Kirk Jones
Accordion / Vocals
Kirk took up the single row accordion in 2000 and has since picked up on triple note accordion, and most recently, fiddle. He has studied with Cory Ledet, Joe Hall, Jeffery Broussard, Dirk Powell, and Dexter Ardoin at the Augusta Music Heritage program in Elkins, Virginia and the Dewey Balfa camp in Louisiana. His heros include Boozoo Chavis, John Delafose, the Balfa Brothers, Octa Clark, and Canray Fontenot. In his spare time, he is a bee master at Sleeping Bear Farms.
Mark Stoltz
Washboard / Vocals
Enthusiasm is Mark’s greatest assest. He has traveled the country ceaselessly in search of good Louisiana dance music. He has studied for quite a few years with Mona Wilson, among others, and now teaches dance at our gigs and plays rubboard. He is fondly known in these parts as “big dog”.
Mark also books our band and can be reached by phone at (231)510-7156. His email is <liv4danc@hotmail.com>
Jonah Powell
Violin
Jonah has studied violin since he could walk. Word has it he was born with a bow in his hand. He plays in a variety of styles including bluegrass and rock.
Jamey Barnard
Drums
Jamey Barnard has been playing drums in bands for 45 years. He has played in rock bands, big band jazz bands, marching bands and trios. He grew up in Alton, Illinois on the Mississippi River near St. Louis. He spent 10 years in Chicago, recording and touring with Souled American as a founding member. While in Chicago, he also pursued art projects for The Art Institute of Chicago, The Peace Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
He is thrilled to play Zydeco and Cajun music with Benzie Playboys, and is always learning.
Doug Albright
Bass
Doug Albright started playing music by picking up the bass, inspired to play basslines that bridge the musical space between rhythm and melody. Performing live since 13, he has played a variety of music from funk to bluegrass to traditional Irish. Touring the state and country eventually brought him to home to northern Michigan, Zydeco & Cajun music, and the Benzie Playboys!