Mike Bravener and The Rockin Billies
Fredericton, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | SELF | AFM
Music
Press
"Canadian rockabilly groups being quite rare, welcome the arrival of this group of the former New France (they come from New Brunswick ). When you see the quickdraw Mike Bravener (vo, gt rac) Aaron Bravener (bat) Jamie Guitar (bs), Everett Scott (gtr ground) and Peter Rioux (pno), we would not think a rockabilly quintet / R'n 'R. Once again the clothes do not make the monk. Of the six titles, five are composed, the only cover being that of the Straight A's in love Cash, which rocked sd well. Basically, we can say that the first part of the CD (the first 3 titles) is more rockabilly, rock'n'roll over the second, but the two genres intertwine too. Good news: Mike is planning a second CD plus I am behind this100%" - Le Cri Du Coyote No 160 (Dec 26, 2011) Bernard Boyat
"Canadian rockabilly groups being quite rare, welcome the arrival of this group of the former New France (they come from New Brunswick ). When you see the quickdraw Mike Bravener (vo, gt rac) Aaron Bravener (bat) Jamie Guitar (bs), Everett Scott (gtr ground) and Peter Rioux (pno), we would not think a rockabilly quintet / R'n 'R. Once again the clothes do not make the monk. Of the six titles, five are composed, the only cover being that of the Straight A's in love Cash, which rocked sd well. Basically, we can say that the first part of the CD (the first 3 titles) is more rockabilly, rock'n'roll over the second, but the two genres intertwine too. Good news: Mike is planning a second CD plus I am behind this100%" - Le Cri Du Coyote No 160 (Dec 26, 2011) Bernard Boyat
"DJ Fontana has performed with various artists and personalities as Ronnie McDowell, The Jordanaires.. Mac Davis, Vince Gill... and Canada's Greatest Elvis Tribute master, Mike Bravener and Mike's band
- Classic Drummer
"DJ Fontana has performed with various artists and personalities as Ronnie McDowell, The Jordanaires.. Mac Davis, Vince Gill... and Canada's Greatest Elvis Tribute master, Mike Bravener and Mike's band
- Classic Drummer
Merle Temple wrote: "Mike, I've been around a long time now and have seen most of the greats in concert since the 50s and music across the decades still plays incessantly in the jukebox of my mind. You have won a new fan of your music. I love the Christmas song and the old and new selections...and hear in your music some of Dylan''s harmonica, a bit of Johnny Rivers in your voice, an echo of the lesser known rockabilly greats at Sun, a tad of Shakin' Stevens, and the soul and phrasing of a true song interpreter straight from Hank and Elvis ...a great blend of someone who loves music and makes the old new again." - Letter from Tupelo Missippi
Merle Temple wrote: "Mike, I've been around a long time now and have seen most of the greats in concert since the 50s and music across the decades still plays incessantly in the jukebox of my mind. You have won a new fan of your music. I love the Christmas song and the old and new selections...and hear in your music some of Dylan''s harmonica, a bit of Johnny Rivers in your voice, an echo of the lesser known rockabilly greats at Sun, a tad of Shakin' Stevens, and the soul and phrasing of a true song interpreter straight from Hank and Elvis ...a great blend of someone who loves music and makes the old new again." - Letter from Tupelo Missippi
We recently had the pleasure of hosting the group "The Rockin Billies" at Chapters, Fredericton. It was our 10th Anniversary celebration and we were in the mood to party with our customers. We were not disappointed, this group had so much energy they pulled people in and had them rockin in the aisles. Their upbeat style had every customer from the babies to the grandparents bopping and smiling. I would highly recommend this group for any event, concert or function that is looking for high energy and a good time.
Pam Peddle Manager - Chapters Book store
“The spring Playhouse performance of “One Night With You!” was first class and in our opinion compared favorably with productions we had seen in Branson Missouri”
“The Grays” coordinators of “ The Annual N.B. Gospel Music Festival (2008)”
- self publication
“The spring Playhouse performance of “One Night With You!” was first class and in our opinion compared favorably with productions we had seen in Branson Missouri”
“The Grays” coordinators of “ The Annual N.B. Gospel Music Festival (2008)”
- self publication
I think One Night With You is one of the best shows I have ever been a part of. Mike does a fantastic job paying tribute to Elvis.
The show is very well directed and all the singers and dancers do a professional job.
The audience really seems to love the show, especially the in the round part when we jam together.
I hope I can do a lot more shows with Mike in the future.
DJ Fontana - Personal letter from D.J. Fontana
I think One Night With You is one of the best shows I have ever been a part of. Mike does a fantastic job paying tribute to Elvis.
The show is very well directed and all the singers and dancers do a professional job.
The audience really seems to love the show, especially the in the round part when we jam together.
I hope I can do a lot more shows with Mike in the future.
