Spread the Music Foundation Grand Haven, Michigan

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. With lots of attention from the press, and support from San Francisco.

"Twenty-Seven", the second independent release from San Francisco's Box Set, was recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley in the Spring of 1995. It exhibits the band's growth and development since their first self-titled release 18 months prior. Jeff Pehrson and Jim Brunberg's writing is stronger than ever, and the rhythm section of Chad Heise and Mark Abbott keeps the foundation solid. The addition of Sam Johnston on the Hammond B-3 allows them to break into new territory. Tracks such as "Back to You", "First to Know", and "Sundays" retain the upbeat accessibility for which the band is known while "Long' Black Ribbon" and "At Home" are anthemic pieces that pull the listener into another world. Alternative and funk sounding "Class Clowns" and "Malibu" say loud and clear that the band has grown far beyond their folk-rock roots. With virtually no distribution, 10,000 units of 'Box Set" and "Twenty-Seven" have sold.

Massive success and its aftermath have sent many artists into oblivion, forever trying to recapture the moment when the world first bowed at their feet. That moment came for Brian Vander Ark when, as the principal songwriter and lead singer for The Verve Pipe, he scored a succession of Top Ten hits, ruled MTV and lived to stoke the star maker machinery. The Verve Pipe continued to have success after their star left the global stage, but Vander Ark felt the pressure. Rather than blindly attempting to reclaim a throne that was ephemeral at best, the Michigan native instead rid himself of worries, sold all his possessions, and hit the road. Crisscrossing the country in his 1994 Ford Searcher RV, Vander Ark played his songs for the faithful and nourished the muse that had inspired him in the first place. His ongoing journey has resulted in Resurrection (Brash Music), a lyrical, engrossing collection of songs wrought from an experience that many have dreamed of but few have faced.

The Verve Pipe's smash singles "The Freshmen" and "Photograph" were cast in the grunge style of the era, but the songs remain singular and special. 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.

But while Vander Ark enjoys reflection, his music lives in the here and now. "I am really in a good place. I drive to all my shows, I pull up to the club, plug the acoustic in and let it go and after the show everyone ends up in the RV. Living on the road helps me gain that perspective I had seven or eight years ago that I lost. I can sleep at night now. I am having more fun than I've had in years."

As he travels the road, playing his songs and enjoying his fans, Brian Vander Ark revels in a freedom that few can claim. His Resurrection is complete.

Terry Westphal - Bass
"Big Dog"

My name is Terry Westphal, aka "Big Dog". I started playing Guitar at 20 years old and picked up the Bass Guitar about 10 years ago because I really like the Bottom Groove. I like all kinds of up-beat music...the kind that won't let you sit still. I am currently spinning Poppa Chubby, G-Love, and Jamiroquai. I currently play Bass in a Classic Rock/Oldies Band and with the "Buster Blues Band", who I have been with for about 6 years. I play a Carvin (4) String Jass Bass through an Ampeg Head with Ashdown Speaker Cabs. Rock On.

Lance Karum - Guitar
"Liberator of Love"

Has always had a love for music from the beginning, always wanting to sing or beat on things in place of drums. Forced to take piano lessons in the 4th grade. His teacher was a miss Michigan runner-up so he stuck it out for a few years, but didn’t learn much about the piano . In the 6th grade they bought him a coronet and he did o.k. with it . Joined the marching band at nelson jr. high and Muskegon high school. Both in Muskegon mi. one day he while in the 9th grade, he herd a steppin wolf recording of (the pusher man). That did the trick all right. He bought a bass guitar on credit and worked it off all summer by moving cement blocks for a contractor. A few years into the bass and along came grand funk railroad, and older guys at a summer bible camp were playing their songs on their guitars and catching a lot of female attention. that was all lance needed to switch to guitar. A few years on the road playing hard rock was o.k. but there was something missing. Something from the heart needed attention . The boy had the blues and it had to come out. He helped to form the buster blues band in 1996, and is the only original member left. Big influence on him were mark farner, Dick Wagoner, Luther Allison, Tommy Castro, Freddie King and Gary More, and of course, any southern gospel choir sound. He will play the blues from now until the day he is called home. Lance uses Marshall amps , Gibson and Fender guitars. His favorite strings are dean Markey-blue steel, Bakersfield thin picks and an old Electro-Harmonix wa-wa pedal. It has been said that his playing style is a cross between Gary More and Pat Traverse with a little bit of B. B. King.

Bart Lucas - Drums
"Black Bart"

Bart Lucas is a drummer with the unique nick-name of 'Black Bart'. Bart was given that nick-name 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. His listening music of choice is progressive jazz such as Pat Methany, Chick Corea, Al Dimeola, Passport, etc. Being drafted into the Army in 1972, Black Barts MOS (Military Occupational Skill) was a musician in the Special Services Division. His 2 year military duty consisted of playing with a 5 piece band and flying around the country in 2 helicopters (one for the band members and the other for the equipment) playing recruitment programs, battle of the bands, etc. The band played everything including rock, folk, soul, jazz, blues and country. After serving his time, Black Bart came back to Muskegon and played with a few bands. In fact, the last band Black Bart played with before taking a 30 year sabbatical to settle down and start a business in Grand Haven and eventually get married and raise a family, was with Lance Karum. After all those years, Black Bart ran into Lance in 2007 when he was playing with his Buster Blues Band at the Muskegon Race Course. After hearing the Buster Blues Band it made him want to start playing the drums again. He mentioned that desire to Lance, and sure enough, shortly thereafter Black Bart was drumming again with his buddy Lance. Although rusty (after 30 years of not playing) Black Bart has found that he can still keep a beat.

Chris - Lead Vocals and Keyboards
I thought they were talking about bio-rhythms. I was confused !!!

I’m originally from Birmingham AL. but I have been in Michigan for over 15 years. I have played piano for over 20 years. I also play guitar, Sax, and I even play accordion.
I have played in various local bands in the Greater Grand Rapids area. This is the first effort on lead vocals. It kinda scary, but it is cool at the same time. Duties: Lead Vocals, All Keyboards and Harmonicas Equipment: My Old Roland RD 600, plus my Roland Synthesizer (Juno) and various other Roland products Also various Blues Harps Influences: Most forms of music from Rock, Contemporary, Classical, Jazz, Old Gospel, and of course the Blues Artist I admire: Muddy Waters, Charlie Christen, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, BB King and all the greats Famous quotes: “I you can’t stand the heat” and “Buy An Air Comditioner.”

David Palmer was born in Grand Haven, Michigan .His parents listened to country music and his sisters listen to Led Zeppelin. Dave was inspired by all of it.

Life seems to me to be about the other souls that touch your life and the effect you have on others....how you relate, how you love, how you receive love."

The 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, concert band.The band has over 50 members/players.

The SOUL’D OUT BAND 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.

Founded in the Fall of 2003 by veteran West Michigan guitarist Dave Taalman, Tailshaker 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.

Dave Taalman, Tailshaker founder and guitarist adds, “When we play, it’s all about having a ‘blues party.' ”

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.

Tomas Esparza is a harmonica player from Grand Rapids, MI. Tomas 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’ 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 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. Most recently Tomas 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 to his guitar workshop.There is only one way to describe the harmonious music Tony creates . . . . captivating.

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 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.

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