Mike Ryan
Bass
Mike is an accomplished bass player, deeply rooted in the vibrant Chicagoland music scene. His diverse repertoire encompasses R&B, Funk, Soul, Country, and Rock, showcasing his versatility across genres. With years of experience, he has become a sought-after player, delivering performances that resonate with audiences far and wide. Some former bands include JT & the Tomcats, Buster Keatz, The Wisemen and the Liberty Showcase Theatre Group. He is currently performing with Gritland, Better with Bacon, and can be seen sometimes playing with Mitch The Lip & Side Hustle
Stan Dembowski
Guitar/Vocals
Stan has followed a lifelong journey of musical exploration with a deep-rooted passion for music, song writing, and experimentation. He’s written, recorded, and covered hundreds of songs spanning Rock, Pop, and Americana genres. Throughout the years, he continues to hone his craft with a love and dedication to “the song,” while remembering to “play” with music. This musical journey led him to play with a wide variety of amazing Northern Illinois bands such as Nude Buddha, Michael Heaton Band, The Silverfish, Red Woody, and Gina Gonzalez and the Wingmen. These bands have had the honor to open for known artists such as Charlie Daniels, George Satellites, and Vertical Horizon. Stan has graced the stage of many great Chicagoland venues, including iconic spots like House of Blues, The Cubby Bear, Frankie’s Blue Room, and The Elbo Room. In addition to these clubs, Stan has played numerous Lake and Kane County summer fests including The Mix’s (WTMX) “Parking Lot Party.” When not gigging Stan enjoys releasing original music for his friends and the world.
Heather Moran
Vocals
Heather studied opera at Carnegie-Mellon and the University of Colorado. She eventually returned to Chicago to earn a BA in theater from Columbia College. She spent 15 years in the city, honing her jazz chops with some of Chicago's most elite musicians. There has been a large and eclectic range of different venues, some including: The Odyssey Cruise ship, The Metropolitan Room in NYC, San Francisco’s Empire Plush Room, The Green Mill, Drury Lane Water Tower, Katerina’s, The Hibiscus in NJ, Backstage Bar in Pittsburgh, Grant Park, Andy’s Jazz, Park West, The Acorn Theater in Michigan's Three Oaks, The Field Museum, Davenports, Gold Star Sardine Bar, Martyr's and many other venues. A few years ago, she was honored to open for Bob Newhart with a full jazz orchestra to a sold-out crowd at the historical Chicago Theater. Now Heather spends her time entertaining in the Lake County area. She regularly performs a vocal/guitar duo called Gritman&Moran with Steve Gritman at venues like Strawberry Moon, Lindy’s Landing, Main Street Outfitter, The Grove, Sunset Grill, Hey Nonny, Vault 232, Sunset Pavilion and The Bottle Shop in Lake Geneva. She can’t dance. Don’t ask her.
Sam Bassin
Keys
Sam Bassin started playing piano at age 4 from his parent’s house on the kibbutz in Israel. When he was 16, he joined a Wedding Band for the summer playing 6 shows per week for over 8 weeks. He moved to New York City in 1991, where he started writing music for DATLINE NBC through multiple seasons of the show. After moving to Chicago in 1997, he joined the Better Daze Band (Classic Rock Cover Band) and The Steel Chop (Original band). In 2011 Steel Chop dropped an album titled “Paint Me a Picture”. Sam is currently playing keys with “Davidson County Band” (Country Rock Covers), subbing wth “Mitch The Lip and the Side Hustle” (Covers and Originals Funk Band), and drumming with “The (B)racket” (Classic Rock Cover Band). Sam is a regular at the Chicago North Shore weekly jams on both keys and drums.
Pat Ryan
Drums
Pat Ryan, or as he is known locally 'Pat the drummer', has been banging on the drums since grade school, and has since become a fixture in the vibrant Chicago area music scene. From explosive rock to soulful blues, he has showcased his exceptional talent in numerous bands covering every genre imaginable. From electrifying performances at iconic venues like the House of Blues and the historic Woodstock Opera House, to small intimate clubs, Pat brings an energy to his performances that leaves audiences smiling. Sharing stages with acclaimed acts like the BareNaked Ladies, The Nadas, Enter the Haggis, and The Romantics, his beats have harmonized with legends. And when he's not playing drums, you'll find him...playing drums, because his passion knows no bounds.
Christopher Grant
Guitar/Fiddle
Christopher Grant can also be seen playing in multiple other bands, including "Tiny Country". He melts faces with his telecaster and fiddle talents. He is a rare diamond and he completes us.