Alex Hoffer Music

Alex Hoffer is a soulful singer / songwriter who has polished his craft for years in the Chicago music scene. For years he has been playing as a solo acoustic act playing about 200 gigs a year throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Alex gains fans wherever he plays and his charm is undeniable. Alex started forming The Humans in the spring of 2012 and the band won a spot at the famous Summer Camp Music Festival by winning a battle of the bands sponsored by Goose Island Brewery. Since then, the lineup of the band has changed a bit and the on stage synergy of the current group is unmistakable. Here is the list of characters you will find on any given night with Alex Hoffer Music and Alex Hoffer & Friends.

Giles Corey brings years of experience and amazing skill to the stage and studio as the lead guitarist. Giles has been a staple of the Chicago blues and funk music scene for years and has shared the stage with Buddy Guy and Otis Rush among many others. Giles’ previous band Lubriphonic started as a residency at Chicago’s famed Checkerboard Lounge prior to releasing five albums and touring nationally. Relix magazine described Lubriphonic as “Superb, adventurous, diverse, simply mesmerizing instrumental work. Steeped in soul, rock, pop, and blues Lubriphonic’s members play with a tenacity and precision that sets them apart”. Giles brings this same energy and excellence to each Humans performance.

Patrick Otto has been a staple of the Midwest bluegrass scene for years. He lead Pat Otto and Midnight Train and was also a member of the band Leadfoot for years. Pat has mastered a long list of stringed instruments, but for The Humans he is most often found playing the “Mando Grande”, better known as the Mandola. Pat throws down lightning fast picking during one solo and sweet, soulful melodies on the next. The interplay between Giles and Pat is mesmerizing.

Don Nud has been at a drumkit for a quarter century. Don't let the timeline fool you though, he's no old man. Having backgrounds in Metal, Progressive Rock, Fusion and Bluegrass, as well as being a teacher of theory, his wide range of rhythms flow through seamlessly. He's been behind bands such as John Condron and The Old Gang Orchestra and Colonel Chloroform just to name a few. More currently you can also see him with Tom and Pat in their project, Mr. Grady.

Maurice Jones is locally known as one of the best drummers in the Chicago area. He is often compared to Carter Beauford from the Dave Matthews Band for his strong rhythm and inventive drumming. Maurice has played in bands Stellar Road and Crash over the years and is a force to be reckoned with.

Smiles are contagious when you see Tom Maslowski playing bass on stage. His personal stage presence is warm and inviting and hard not to watch. Tom has been in several projects with Don (Mr. Grady and more) and Pat and his smoothness on the bass lends a perfect flow to the songs Alex Hoffer & Friends play on stage. Tom is one of those guys you know right away just wants to play music. That's just one of the reasons he's been a welcome addition to The Friends.

Josh Hanchar, has teamed up with Maurice to round out the band’s rhythm section. He has been with the bands, Brainchild and Land of Atlantis – both being in more of the Prog Rock genre. The chemistry between Maurice and Josh is amazing and they keep the crowds moving during live performances.

The Humans do a mix of originals and select covers from Paul Simon, Ray LaMontagne, Dave Matthews,Tom Petty,Jack Johnson, Old Crow Medicine show and more. The energy of their live performances is contagious and people always leave wanting more. One recent concert goer had this to say about the show: "I felt terrible today, then heard you guys. I couldn't stop smiling and I don't know if you noticed, but I was dancing my butt off. Thank you."