The Current

Music:

Member Since: 15/12/2006
Band Website: www.partywiththecurrent.com
Band Members: Shane Coursel was born and raised in NW Indiana, and now lives in Rolling Prairie. He's a 12-year student of Michigan City Christian School. Shane's been playing guitar since the age of 10 when his grandfather taught him to play his first chord. Since music isn't currently paying all his bills, he also works as a Die Cutter in LaPorte, Indiana during the week. On his nights off he's a sports enthusiast and spends a lot of time in the rough (sometimes on the green), playing softball, basketball and bowling. Shane's been playing professionally since the age of 12 when he was a member of the gospel group, "The Singing Doves," with his cousin, best man and sound man for The Current, Jamie Biggerstaff. Shane transitioned into country music when he was 18 (that's also about the time his hair line began to recede) and it wasn't until his collaborative creation of The Current that he began playing Pop 40.Jeff Gajewskifirst became interested in tinkling the ivory when he plucked out the notes to the theme song from "Little House on the Prairie" at age five. His mother immediately signed him up for organ lessons where he soon learned "La Paloma Blanca" and other various polka hits. Bored out of his gourd, he took an interest in the electronic keyboard and began playing popular songs with his young musician friends in his parents' basement in Whiting, Indiana. Never too shy to sing to his own accompaniment, he would often entertain his family during holidays. Jeff took a serious interest in music when he learned that he could actually make money, too. He joined his first professional band at age 17, and he's been playing professionally since. Jeff married his sweetheart, Karen, in 2001. He's a 1989 graduate of Whiting High School and a 1994 graduate of Purdue University. Jeff is also the Director of Development for a community service agency in Dolton, Illinois, and business owner of a web hosting / web design business. His hobbies include musical theater, computers & the Internet. Jeff has two dogs, a Chow Chow named Chewy, and a Pomeranian named Roxie. He has been unsuccessful in breeding African Clawed Frogs.Cary Thomasbegan playing guitar at age 14. His first professional job was in 1982 with a band called Exposure, playing classic rock in the local club scene. For the next few years, he played with various rock and roll bands in the Michigan City area. Cary joined the navy in 1986 and was stationed in San Diego, CA for four years. After being cooped up with numerous sailors for four years, he moved to Texas in search of some good-looking woman with Southern hospitality. There he joined a band called The Cavaliers; a band famous for writing the 1960's hit and Pearl Jam remake, "Last Kiss." In 1995, Cary moved back to Michigan City where he played with Flat Baroque for two years. Cary is very proud of his children.Darrell Westmorelandis the newest member of The Current. He was born in Gary, Indiana, but moved with his family to Jackson Tennessee where he spent most of his youth and even learned how to play the drums. His family moved back from the South (said with a twang) in 1979, and he graduated from Portage High School 7 years later. Darrell has played drums with numerous bands over the past 23 years. Although his first public performance was in his hometown church, he claims to have rocked "His Almighty's House," rather loudly. Darrell's musical relationship with Shane Coursel dates back to 1989 when they both played country music with several fine musicians in two of the area's country music bands. In fact, it was that very same effort that later introduced them to Jeff Gajewski (Jeff and Shane are both very excited to playing with Darrell again.) Darrell is happily married to his long time love, Jo Ella, and is the proud father of three beautiful children, Jenna, Megan and Dillon.Jeff White(affectionately known as Whitey) was born in Gary and grew up in Crown Point where he still resides with his wife Brianna and sons Remington and Orion. He graduated from Crown Point High (with no honors) and occasionally takes a class or two at Purdue University Calumet. He is a graduate of "The Recording Workshop" in Chillocothe, Ohio. His first memory of music (or psychological scar) was listing to WMAQ AM radio with his parents. He was forced to answer the phone, "WMAQ is gonna make me rich" to hopefully win money from a station contest. He played guitar for five years before switching to the bass. He thinks that it was a pretty good idea, since the first guitar he owned was only capable of holding four strings! Jeff began playing bass professionally at age 21 with a 50's band called All Shook Up. He moved on to a hard-rock touring band from Chicago called Ragz to Riches. A scary hotel room experience in Peoria, IL convinced him it was time to play locally. He met Jeff Gajewski while playing in a country band (shhhh don't tell anyone!), and the two had several unsuccessful attempts to get in each others' respective country music bands. It wasn't until 1999 when Jeff called Whitey and said he was forming a rock/pop band. Whitey gladly jumped on board what is currently known as The Current.
Influences: We are influenced mostly by the music that drives our fans and friends. As such, you might say that our first priority is to keep them out on the dance floor. However, we do admit that we enjoy getting a little selfish at times and play a few of our goofy little ditties!
Type of Label: Major