THE BAND
Lucas Paul Lead Vocals/Guitar/Keyboard
Lucas Paul has been playing piano and guitar since he was very young, learning his instruments from the songwriting of such greats as Billy Joel, Neil Young, and Elton John, while taking classical lessons for many years. After Lucas finished his instrumental album 'In Between' in 2002, he decided to start refining his vocal ability. His father, being a guitar player/singer, told him his vocals need to become his best instrument... "the rest will fall into place." Lucas took that advice and starting singing. His style changed considerably during this period of transition, being influenced by such bands as The Dave Matthews Band and The Beatles. The result was the album 'Fences' (2005). Since then, Lucas has hooked up with Donny Brown of The Verve Pipe to produce a few new tracks. The results were 'Half the Time' and 'Without a Sound'. More recently in 2010, the band finished its first official "Lucas Paul Band" album release Hello Again with Lucas getting songwriting credit while Pete Birchler sat behind the producer chair.
Bobby Streng Saxophone/Vocals
Bobby Streng is an active saxophonist, composer, and arranger of all genres of music. Since getting his masters in saxophone from the University of Michigan in 2004 (studies with Donald Sinta), he has worked as a freelance musician in southeast Michigan. In addition to being an integral member of THE LUCAS PAUL BAND, Bobby also runs his own ensembles. With his new group, the Saxomble, Bobby Streng fuses his backgrounds in classical, funk, jazz, and rock into an exciting live experience fueled by the sound and improvisation of a powerful five man saxophone front.
Mike Shea Drums/Vocals
Mike Shea is a drummer and percussionist living in Ann Arbor, MI. His life’s passion is playing and teaching music of all kinds and he currently spends his time playing in everything from classical orchestras to rock bands. Throughout middle and high school he pursued opportunities to play percussion in every context that he could find. Mike played in church, concert bands, orchestras, percussion ensembles, jazz bands, musicals, marching band, and numerous rock bands. After high school Mike went to the University of Michigan to study percussion.He has performed and recorded with acts such as Patrick Thomas Theory, Nomo, Red Arrow Highway, and Ella Riot. With these groups, Mike has played hundreds of shows across North America and overseas, opening for such acts as North Mississippi Allstars, State Radio, Lifehouse, Sister Hazel, Journey, and the Black Crowes. He has recorded with legendary record producer Don Was (Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, George Clinton) and played venues such as Royal Albert Hall in London, England.
Pete Birchler Lead Guitar/Vocals
Pete Birchler grew up in Bay City, MI and studied Classical Saxophone at Central Michigan University. Despite his love for classical music, he has played guitar in countless rock bands since he was young in groups such as Professor Marvel and Funkillenium. He has been with the Lucas Paul Band since its start in 2006.
Matt Henninger Bass Guitar
Matt Henninger has been a professional electric bassist since the age of 16.
While attending the University of Michigan he toured for 2 years with one of the Midwest’s
most popular live hip-hop groups, Funktelligence. Since then Matt has become a fixture
on stages across the Midwest - currently performing with The Lucas Paul Band, Ella Riot, Balancing Act, The J.O. Trio,
The Kris K. Band, Bobby Streng's Saxomble, and The Dayton Hicks Trio. He has also shared the stage with such acts as Arrested Development,
Ozomatli, Victor Wooten, Martha Reeves, Roberta Flack, The Saginaw Pops and
Gregory Hines. Matt endorses Benavente Basses, Schroeder Cabinets, EBS Pedals, S.I.T. Strings,
The Low End Distribution and Kahler Tremelos.
