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Introducing the Bandits |
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A second to none lineup of musicians…… |
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Mike played in a few rock’n’roll bands in the 60’s but always moved towards country music with the guitar and singing, even when country wasn’t cool! In recent years Mike has performed solo at 1st Night St. Johnsbury, The Black Bear Tavern, Burke Mountain Bears Den, Excursion Trains, VFW, East St J Old Home Days, and several private functions. Mike has also hosted many open-mics in the area.
Mike loves to perform solo and write songs, but decided putting together a full band as well as continuing to do his solo performances would satisfy all his love of performing music…. thus…. the “Bandits Band”! Besides playing music, you’ll find him on his snowmobile when there’s snow and on his motorcycle when there’s not. If there’s an excursion train in the area, you’ll most likely catch him cranking out some Johnny Cash train songs on board. |
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Mike Fortier—Lead Vocals/Rythym Acoustic Guitar
Mike (aka “Cowboy”) was born in Hardwick, VT and grew up in St. Johnsbury, VT. He’s got two children, Mike Jr. and Sheri, and two sisters. His Mom and Dad live in St. Johnsbury and the whole dang family supports his musical endeavors big-time. Mike’s #1 music influence has been his Mom who loves to play good-ole honky-tonk piano. He began music with piano lessons at age 9 and played the Saxophone in the high school marching band. Mike taught himself to play the guitar and began singing country music when he was about 12. The guitar turned out to be the instrument of choice, mostly because Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Carl Perkins, and all the hot-new rockabilly sound was happening. And it was tough to sing while playing a sax!. And it was tough to sing while playing a sax! |
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Mike Gosselin—Drummer
Not only is Mike an awesome rockabilly drummer, he also DJ's the Tuesday night Jazz Club, which is on from 7 - 9 pm each Tuesday, and features some fine selections from Mike's extensive collection of recent and classic jazz tunes. You’ll find him on the Mark Hanson Radio Network streaming 24/7. He's also been a drummer for several local classic rock, and country bands for several years.
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Affectionately known as “Goose”, Mike has got tons of talent, a tremendous love of music, and brings the beat to the Bandits unlike anybody else could. |
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Scott Campbell—Lead Guitar/Fiddle/Vocals
Scott is a native Vermont fiddler whose fiddling background goes back to when he was 10 years old. He became a Vermont fiddler by learning from his father, Ken Campbell, as well as other Vermont fiddlers and Canadian fiddlers. Scott has accomplished a variety of things with his music including competing and prevailing in numerous fiddle competitions throughout New England and Canada. He has won 64 open fiddler championships throughout New England, is a three-time Vermont Fiddle Champion and five-time Northeast Regional Junior Fiddle Champion. Scott was inducted into the U. S. National Fiddlers’ Hall of Fame in 2005.
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At the age of 13, he took up the guitar and began playing in the Rock 'n Roll and country band circuits. While being a part time job for Scott, it was obviously a full time love of his. Over the years, Scott has worked hard to refine his music, whether it is with the fiddle, guitar, piano, etc. his motto has always been "If it isn't done right, it won't be done at all." A bit of perfectionist, perhaps, but well worth it in the end. And…. check out his YouTube tutorial “Finger Tapping” with Scott Campbell
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Mike Fortier
Mike Gosselin
Scott Campbell
Todd Wells |
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Todd Wells—Bass/Vocals
Todd is the newest member of the Bandits, but definitely not new to the music scene. Todd also plays with a 5-piece rock band, Native Tongue in the central Vermont area. In addition to Todd’s more traditional bass guitar, a Guild 4-string, he also plays a wicked cool up-right ZETA Crossover fretless bass. Nobody can out-play Todd!
Todd also brings a variety of classic rock tunes to the band, giving us the opportunity to ‘rockabilly-ize’ rock songs….. (as Todd cringes) ! Of course, we don’t mess with all of them.
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“Vermont Rockabilly Country Music” |
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The Burke Mountain |
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(802) 274-0687 |
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The “Bandits” band specializes in country classics and good ole Rockabilly style tunes. Dance to country and 50’s-60’s Rockabilly hits like "Folsom Prison Blues”, “Matchbox”, “Chantilly Lace”, “Move It On Over”, “Runaround Sue”, “Great Balls of Fire”, and even rock classics such as “Call Me the Breeze”! You’ll love their version of ’Orange Blossom Special”.
To “rockabilly-ize” a song, The Bandits take a familiar country tune, add an up-beat tempo, rhythm acoustic guitar, and smooth vocals. Throw in a fiddle and some boogie-woogie guitar licks and now you’re really rocking!
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Check it out! |
