
Zin Zen Band Bios
Live Music...Dead Grapes
Aaron Hendra
Website: http://www.aaronhendra.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaronhendraproject
Acoustic Mayheim
Husband and Wife duo Griff and Laura Hamlin created Acoustic Mayhem as a fun way to stay connected to the community. The saxophone/guitar combination allows them to play a wide variety of music in a spontaneous, unpredictable and entertaining way. The chemistry is undeniable and the banter is non-stop.
Light on the Acoustic...Heavy on the Mayhem...ALWAYS a Good Time!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/acousticmayhem
Brandi Smith
swaying to their irresistible, familiar and relevant repertoire.
The Buzz Andrews Band
Website: http://www.buzzandrewsband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuzzAndrewsBand
Byron Haynie
Website: https://www.jbhcountry.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byronhayniemusic
Chant Duplantier
Being born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but calling Jennings, Louisiana home, I’ve been surrounded by Rhythm & Blues and Soul music music as far back as I can remember. My grandparents introduced me to the sounds of the greats: Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Elmore James, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf, the ‘Kings’ (BB, Freddy, & Albert), etc. Since the day I got my first pawn shop guitar, music made sense, but I never saw myself making a living at it. Growing up, I played that guitar almost every day. It was my release and my favorite thing to do. After high school, I went to college at Baylor University, but was consumed with school and sports (baseball) so I lost touch with playing although I spent every spare dime on used cassettes or CDs. Robert Cray, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Michael Jackson, Stevie Ray Vaughn…the list is endless.
After college, I picked up my guitar again and became completely consumed with jazz. Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian, George Benson, Pat Metheny, Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Norman Brown, Mark Whitfield, and countless others. In the mid-90’s, I got a job and made friends with some local Dallas musicians who convinced me to audition for a popular blues band called ‘Shame, Shame’. They were kind enough to hire me even though I completely blew the audition. Combined, the other members had over 70 years of playing experience. I had none. The lessons they taught me I still use today. They allowed me to do things creatively I never thought possible. After a couple of great years, I thought it was time to try my own thing. I sadly left them to start my own band, but as the saying goes, “be careful what you wish for!” The next few years taught me some hard lessons and I eventually had to put my own plans on hold. I spent a few years working, writing songs with friends, and touring as a backup musician for multiple acts.
Website: http://chantmusic.com/
City Live Band
City Live Band featuring James Gabriano and singer/songwriter Alex Smolen captures acoustic pop, classic rock, R&B, and smooth jazz elements. Rhythmic acoustic guitar and soulful vocals, combined with grooving bass and drums provide a classy backdrop to any venue. Specializing in music from the 70’s, and 80’s to today's top 40. City Live Band can connect with a diverse audience from any generation. The Band has performed for Aretha Franklin, Ross Perot, Mike Modano, and Tony Romo just to name a few.
Darwin Martin
Over the past two decades,Darwin Martin has been affiliated in a varied array of musical settings in Texas,the U.S and international stages.
After studies at UNT,he worked for Disney in Florida.
His career as a session musician began 1994, he recorded Hammond B-3 on alternative rock group Sister Hazel' smash top 10 album "Somewhere More Familiar”.That effort garnered him both a platinum and gold album .In 1998,he experienced the great fortune of direct mentorship by the late legendary keyboardist Joe Sample and the legendary bassist,Chuck Rainey.Two years ago,Martin reunited with Mr. Chuck Rainey and drummer/producer John Martinez for their ongoing”Rhythm Intensive” music instruction/lecture series.
In 2004,he composed and performed on the late E.Street Band keyboardist's Danny Federici's,sophomore release,"Out Of A Dream."
In 2008,Martin contributed to the soundtrack of Adam Sandler movie,"Bedtime Stories".
As a freelance keyboardist,Mr.Martin backed such legendary artists/national acts as Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, Richard Elliot, Ben E. E King, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle and The Goo Goo Dolls. Mr.Martin has worked as an arranger/accompanist/music director for the Dallas Theatre Center and various civc functions in the DFW area .He also leads his own trio and other ensembles.
Eric Erickson
Eric Erickson has been performing in and around the D/FW area for the last 25 years at places like Zin Zen, Kirby's Steakhouse, Harvest, Lekka, Marcus Cafe, and others. Eric has a vast range of music in his song list, covers many styles of music, including over 1000 selections of everything from John Mayer to George Strait. Eric and his family currently live in McKinney, Tx.
Hudsy
Hudsy is a high energy singer, songwriter. He is a solo acoustic looping performer based out of Indiana. Check out
Website: www.hudsymusic.com
Joey Love
Website: https://www.joeylove.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joeyloveband
Love Handle
Love Handle is the latest and greatest 4-piece rock band to hit McKinney! Shredding guitar solos, sizzling saxophone licks, ripping bass lines and groovin’ drumbeats will have you out of your seat before the cowbell strikes one! Our song list has been dubbed “the greatest rock and roll mix tape of all time!” We’re talking hits from Billy Joel, Huey Lewis, 38 Special, Bad Company, Eddie Money, ZZ Top, Poison, Thin Lizzy – just to name a few. You’ll dance, sing along, and reminisce about all those great times you don’t remember.
Matthew Banks
Matthew leads a jazz ensemble, playing jazz, blues, and pop on an array of woodwinds to set the right musical mood.
Nickel & Dime
An acoustic duo that features silky, soulful vocals and strong guitar picking!
Roger Escobedo
Roger Escobedo plays music for all occasions. From wineries and restaurants to special events, he covers classic rock, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, unplugged and more. Hear your favorite hits from Ray Charles to Willie Nelson, Beatles to REM.
The Skinny Bishop
THE SKINNY BISHOP is:
• Elizabeth Riley - vocals
• Chris Henke - guitar/vocals
• Joe Servia - upright/electric bass
• Layci Dagley - drums/percussion
• Steve Benckenstein - lead guitar
The Skinny Bishop brings to the stage all the favorite songs from the 60’s to today to audiences in the DFW area. The band excites with talented musicians, rich three-part vocal harmonies, ripping electric guitar solos and dynamic drum beats.
Based in McKinney, The Skinny Bishop have entertained local venue audiences and private events with their diverse song selection. Modern and classic pop songs are all part of the setlist.
Zack King Unplugged
Zack King and his band have been performing their unique brand of Texas Rock across the U.S. for over 16 years. In that time they have played with some of the most illustrious superstars in rock and country music. They kicked off their career opening for legendary singer/songwriter Leon Russell and have since performed with the likes of Bon Jovi, Alabama, Chris Cagle, Bret Michaels, Randy Travis, Keith Anderson, Kevin Fowler, Stone Temple Pilots, Tesla, Ronnie Milsap, Monte Montgomery and many more.
The NHL's Dallas Stars have been using Zack King songs for years both at Dallas' American Airlines Center during home games as well as in advertising and promotion for the team. The band's single "What Do You Say” has been used by CBS Television in Dallas/Fort Worth to promote programming. Their song "Big Plan In The Southland" is the theme song for CBS' DFW Outdoorsman. The band has also released four successful Christmas Classics in their own unique "unplugged" style.
The Zack King Band brings their fun stories and energetic "unplugged" show to the Zin Zen Wine Bistro.
Website: www.ZackKing.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ZackKingBand