ContraBand The "AML" Band includes some of the Very Best Performers in the Washington DC area
ContraBand has been performing since 2005 for the first American Musical Landscape (AML) show to a convention audience, and now performing the show in its 7th season at the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria VA. Members include drummer Keith Killgo who also sings the song "Walking in Rhythm" made famous by The Blackbyrds, sax and flutist Pete Barenbregge who was leader of the Air Force jazz band called the "Airmen of Note," bass Gary Granger who plays with the Acoustic Alchemy Band and Paul Reed Smith Band, keyboardist Dan Reynolds, lead guitarist Dan Leonard, and singers Michel Sheppard, Nina Harley, and Cindy Callahan. We pull members of the ContraBand to perform at conventions like the Islandscapes show in Bermuda, Keynotes shows, for weddings and dances, concerts, corporate events, and other occasions.
Ken Giese Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Author
Ken sings and plays guitar and some piano, bass, banjo, harmonica, and tuba. He debuted at age 12 playing for school dances, and has since played in every kind of band ranging from the Virginia Tech's famous Highty Tighties military marching band to The Swooners. He wrote and/or performs on most Idol Time songs and in all Idol Time shows. His most notable solo performances were at Nashville's famed Bluebird Cafe and DC's Blues Alley.
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Danielle Westphal Singer, Songwriter, Producer
Danielle sings her original songs as well as standards with many bands. Her most notable perfromaces were at the White House for the President and First Lady, the Kennedy Center, and in all Idol Time Shows. www.allmusic.com says that "Danielle Westphal is among "the most talented and entertaining jazz performers" in the country." www.DanielleWestphal.com has more information about "High Standards" CD and performances.
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The Swooners A Performing Band of Many Talents
Idol Timer's Danielle Westphal and Ken Giese joined Rockabilly Legend Billy Hancock, pedal steel and guitar Brint Hannay, and drummer Barry Hart to form "The Swooners" in 2006. They perform in DC-area honky tonks, concerts, and parties; often with guest stars or substitutes, and feature vocal harmonies in an mix of their own originals and covers of all types.
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The Idle Time Band "Citified" Country Rock
The Idle Time Band has been performing its “Citified Country Rock Originals and Covers” at clubs, concerts, private parties, and charity events in the Washington DC area since 2001. Our most notable gigs were with the Bluemont Concert Series playing for communities throughout Virginia. Check our demo CD on the SONGS page.
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The Circle K Band Studio Band for "Next of Ken"
Idol Time songwriter Ken Giese formed The Circle K Band in 1992 specifically to record his Next of Ken collection, which featured bassist Jenny Knight, drummer Wally Martin, guitar and harmonica Glen Rickman, and fiddle Phil Swaby, and many guests.
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The House Band "Virtual" Bands in Home Studios
Idol Timer Ken Giese has been working with many artists over the years to record his and other Idol Time songwriters' songs. Studio performers have included Danielle Westphal and Katherine Queen, and many others including Hall of Fame Pedal Steel Buddy Charlton pictured here.
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Backyard Blues Band We got Janet Reno to Boogie
Do you remember Saturday Night Live's schtick about then Attorney General Reno dancing? The Backyard Blues Band has the distinction of being the band that was playing, as the Wall Street Journal reported, she "danced to Mustang Sally at her office holiday party," and here's the picture to prove it. We still play at community events around Washington.
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Other Performers Join our bands and have their own
Idol Time Bands often invites guest performers to join them in live shows and recording sessions. Among the more notable and frequent guest is Kym Burke, pictured here, who was also a founder of The 4th Wall Band. Others guests include singer/songwriter Eric Scott, bassists Steve Wolfe and Dave Jernigan, guitarist Mike Ault, keyboardist Robert Redd, saxophonist Seth Keibel, and rockabilly icon Billy Hancock.
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