West Michigan and tours internationally. You can find SCOTT PELLEGROM performing and demonstrating products at NAMM, Musikmesse and PASIC events every year. In 2006, he was in the Guitar Center Drum Off national finals out of 5000+ competitors.  He can be seen in Modern Drummer Magazine, DRUM magazine, and a host of many other publications world wide. He endorses and works exclusively for Dream Cymbals, DrumCraft Drums, Pro-Mark Sticks and Aquarian heads.

SECRETS combines the individual talents of four musicians:  bandleader and drummer Donny Hugley, bass and back-up vocals is Dave Alves, Chris Kishman handles rhythm and lead guitar and vocals, and Kelly Levelston is lead singer and percussionist. Together, SECRETS creates a sophisticated mix of Soul and R&B, Funk, Blues, Neo-Soul and Gospel, all while combining the new and old school in an original way with a fresh and contemporary flavor. They are a band of professionals who have honed their craft playing in and backing other bands and musicians. Now, a solid experienced band has been put together. Once you experience a SECRETS show, you will want to spread the word about the “secret” you just heard.
THE SHIZNIT is a loose-cannon cover band  playing all types of music from the past 50 years: Rockabilly to Punk, Rap to Metal. Every show is an adventure. Whether it’s Corey spouting off rapid fire lyrics, Brian riffing hard rock rhythms until his hands bleed, Paul and Chris laying down a groove so fat, and the mad scientist Jason, melting your brain with a diabolical solo, you’ll leave THE SHIZNIT show feeling fully satisfied. 

THE SHIZNIT Is:
Corey Leonard Guitars, Vocals, Backing Vocals
Jason Stephenitch – Guitars, Vocals, Backing Vocals
Paul Vandusen – Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Chris Nienhouse Drums, Backing Vocals
Brian Bellamy – Guitars, Vocals Backing Vocals
Booking: Corey Leonard  231-206-0311

SOUL’D OUT plays a custom blend of Rhythm & Blues, Rock, Soul, Blues, and Funk. The band plays upbeat, high-energy songs that only a seven-piece horn band can provide. Each member plays multiple instruments and/or sings with extraordinary results. Their instrumental pallet includes lead & rhythm guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, two trumpets, harmonica, trombone, congas, timbales, bongos, and large dose of what the band calls their “secondary” weapons of mass percussion. Those include tambourines, claves, blocks, shakers, afuches, bibra-slaps, bells, guiros, and what ever else they can get their hands on.
THE SOULZ OF RHYTHM perform songs that include many classic R&B/Soul hits, but also 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, Rock ‘n Roll, Funk, and Swing. They love the horn lines in many of these songs, but when the song is purely Rock & Roll, the horn players will sing background vocals and add a little rhythm of their own.Some of their musical choices border on what might seem obscure, songs that were not always the “A” side of the record, but great songs nonetheless. And when THE SOULZ OF RHYTHM places its own twist on these songs, they come alive all over again! It’s what they like to call Funky, Swingin’ Soup for the Music Lovin’ Soul. THE SOULZ OF RHYMTH love it when people enjoy the performance, but even more when the audience, no matter the age, is out on the dance floor.
TAILSHAKER was founded in the fall of 2003 by veteran West Michigan guitarist Dave Taalman, and is a band that goes narrow and deep when it comes to playing the blues. Taalman, who has been in numerous blues bands over the years, was frustrated by the lack of focus he encountered in many of these bands. 

TAILSHAKER is composed of veteran musicians Stan Greene on vocals, Dave Taalman on guitar, John “Catfish Johnny” Stoneburner on harmonica, Tom Emerson on bass, Chris Elmore on keyboards, and Michael Brown on drums. They’re a group of like-minded musicians playing the music they love. The Blues. And only the Blues. All the time. If you’re looking for a rockin’ juke joint jumpin’, house partyin’ band, check out TAILSHAKER . You’ll get a good dose of Chicago and electric Delta-style Blues, with a little jump and drag-it-through-the-mud swamp funk thrown in for good measure.

TEARS FOR JULIET resides in Spring Lake and has been together for nearly two years.  They have had performances at Unity Fest and Muskegon Summer Celebration as well as winning the Grand Haven Coast Guard Battle of the Bands in 2005.Their music is a blend of melodious vocals combined with supreme guitar riffs and percussive bliss.  For those who are fans of JimmyEat World, The Juliana Theory, Switchfoot, and/or Copeland, Tears For Juliet will feed your craving. Joel (guitar/vocals), Adam (bass), Ryan (guitar), and Evan (drums) thank everyone who has ever listened to or seen TEARS FOR JULIET .
TOMAS ESPARZA is a harmonica player from Grand Rapids, MI. He has been playing blues harmonica for the last 10 years and studied under Billy Raider former owner of “Billy’s Lounge” in East Town Grand Rapids. TOMAS ESPARZA’S influences range from old school players like Little Walter, James Cotton, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Junior Wells and George “Harmonica’ Smith, to the modern players; Charlie Musselwhite, RJ Mischo, William Clark, and Steve Guyger.
TOMAS ESPARZA first appeared on-stage with Vincent Hayes, performing as a duo at the First Annual Cow Pie Blues Festival and in the 2003 Kalamazoo Blues Festival. More recently he has worked with Harry Oman and his Red Hot Blues Band as well as Count Bracy and the Pleasure Tones.
TONY KECK performs a unique style of guitar skills developed through years of studying various styles of music. Using his blues based tapping technique, he creates a soulful sound that mesmerizes a diverse audience. His instrumental influence has created a combination of intermixing Classical, Blues, and Jazz. His wide variety of musical experiences, such as entertaining the troops in South East Asia, has made him recognized for his distinctive compositions. As well as, catching the attention of nationally acclaimed guitarist Stefan Grossman, who has recently added TONY KECK to his guitar workshop. There is only one way to describe the harmonious music TONY KECK creates . . . . captivating.
UNCLE RICO formed when invited to perform at Loud On The Lawn, 2010. At that time, the band was comprised of 15- and 16-year old high school freshman from Mona Shores High School. 

Named after Napoleon Dynamite’s living-in-the-past uncle, the band breaks away from the usual sounds heard played by their peers. UNCLE RICO brings a style mixed with Funk, R&B, and Rock doing both covers and originals. Johnathan Swainston on drums and Ryan Slagle on bass lay down the groove. Matt Fairfield brings to the band what every good groove and jam need: the saxophone. Alex Pearson brings the edge, providing chunky rhythms and rockin’ leads on guitar. Add in the soulful energy of Kelley Wheeler’s vocals and you’ll get the vibe that is UNCLE RICO.

VERLON THOMPSON picked on his Mom’s mandolin, his Uncle Kenneth’s guitar, his Aunt Bessie’s piano, his Cousin Elmer Dee’s lap steel and any other instrument he could get his hands on. Early songwriting inspiration came from Merle Haggard, Lefty Frizzell, Buck Owens and Roger Miller. 

VERLON THOMPSON became a Nashville resident and staff writer for Loretta Lynn’s publishing company, Coal Miners Music. After that, he signed with CBS Songs which later became EMI Music, one of the worlds largest publishing houses. Good fortune continued through the 90′s with cuts by Joe Diffie, Billy Dean, Suzy Bogguss, Pam Tillis, Trisha Yearwood, Beth Nielson Chapman and more.

Today VERLON THOMPSON works on the road with Guy Clark and has found a new musical world in the theaters, small clubs and folk festivals. “Poetic listeners” he once called them; a little more in tune with the fine art of lyric and melody.