Chris Michels: Mandolin, Violin, Guitar, Vocals

Born and raised in Montana, Chris began his training in classical violin at the age of 6. By age 13, he had also picked up the bass guitar and began playing in rock bands, musicals, chamber groups and the city orchestra until he lift for the University of Montana on a music scholarship.
   During college, Chris took a pickup from a guitar and made his own electric violin. He continued to play both classical and rock gigs throughout college. After college, Chris toured across the United States with bands for eight years, including USO tours in Alaska. During this time he added mandolin to his stage performance.
   Eventually settling in NYC, Chris played with rock and country bands throughout the city including a steady gig a the legendary Lone Star Café. He developed his skills on a variety of instruments including 4 and 5 string violin, 4 and 6 string bass, Mandolin, guitar and vocals.
   During his career, Chris has played with or backed acts such as Lee Greenwood, Joe Walsh, Tower of Power, Greg Allman, Richie Havens, Freddie Fender, Asleep at the Wheel, Sammy Kershaw, Steve Goodman, Levon Helm, Jon Anderson and Blackfoot among others.
   Finally, Chris moved to Pennsylvania in the early nineties to raise his children in the country. Since then, he has played with area bands such as Zen for Primates, John Stokes, Tommy Schaefer and the Blue Mountain Ramblers, and the Jesse Wade band. He also keeps busy doing studio work whenever the need arises.