Best Kept Secret

One of the area’s newest acts, Best Kept Secret is a 5 piece band consisting of a vocalist, keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. With repertoire ranging from classic funk and soul, to Motown, disco, and pop music, Best Kept Secret covers a wide range of styles. We enjoy playing songs from classic artists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Average White Band and Gladys Knight to more modern artists like Janet Jackson, Brand New Heavies, Maroon 5, Carrie Underwood, Pink, and No Doubt, with a little bit of everything in between. Soaring vocals, solid rhythms, tasty guitar, and harmonic keyboard textures gives BKS a full and and unique sound.

Vocalist Michelle Hover started singing because she learned it got her better treatment than when she cried! She started out in church at the age of 3 and kept on through college. As a college student, Michelle led a gospel group called Amani Gospel Singers, and was a founding member of the a cappella R&B group, Essence. After college, Michelle fronted several short-lived cover bands in the Baltimore area: Big Mama Jama, a ska/funk cover band; Loose Change, a rock cover band; and several other one-gig wonders. Best Kept Secret is glad to share the stage with Michelle as her talent and humor keeps us all on our toes.

Keyboardist and backup vocalist Dan Long has been playing locally for over 25 years. A long time member of local favorites Montana Wildaxe, Dan has also played with acts such as Group Therapy and the Snap. He has led several original music ventures, and is often called in as a hired gun, both live and in the recording studio. Dan’s crisp piano and electric piano, smoking organ, and synthesizer textures lay down the harmonic foundation for Best Kept Secret.

Guitarist John Olah is another veteran performer in Best Kept Secret. He was a founding member of Shades of Blue along with Billy, and has performed with many other rock and country artists throughout the region. He has backed up Motown artists such as the Spinners, and had an opportunity to fill in as guitarist for the Neville Brothers. John says he “came out of retirement” to join Best Kept Secret, but don’t let that fool you, he is a talented player who hasn’t missed a step and his tasty guitar licks are a big part of the Best Kept Secret sound.

Bassist Billy Eastridge has performed since his teen years in both local and regional bands. He’s best known for his stint with the band Shades of Blue in the 80’s and 90’s, which toured along with acts such as Alabama and Barbara Mandrell. Billy’s solid bottom end helps drive the thump and funk of the Best Kept Secret rhythm section.

Drummer and backup vocalist Glenn Walker is a long time veteran of the area music scene. He has shared the stage with Dan for over 10 years in Montana Wildaxe. He was a member of local favorites Shakey Ground for many years, and cut his teeth on the club scene at the age of 18 with Skyband. Glenn has also been involved with several original music ventures, and actively participates in his church choir and worship band. Glenn’s solid beats are the backbone of the Best Kept Secret band

Billy and John started BKS, with the idea of playing music that was both fun, challenging, and enjoyable for the audience. When looking for a keyboard player, John called up Dan, who had done some studio work for him years ago. Dan readily accepted the challenge and came on board. When a prior drummer didn't work out, Glenn was the obvious choice, as Dan knew that he'd fit right in. Michelle was the last piece to the puzzle, after looking at many singers, Michelle had the right combination of talent, desire, and personality. She was "one of the guys" from the 1st rehearsal. And there you have it, Best Kept Secret.