RHAPSODY IN WAX - Minnie the Moocher

Filmed Live at: Come2Go, 323 W. Baker St. Fort Wayne, IN
For a current schedule of concerts at C2G please go to: http://come2go.org/concerts

RHAPSODY IN WAX is the areas premier Prohibition-era ensemble. Whether its smooth croons, bistro ballads, or hot jazz, Rhapsody In Wax has never failed to engage audiences of all ages and interests. All four members play in a wide range of other musical projects and styles; this brings a freshness to their performance and variety to their repertoire, making Rhapsody In Wax a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
The project began after a series of open mike performaces of standards and originals at the Mad Anthony Brewing Company with Mike Conley. Mark Turney, solo on ukulele, had no idea that audiences would be so enthusiastic to the old school, prohibition-era music. Realizing that ukulele alone could never carry the evening, he set out to find like-minded musicians.
First came contrabassist Aren Winebrenner, with whom Mark and Gwendra played in the Mimi Burns Band. Aren's enthusiasm and willingness to push for the project is what turned Rhapsody In Wax into a reality. The next was an obvious choice: Tommy Myers has been playing with Turney for over five years on various instruments in various lineups, and his years in pit bands on and off Broadway and touring with Geraldine Fitzgerald brought in a veritable fount of experience to the ensemble.
Next Gwendra, always a huge Billie Holliday fan, waltzed in to share the singing responsibilities and round out the sound with her violin, adding a depth of timbre and a touch of spice. And finally, Duane Alexander arrived to complete the group with his cocktail drumkit and background vocals.


MARK TURNEY [vocals, ukulele, piano] The self-taught California native is the groups songwriter and frontman. He has been crooning since he was six years old and playing ukulele since 2000. Mark has had a lifelong obsession with the Golden Age of Jazz (and Hollywood, for that matter) that made the formation of Rhapsody In Wax inevitable.


GWENDRA [violin, vocals, air trumpet] Gwendra (her real name) is actually Rhapsody In Waxs only Fort Wayne native, although everyone asks where she is from. As far back as she can remember, she has played musical instruments, crooned lovely tunes, and pranced around in costumes. Influenced by her world travels, dance, and a love of art, she brings femininity and flare to the stage.


TOMMY MYERS [piano, accordion, woodwinds, percussion, vocals] Tommy has been involved with music all his life, including fifteen years in Broadway pit orchestras and multiple tours with Geraldine Fitzgerald, among others. Along with his partner, Judy Cole, he is involved with sound healing and alternative health.


AREN WINEBRENNER [double-bass] Aren has played bass with rock, folk, punk, blues, classical, Celtic, and jazz groups throughout the Tri-State area since 1990, and has studied double bass since 2001. He lives in Northeast Indiana with his wife and three children.


DUANE ALEXANDER [percussion, vocals] Duane has played in many area bands for the last few decades, including Struttrain, Tito Discovery, The Livershoe Brothers, Pusghetti, The Bees Knees, & the Big Mick Orchestra, and currently plays for Unlikely Alibi & Key of Skeleton in addition to Rhapsody In Wax. He enjoys playing and writing all styles of music, and even owns a DJ Service called Alexander Sounds. Duane lives out in the middle of nowhere with his wife, Rachel, and son, Isaac.

http://www.myspace.com/rhapsodyinwax

Category:

Music

Tags:

• C2G
• Come2Go
• come2goministries

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