Michael & The Bystanders
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States | Established. Jan 01, 1995 | SELF
Music
Press
Soft rock rhythms, acoustic guitar textures and ingratiating melodies are the basis for Hanging On. Something of an all-star cast of Milwaukee musicians, the band is led by vocalist-songwriter Michael Henszey, a one-time session musician with Cheap Trick and Jerry Harrison, and the skilled players include the Russian-born omnivore of keyboards, Kostia. Willy Porter co-wrote one of the songs, “I Found You,” and John Sieger, hot off recording an excellent CD with his own band, Semi-Twang, produced the album.
CD release party June 9 at Shank Hall. - By David Luhrssen, Shepherd Express
Discography
It's Life - 2000 (Iguana Music)
Hanging On - 2011 (Iguana Music)
Photos
Bio
The Bystanders, a staple in the Milwaukee music scene for many years, are led by the accomplished singer songwriter, Michael Henszey. Michael was a co-founder of the renowned AD Studios in Milwaukee in the early 90s working with groups such as Cheap Trick and Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads. Michael & The Bystanders released their last EP, Hanging On, in 2011 with the help of producer John Sieger and featured the single, I Found You, co-written with Willy Porter.
While performing live, The Bystanders mix their originals with adventurous classic and contemporary Rock, sampling artists like Tom Petty, Peter Gabriel, Jason Mraz, and the Stones. Guest vocalists Carmen Nickerson and Ellen Winters add another dimension to the groups high energy shows with songs from Fleetwood Mac, Adel and Amy Winehouse. Backing the vocally driven band is an all-star group of pros, most notably Russian concert pianist Kostia on keyboards.
Past venues include, Summerfest, Zoo ala Carte, Shank Hall, River Sounds, St. Dominics Festival, Burkes Lakeside, Mos Irish Pubs, Fox Hills Resort, Badger Bowl, Devils Head Resort, and Discovery World. Corporate events include, Bucyrus/Caterpillar, Johnson Diversey, Sealed Air, Dawes Rigging and Cranes, and Siegal Gallagher. Look for Michael and The Bystanders at your favorite festival or club in 2014.
Facebook comments from a recent show:
By far one of the best bands that I have heard in a long time!!!!! Thanks for the great show and great fun, we will hunt this band down like a dog for more!!!! Tanya
You guys sounded awesome and the crowd loved you. Great, great couple of sets last night. Way to bring it. Matt, Club Manager
What a great show...You guys are awesome! Sarah
Great show Michael - definitely worth the snowy drive! Patrick
Band Members
Links
