I started playing music in the early 1970's with a band called Udder Chaos - a pre-punk (junk?) combo that included the legendary Gene Hayhoe on lead vocals and wine bottle. None of us could really play, but we had a great time performing very strange originals and covers of songs by bands like the Fugs. Gene and I were arrested in the Lansing Community College cafeteria for disturbing the peace by playing "Smoke on the Water" (in animal sounds) and "Sweet Jane" on accordion and guitar. This band survived (not sure about the audiences) in various forms for five or six years. I then played in a variety of club bands until I took a break in the 80's, not interested in covers and bars anymore. In the early 90's I joined the band Mystic Shake and found my musical home. We have been together since then (with a few personnel changes), recording three CDs, and playing at various art fairs, festivals, and coffehouses. We call our brand of music "rhythmic fun" - it's a combination of Caribbean, African, pop, rock, folk, jazz, and comedy - we have a great appeal to the young-at-heart of all ages. I have also started a duo, Blue Jello, with my songwriting partner Pat Malloy - our first CD "Life is Good" should be out in the the spring of 2008. My wife Barb Sears and I host a series of house concerts called "Music Under the Pines" at our home in Haslett, MI www.mysticshake.com/mutp.html, and I also run a venue in Old Town Lansing called Stage 1210 www.myspace.com/stage1210. I am an active member of the Detroit Area songwriting group "Songwriters Anonymous of Michigan". Music is what my life revolves around - I can't imagine living without it!
To view the complete bQuiet Music calendar which includes Mystic Shake, Blue Jello, and Ben Hassenger performances as well as Stage 1210 and Music Under the Pines concerts, CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE bQUIET MUSIC CALENDAR
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