Mike Bannach

Mike Bannach

Guitar, Vocals

I received my first guitar at about age 10. It was given to me by my grandparents. It was a nylon string, plastic thing with cowboys and stuff on the body. It was Love at first strum.

Since then I have played almost constantly. I really enjoy learning new stuff. Which is why it is so much fun playing with other people.

My first paying gig was at a little bar on Columbia Pike called the "Two C's." I was about 14 or so. We used Chris' stereo as a P.A. and we were paid a quarter for every beer they sold. That wasn't a lot of cash so one of the Dads passed his hat around. Since it was a country bar we had to whip out a couple of country tunes. We were playing "Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys" and "I Wasn't at a Party" (Rich's Favorite). These tunes worked well with the other songs we were playing by bands like the "Police," "The Who," "Rush" etc. (laughs)

I have played in numerous bands including "The Back Street Rockers," "Second Opinion," "Midnight Sun," and "Dr. Shake." Many of the musicians I have had the pleasure of playing with have gone on to gain some notoriety including:

If you couldn't tell, I enjoy all types of music. I think that's why I love playing with CPB so much, everyone has such a diverse background.

Thank you Lord, for the gift of Music. I appreciate it EVERY day!

Native American languages: preserving and promoting American Indian languages.