DJ Fontana - Personal letter from D.J. Fontana
"I love how Mike Bravener keeps a great piece of musical history alive for today's audiences"
Mike George - Manager - Tony' Music Box
Corporate Sponsor for april 2008 performance - Mike George
"I love how Mike Bravener keeps a great piece of musical history alive for today's audiences"
Mike George - Manager - Tony' Music Box
Corporate Sponsor for april 2008 performance - Mike George
..."we chose him because he had a standout video. He had a great voice, a good look, and a great representation of the Elvis legacy," said Howard Stovall, managing partner of Resource Entertainment Group, the Memphis entertainment agency that picked Bravener from a slate of finalists narrowed from thousands of Myspace entries.
Stovall said his agency still is judging runner-up in the contest, but quickly settled on Bravener a bookstore cashier with a Rockabilly band in Fredericton, New Brunswick, as the overall winner. - Commercial Appeal, Memphis Tenn. By Mike Lollar
..."we chose him because he had a standout video. He had a great voice, a good look, and a great representation of the Elvis legacy," said Howard Stovall, managing partner of Resource Entertainment Group, the Memphis entertainment agency that picked Bravener from a slate of finalists narrowed from thousands of Myspace entries.
Stovall said his agency still is judging runner-up in the contest, but quickly settled on Bravener a bookstore cashier with a Rockabilly band in Fredericton, New Brunswick, as the overall winner. - Commercial Appeal, Memphis Tenn. By Mike Lollar
Discography
"Sinner" released in April 2008 and sold over 800 copies
features 5 original songs and 1 Johnny Cash Cover
"Coverin Hank" ( Mike's solo project released April 2013 ) has sold to date 1000 copies
Features 11 Hank Sr. Classics and 3 original songs
Photos
Bio
Mike started his professional career as an Elvis Tribute Artist. This career saw Mike excel in the Tribute Artist World. Selected by E.P.E as one of the top Elvis Tribute Acts for 2009-2010, and first Grand Champion of myspace.com "Ultimate Elvis Contest", Mike delivers a tribute of the 3 decades of the kings musical career! But Mike is more than just a Tribute Artist. When it comes to Rock-a-billy, Hank Williams Sr., and classic country Mike and The Rockin Billies have tried to keep those classic songs that made Hank Williams, Ernest Tubb, Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry lee Lewis, Elvis, and a host of others household names. It's hard to hear authentic, country and rock-a-billy these days because few know how to sing them pure like the greats did. Mike works very hard to make these classic songs fresh and win a whole new generation of fans. Also Mike has a talented team of dancers "The Smitten Kittens" who dress in that 1950's style dress and have a number of choreographed songs that they dance to during the band's sets. An added treat to every show!!
This 5 piece band plays everything from bluegrass to blues, from classic country to rockabilly. In April 2011 the band were requested to play at The Maritime Country Fest, and won 1st runner up at the first "Battle Of The Bands"! Since that time The Rockin Billies, have played The Maritime Rockabilly Shakedown Festival, The Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Nashwaak Music Festival, Pioneer Days, Canada Day, The Sirius Satellite Stage in Collingwood On. and at various private and corporate events around Fredericton, and NB. In 2016 The Billies with The Kittens Played for almost 1000 people at The Currie Center in Fredericton opening for Tristan Horncastle. Following that event they were asked back by the City Of Moncton to be the opening act for Kim Mitchell. Attendance was well over 5000 people. In 2015 they had opened up for April Wine. In late July The band played to over 750 at The Nashwaak Music Festival opening for Gordie MacKemman And His Rhythm Boys, The band with The Kittens once again played to a pack house at The Snooty Fox for Fredericton's Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival. The band's first CD "Sinner" is sold out and available on Itunes. Mike's CD Coverin Hank has been receiving great reviews by CBC radio's music guru Bob Mersereau, and his song "Livin Out The Dream" has enjoyed airplay on CBC radio and is in it's 2nd printing of 1000 copies!
And if you enjoy modern Rock-a-billy and contemporary tunes you will like his original tunes and covers of songs were made popular by Queen, AC/DC, Clapton, and others to name a few! They know that you will enjoy their sound and performances. The ECMA people did and invited Mike and his former band, The Rockin' Billies, to appear on The Discovery Stage at the 2008 ECMA's. Many bands and acts apply and only 50 were chosen!! In 2008 Mike and The Rockin Billies were nominated for the C.B.C. Rising Star award, played for Sirius Satellite Radio on the "Canadian Pride Showcase Stage" In Collingwood Ont., and headlined at Harvest Jazz and Blues in Fredericton N.B. He has just completed a few shows with legendary drummer DJ Fontana in re-creating Elvis 1968 Comeback Special. DJ commented "This is one of the best shows that I have ever seen!"
There are many formats available for your event, from a full scale production with a cast of over 20 to a 5 piece band performance. Mike is also available as a solo artist or with a trio, and can use "backing tracks" to accompany him.
Some of Mike's other awards include 1st runner up in Collingwood's Elvis Festival 2006 ( The largest such event in the world ) as well as 1st place winner 2 years in a row in Montreal Que., and a grand finalist in Memphis Tenn. 2007 "Images Of The King" contest, and semifinalist in E.P.E's Ultimate Elvis" contest 2009. Mike is a regular with the N.B. Country Showcase. Mike was a grand finalist in the 2011 New England Elvis Festival.
Band Members
Links
