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Steve Westphal
Laura Ray

Steve Westphal – Electric & Acoustic Lead Guitar, Saxophone, Lead & Backing Vocals

Laura Ray – Lead & Backing Vocals, Rhythm Percussion

Listening to and playing music has always been a part of my life. 

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My father was a professional musician for many years. He and Mom put up with my musical journey by tolerating their son’s squeaky woodwinds and loud classic rock band practices in the family garage.  From 4th grade clarinet to guitar, my first rock cover band in 9th grade to sax in high school jazz band, my family has always supported my music passion. I was blessed to previously be a part of West Michigan’s favorite band that opened for many rock superstars.

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Many friendships and enjoyment have been gained from being a part of successful bands spanning Classic Rock, Funk, Motown, Jazz in the Chicago, West Michigan and Eastern Washington state areas.

My goal has always been to perform music with friends that touch the soul of our audience by recreating memories of the songs they love.

“Singing in the shower is all fun and games until you get shampoo in your mouth. Then it becomes soap opera.”

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I came from a musical family, so singing for me has always been as natural as breathing. To me, you’re not truly singing unless you put your whole self into it. I started out following in my sister’s footsteps, singing along to all the Broadway musicals. Then one day, I heard rock & roll and fell in love. 

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Prior to Mac and Cheez, I performed in a wedding reception and corporate party cover band for 17 years as well as several community theater productions. My musical influences are Ann Wilson, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, Olivia Newton-John, Bonnie Raitt, Whitney Houston, and Janis Siegel (from The Manhattan Transfer). To quote Ella Fitzgerald: “The only thing better than singing is more singing.”

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Dave Bloodgood - Drums

I hit stuff with sticks! - Make everything better musically. This is my mantra and something I strive to do whenever I play, whether crashing cymbals in a symphony orchestra, playing drums and percussive toys for school shows, backing a choir, or groovin’ with a rockin’ band.

Growing up at the Jersey Shore, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t making a beat and keeping time. It’s like drumming has always been a part of me and I love sharing what I do with others.

My musical tastes are diverse, but I keep coming back to rock and pop. It’s just fun! My influences are too many to list here, however, some of the ones I borrow from every day are Hal Blaine, Jeff Porcaro, Stewart Copeland, Phil Collins, Omar Hakim, Manu Katche, Kenny Aronoff, and Neil Peart- who so cleverly came up with something else I strive to do: M.U.S.I.C. - “Make up something interesting and complementary.”

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Gene Warner - Bass

I started out in classical guitar and eventually moved over to popular guitar when my cats got bored with my repertoire. After that I fell into a band that needed a bassist, and with a couple of clicks on the keyboard I had myself a Fender Precision bass and a whole new frontier. Since then I’ve been in a number of bands in Europe, Israel, and at home in Del Ray,

My influences come from Motown and the New Wave scene of the late 1970’s, particularly Elvis Costello & The Attractions and Nick Lowe of Rockpile. I play melodic basslines reflecting Paul McCartney and James Jamerson styles. I’m usually keen to play any kind of music, using the “1/3, 2/3” test on a song - if I know a third of the lyrics and two-thirds of the chords I’ll give it a goI

Alexandria has a great musician scene, and I fill in on bass with a number of bands in addition to playing with my regular bands Morgan & The Missed Opportunity and Project DMV. Currently writing and producing an upcoming EP with a release date of October 2024

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