"Bird" ( Brian ) 

I picked up my first instrument when is was 5…, a toy guitar & from then I was destined to grow hair, stay up all night & play. Well at that time my head looked like a fuzzy Q-ball and the late nights were definitely out.

Growing up, I’ve played the recorder (who hasn’t), violin, piano, cello, trumpet, tuba, drums and a handful of others. But my true love was and has always been the guitar. My music teacher told my parents that I was a natural and very gifted and I could play anything that I picked up… except for girls – that came later when I was 9 or so.

My Dad bought me my first real guitar & amp when I was about 10. Who needs school now? I’m gonna be a rock star! Well shortly after that acquisition my fingers didn’t quite agree with my sudden lifestyle change & the pain set in.

Eventually, I got past that and my first band was an Ozzy cover band. It didn’t sound the greatest but it was loud & it sounded great to us.

As I grew, fortunately my fingers did as well and I started exploring different styles of playing and I was completely mesmerized by Steve Howe from Yes and I learned (attempted to that is) everything I could. Then there was a blank period when Pink Floyd came into the picture – I’ll skip that.

As the cloud cleared, it was the 80’s. All of a sudden I was touring the major clubs, Army - Navy - Air Force Bases all over the US & Canada in a Journey/Styx/Kansas cover band called “Northern Lights”. We had a record deal waiting for us in the US if the band could endure a 6 month stint in Canada…, well so much for that.

Since then, I have played in quite a few bands over the years. The more popular ones were: “Menace”, “Source”, “Switch” (an acoustic fusion Duo), ”Uptown Soundz”, “Spincycle”, “Jegani” and the most recent  “CategoryX”.

I played at just about any venue in Milwaukee possible ranging from local clubs, Summerfest, State Fair, South Shore Water Frolics, most church festivals (there’s so many of them now) as well as Cable TV, Radio & local TV shows. I'm also on the 93 WQFM's Hometown Album Project

The best part of it all is when the music comes together. Everyone is smilin' and  having a good time - temporarily putting aside that everyday stress - and just jammin my face off with a great bunch of Musicians.

I wish my Mom, Dad & my brother Brad were still here to see/hear me play now. I know they are all watching me from the best seats in any house. I couldn’t have done what I have done or been where I have been without their unconditional love & support. I love and miss you all....