Featured Artists Biographies

Backup to Saginaw Rotary Projects

Tim Avram
Saginaw On Stage since 2007

Argontos  
Drawing their inspiration from five centuries of music and the traditions of the peoples of several continents, Argongos  seeks the thread which weaves through many ethnic cultures.  Its members draw on a variety of musical influences including Renaissance, Baroque, Middle Eastern, European , Gypsy, Old Timey/Bluegrass, Liturgical, Jazz, Blues, Celtic, and Classical.  Members of Argontos have performed in music halls, festivals, clubs, churches, and  fundraisers with many other groups such as historic dance troupes, recorder consorts, contemporary Christian worship groups, and Americana jam bands.  Argontos fuses these diverse musical experiences into a heady mix that is ancient and contemporary, mystically contemplative, and intensely exhilarating.

Donna and The Fusion 
Returning  to Saginaw On Stage  Cool Blues and Fusion with Donna and the Fusion Band

Dick Case & Friends

Dick Case & Friends bring a mix of swing, traditional and contemporary jazz to audiences of  all ages. Dick, a fan of Miles Davis, was originally a trumpet player with the Four Jacks.  This group toured extensively and eventually shared billing at the Brass Rail in chicago opposite the Ink Spots.  Dick has since played keyboards with many past a present local jazz greats including Kent Wilson, Felton Sparks and Jerry Holmes.

CORNPONE
since 2007
Yodelin & Pickin: Cornpone "Big Texas Nate"; Doghouse Slapper: Cornpone splo "Jeff"; Slidin Steel: Zigpone "Zydeco Ziggie
This is one HOT, HOT, HOT Band...Be fure to wear some oven mitts!  The boys might be playin' at a church service or at  your local bar, but their old-time hillbilly swing and gospel is genuine, sawdust covered and from the heart.

Eastside Mike & Friends

Eastside Mike is keeping alive the tradition of the acoustic folk-blues. The beauty of his music is in its simplicity—melodies, harmonies and lyrics that speak to the joys and sorrows of the common folk and the pleasures and pains they celebrate in song.

Equinox
The area’s premier Celtic band Iits authentic instruments and harmonies will take us back to the British Isles when music was not only entertainment but truly the vox populi—the voice of the people. Equinox creates a musical experience which surrounds their audience with rhythms and melodies as old as the hills, as vibrant as the new world, and as fresh as the dreams of tomorrow.  A charter member of Saginaw On Stage

GT JAM
GT JAM was born in June of 2005, formed by 5 Mid-Michigan musicians who longed to play original, instrumental jazz.  Leaning on their funk, R&B, gospel, rock and jazz roots, GT JAM set out to compose the music that has been floating in their heads for years.   Funky, soulful sax jazz with an old school feel.  Their music is exciting, mature and it makes you feel good!  GT JAM is Gerald Palmer, guitar; Tom Barsheff, saxes; John Johnson, drums and percussion; Art Longue'mire, keyboards; Marco Franco, bass guitar.  At present, GT JAM is promoting their debut CD "Feel the Concept" featuring 12 original and diverse arrangements from strait out thumpin' funk to sexy, old school R&B.


Holy Crow
New to Saginaw On Stage 2007.
Susan O'Rourke/vocals & guitar; Zig Zeitler/banjo, mandolin, harmonica, vocals; Jeff Schrem, upright bass
Just having four musicians from very different backgrounds to end up on the same stage is quite a feat, but this gets way better.  Michigan;s own multi-instrumentalist, Zig Zeitler, has once again made his mark in yet another genre.  Having performed blues, cajun, zydeco and Irish music for the past 40 years, with 16CDs of originals to his credit he has matched talent with his wife and bandmate Susan O'Rourke.  Susan, on vocals and guitar is a native of Brooklyn, NY and has performed Irish music across this country as well as throughout Ireland.  Together with Zig they have released two Irish CDs that have been met with outstanding reviews.  On upright bass is a "young and upcomer" with tons of talent, Jeff Schremms.  If Jeff seems familiar it is because he slaps with one of the hottest hillbilly swing bands in Michigan "Cornpone".  Sharing the writing duties in theat band, Jeff has added a flavor to "Cornpone" that is strangely curious and addictive.   Holy Crow is a ride you are NOT going to want to miss!

Laurie Middlebrook Band
The Laurie Middlebrook Band has been entertaining audiences for more than 20 years.  "What started out to be a hobby, is now a habit I can't quit." says Mid-Michigan songwriterLaurie Middlebrook.  Laurie has recorded three albums in Nashville over the last 10 years, and is currently working on another.  The Band has opened shows for several national acts such as Joe Diffie, Neal McCoy, Diamond Rio, Emerson Drive, Sawyer Brown, Steve Wariner and Ronnie Milsap.  Laurie says "Working with a great band, and wonderful people makes my job fun and easy."  A charter member of Saginaw On Stage.  For more information check out the new website: www.middlebrookband.com 

The Saucecats
A mix of New Orleans, Funk, Zydeco and Blues with Latin and Caaribbean sound.  Formed in 2001 by a group of seasoned musicians to play fun, energetic music for all occasions. Having already entertained thousands at Michigan’s premier festivals and events,as well as having performed with artists such as: Tommy Castro, Carl Weathersby,  Bernard Allison, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kenny Neal and Dr. John,  the Saucecats promise to make you tap your toes, hurry to the dance floor, or simply sing along. For more information contact www.saucecats.com

Sprout
Returning to Saginaw On Stage from their popular appearances the last two years

STONECROSS
Back by popular demand
For the last five years, Brooklyn NY native, Susan O'Rourke together with husband and bandmate Zig Zeitler have been performing Irish/world music as STONECROSS and have been booked into some of the most prestigious venues and festivals across the world.  Their live performances and latest CD, "'Dark Irish", has been received with great reviews.  Most recently touring New York, Chicago, and Ireland, they are longtime residenst of this area establishing the White Crow Conservatory of Music in Saginaw.


The White Crow Conservatory
Returning to Saginaw On Stage since 2007.
Enjoy an entire evening of acoustic music in the beautiful Chapel at Apple Mountain.  Enjoy a variety of artists in the intimate setting of the Apple Mountain Chapel. Your host for the evening at the Chapel is Ziggy Zeitler and Susan O'Rourke

GUEST APPEARANCES:
Check in frequently for announcements of special guests at Saginaw On Stage