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As Guitarist/Arranger/Composer for
Jazz on Tap, owner/engineer for FASTRAK studios, and Guitar instructor at UND,
Kris Eylands rarely settles down. Kris's musical life began at the age of
12 after hearing 'The Wonders of Confusion' from his home town of Rugby ND.
Kris's appetite for music earned him a Vocal and Instrumental degree
from Mayville State University and lead him to pick up nearly any instrument he
could get his hands on, but it was his first love for guitar that has remained
his driving focus. Kris’s natural warmth of character is the first thing many will notice
when introduced to his beaming smile, excited gestures, and expressively rich
voice. Its safe to say he puts as much gusto into his social presence as his
guitar performances; he’s usually quick with a joke or catch phrase that is as
unique and joyfully executed as one of his signature riffs.
Kris has performed with numerous musicians including Roy Clark, Don Menza, Ed Saidon, Reuben Alvarez, Alyson Gilbert, and The late Bo Diddley.
In 1999 Kris traveled with the UND Jazz ensemble, lead by Michael Blake, and appeared as a guest soloist at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
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When Michael Blake isn’t playing vibes or the drum set for Jazz on Tap, he teaches at the University of North Dakota
as professor of Applied Percussion, as well as teaching jazz studies in
various student combos and running a steel pan band composed of all
students. His rigorous knowledge of jazz has been producing impressive
graduates for many years, and the UND jazz band under his direction was
well known throughout the United States, participating in the
prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, as well as consistently taking the top award at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire College Jazz Festival.
Michael Blake has been fortunate enough to study with the likes of Gary Burton, Ed Saindon, Christos Rafalides, Gordon Stout and Mike Mainieri, among many others. He also has performed in a supported role for; The Smothers Brothers, Martin Short, Bob Hope, Della Reese, Gordon MaCrae, Jack Jones, Vicki Carr, Howard Roberts and Clark Terry, and is an in demand clinician, working for Paiste Cymbals, Latin Percussion, and Ludwig/Musser.
Blake lives in Grand Forks with his Wife Ginny, son Drew and daughter Brittney.
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It
all started with a Beatle's suit, a mirror, and an imaginary bass.
Diversified in ensemble experience, Bob Cary has been rockin' it out
for over 25 years. The Red River Valley has been familiar with his
playing every since his Toyz days in college. Performing with a number
of groups, including rhythm and blues ensembles, rock groups, and even
providing bass support for comedians such as Martin Short and the
Smothers Brothers as well as backing vocalist Prudesnce Johnson and
rock and roll legend Bo Diddley. From on the road to in people's living
rooms and everything in between, Bob continues to draw from the energy
music provides with every satisfying gig he plays. When
Bob isn't behind his bass he's behind his camera as a video and
television producer/director at the Aerospace Network located on the
University of North Dakota.
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