Featured Guitarist

Dax Determan & AJ Gonzales of Dirty Dice

These two Southwest hombres rock their Gretsch guitars in the band Dirty Dice. Formed in Tucson, Arizona, their trio (including Baltimore transplant Allan Sody on drums) has gained popularity over the years due to their extensive gig regimen and unique approach to Rockabilly Music. With a repertoire consisting of both oldie favorites and originals, they have no trouble filling venues when showcasing their talents.

Dirty Dice are currently in pre-production on their first EP with a planned release date in mid-2013. Songs like “Cruzin’ On a Saturday Nite” reflect the good ole days of picking up your favorite girl and cruising down the main drag. “Cowboys and Indians” is about a father re-living his childhood through his son. “Let’s Boogie” is a great dance song  that will inspire you to tap your foot or shake your hips. “PBR” is about our Favorite Beer while the song “SPEED” is a hard-driven instrumental for hot rod owners that features cool guitar and bass harmonies.

If Dax’s 1959 Fender Bassman amp is the Sherman Tank, then his Brian Setzer Hot Rod model guitar is his machine gun and weapon of choice. While many in the Rockabilly scene lean towards playing an upright bass, AJ prefers his Gretsch G6073 Electrotone™ Bass to create his signature smooth tone.

Check their website for upcoming gigs.

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Featured Drummer

Mike Johnston

Online educator and clinician Mike Johnston began studying the drums at the age of 5. He spent the next 15 years studying privately with some of the greatest educator/drummers of our time including Pete Magadini and Steve Ferrone. At the age of 21, Mike received his first major label record deal with his band Simon Says and spent the next 5 years touring the world. He received a gold record for his contributions to the Varsity Blues soundtrack and has appeared on The Late Show with Dave Letterman as well as on MTV's Fashionably Loud.

Mike currently runs the educational website MikesLessons.com where he offers pre-recorded video drum lessons as well as "live" on-line drum lessons nationally and internationally. Every year he hosts multiple International drum camps at the MikesLessons.com facility and drum clinics at drum shops across the country. In 2011 and 2012 Mike was nominated for Educator/Clinician of the year by Modern Drummer magazine. He is a positive, compassionate, and motivational instructor which is evident in this video he recently posted in response to negative comments posted online about a young student's practice video.

Mike has toured the US and Europe with Hollywood Recording artists Simon Says and Warner Bothers Recording artists Filter. He is currently on a drum clinic tour with Matt Halpern and JP Bouvet.

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