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Mike is a third generation tenor banjo player in his family. Charles G.
Kuehn Sr. and Charles Jr. (Chuck) were his first teachers. While growing up
he had studied with Al Wanser and Ray Allotta, Both of Long Island, New
York. While in N.Y. Mike was a member of the Long Island Banjo Society. Like
his Grandfather and Dad, He also played with several Philadelphia Mummers
String Bands.
In 1987, Mike attended a rehearsel
for a local variety Band and swiped thier best banjo players (Roger Tice,
Bob Spadoni, Ron Mattson and Tubist Paul Schmidt) and formed the Water Gap
Banjo Band. A few years later Mike and Bob Spadoni formed River City Banjos.
In 2006, Mike and Steve Di Bonaventura formed 23 Skidoo. Both Mike and Steve
were playing Dale Small 11-1/2" banjos.
After playing with several top notch
Jazz Bands, Mike started his own Radio Aces J.B. and Keystone Jazz Band.
Currently, Mike leads 4 banjo bands and 2 Jazz Bands and plays with about 7
other bands. Mike has performed with Buck Creek, Doug Smiths Dixieland
Allstars, Climax, Marko Marcinko's Mardi Gras, New Reformation, Bob Schultz
Frisco , Ben Maugers Vintage and Ed Wise New Orleans Jazz Bands.
At age 42, Mike continues to study Jazz Improvisation with Steve. As a
purveyor of vintage and Old time music. Mike continues to express, create
new and innovative ways to convey this music to all ages and enjoying every
second of it. |
