MELODY GILBERT (Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Percussion) - Spent some time singing back up with National Recording/Touring Artists "CROW". She also performs with The Twisted Sisterz, a three piece female acoustic show. She has also performed with The Mindy Gunn Band, Dis Band, Envy, The Comfort Zone, and Back Pages, with Bob Bjornoos (to name a few). The incredible Corey Stevens has invited her on stage at times to sling the tambourine. She is the newest addition to the Bird Dogs and Man Down. Come out and join Melody when she hosts her weekly "Open Jams" every Sunday night at Cy's in Chaska, and Mondays at the Pullman Club in Shakopee, MN.
JEFF JOHNSON (Lead Vocals, Lead/Rhythm Guitars) - Jeff’s first recollection of rock music was at the age of 5, when his older sister bought the 45 single of the song, “Venus,” by Shocking Blue. Immediately struck by the powerful feel of the song, and in particular, the electric guitars, he built himself his first “guitar,” from a cigar box, a yardstick, and rubber bands.
He bought his first “real” guitar at the age of 15, and never looked back from there. After having one brief lesson, he set out to teach himself how to play, and, in a short time, was copping chords and solo patterns from artists of the day. At the same time, he also played saxophone, and continued to do so into college, but was far more interested in and passionate about guitar. Soon, he put the sax away and focused entirely on guitar, always striving to learn and expand his abilities. He draws his style from his childhood influences, including the bubble pop era, as well as Faces, Moody Blues, Zep, Sabbath, Grand Funk, BTO, Guess Who, UFO, the Beatles, Clapton and many other artists from the late 60’s to mid-70’s. His style could be labeled “power blues,” and tends to carry a melodic flow.
He’s played in numerous bands throughout the years, and has opened for national acts including Cry of love, Cold Blood, and Delbert McClinton, among others. He plays a Gibson Les Paul and a Fender Stratocaster on stage, but has also been known to bring a Martin acoustic. He builds his own pedals and amps. He writes and records his own material, and is currently working on a new project in that regard. He can be found co-hosting a house jam band every Sunday night at Cy’s in Chaska, from 9-1. Stop in and say “hi!”
He bought his first “real” guitar at the age of 15, and never looked back from there. After having one brief lesson, he set out to teach himself how to play, and, in a short time, was copping chords and solo patterns from artists of the day. At the same time, he also played saxophone, and continued to do so into college, but was far more interested in and passionate about guitar. Soon, he put the sax away and focused entirely on guitar, always striving to learn and expand his abilities. He draws his style from his childhood influences, including the bubble pop era, as well as Faces, Moody Blues, Zep, Sabbath, Grand Funk, BTO, Guess Who, UFO, the Beatles, Clapton and many other artists from the late 60’s to mid-70’s. His style could be labeled “power blues,” and tends to carry a melodic flow.
He’s played in numerous bands throughout the years, and has opened for national acts including Cry of love, Cold Blood, and Delbert McClinton, among others. He plays a Gibson Les Paul and a Fender Stratocaster on stage, but has also been known to bring a Martin acoustic. He builds his own pedals and amps. He writes and records his own material, and is currently working on a new project in that regard. He can be found co-hosting a house jam band every Sunday night at Cy’s in Chaska, from 9-1. Stop in and say “hi!”
Shawn Burns (Drums) -Sean was born to extremely wealthy parents in the Hamptons, and lived a life of privilege and excess as a child. He was cared for by a loving nanny, and was molded to become a highly powerful, successful business figure, by attending the finest, most elite private schools. It wasn’t long at all before he began to show a passion for hitting things, and, by the time he was 7, he’d earned the nickname “Bam Bam.”
Always wanting to encourage their son in his passions, his parents bought him his first drum set by the time he was 8, and built a 2,500 sq. ft. wing onto the mansion, to accommodate the set in the midst of a $250,000 studio, which they built around it, knowing that, at some point, he’d find a curiosity for recording music as well.
By the tender age of 15, Sean was filling in for national touring acts, whenever a drummer spontaneously combusted while playing nearby. He’d become so accomplished at this point that he could literally sit in with any band whatsoever and perform at such a high level that very few fans in attendance would ever know that it wasn’t the band’s original drummer. Eventually, when he came “of age,” Sean left home, walked away from his parent’s massive wealth, and embarked upon his own life path, playing several minor roles in numerous movies and TV shows, as well as playing drums in several local and even some national acts. For a brief period, he was drummer on the Arsenio Hall show, and he’s also had a spot playing percussion for various cartoon soundtracks.
Today, he spends most of his time frolicking on his palatial, 2,500 acre estate in the southwest metro area, with his wife, son, and several animals, both wild and domesticated. He enjoys racing motocross, and also has been known to appear on the Gran Prix circuit from time to time, driving for the Ferrari team.
Always wanting to encourage their son in his passions, his parents bought him his first drum set by the time he was 8, and built a 2,500 sq. ft. wing onto the mansion, to accommodate the set in the midst of a $250,000 studio, which they built around it, knowing that, at some point, he’d find a curiosity for recording music as well.
By the tender age of 15, Sean was filling in for national touring acts, whenever a drummer spontaneously combusted while playing nearby. He’d become so accomplished at this point that he could literally sit in with any band whatsoever and perform at such a high level that very few fans in attendance would ever know that it wasn’t the band’s original drummer. Eventually, when he came “of age,” Sean left home, walked away from his parent’s massive wealth, and embarked upon his own life path, playing several minor roles in numerous movies and TV shows, as well as playing drums in several local and even some national acts. For a brief period, he was drummer on the Arsenio Hall show, and he’s also had a spot playing percussion for various cartoon soundtracks.
Today, he spends most of his time frolicking on his palatial, 2,500 acre estate in the southwest metro area, with his wife, son, and several animals, both wild and domesticated. He enjoys racing motocross, and also has been known to appear on the Gran Prix circuit from time to time, driving for the Ferrari team.
Denny came to the band from an unknown source, frankly. He’s believed to have originated from human parents, but, honestly, this has yet to be fully documented and verified. He’s a horticulturalist by trade, and has written several books on the subject of plants, plant diversity, invasive species infiltrations, spore activity amongst fungus species, devolving ecosystem apparatus mechanisms, and the effects of global warming on species and the migrations occurring as a result.
Denny has been offered several University professor spots, but has politely declined all, as he much prefers the quiet, serene rural life that he’s carved out for he and his wife, outside the Twin Cities.
He began playing bass at the age of 14, and received formal music education throughout junior high and high school, then went on to study more intensely at Berkley school of music. His background influences have predominately been jazz-oriented, but he’s quite well-rounded, and has no difficulty in playing jazz, country, blues, rock, ska, and even Spike Jones-style vaudeville tunes, which he performed on Broadway for a period, earlier in his career.
His favorite color is mauve, his favorite food is zucchini, his favorite tooth is his front left incisor, and he prefers jeans to suit and tie.
Denny has been offered several University professor spots, but has politely declined all, as he much prefers the quiet, serene rural life that he’s carved out for he and his wife, outside the Twin Cities.
He began playing bass at the age of 14, and received formal music education throughout junior high and high school, then went on to study more intensely at Berkley school of music. His background influences have predominately been jazz-oriented, but he’s quite well-rounded, and has no difficulty in playing jazz, country, blues, rock, ska, and even Spike Jones-style vaudeville tunes, which he performed on Broadway for a period, earlier in his career.
His favorite color is mauve, his favorite food is zucchini, his favorite tooth is his front left incisor, and he prefers jeans to suit and tie.