The Hillbilly Mafia
For a band that began its journey in 2008, The Hillbilly Mafia has managed to rack up quite an impressive array of industry accolades to compliment their busy performance schedule. The HBM is a five-piece country band specializing in nothing but "Top-40" Country with a few of your favorite foot-stomping traditional tunes mixed in. Odds are, if you heard it on Country Radio in the car on the way to the show, the Mafia is going to rock that song tonight!
Despite the relative newness of the band, every member of The Hillbilly Mafia is a seasoned performer with many years experience in full and part-time touring acts. Combined, the Mafia has over 60 years of experience on stage, and members have traveled throughout the US and overseas to play their unique blend of country music.
Beside the casinos, fairs and clubs that make up the bulk of their schedule, members of the Hillbilly Mafia have also performed with national acts like Joe Nichols, Jason Aldean, Sawyer Brown, and Craig Morgan. Modern sound and lighting production, along with a few surprises, continue to keep things interesting and keep the crowd coming back for more!
The Hillbilly Mafia invites you to come out and experience what a lot of the local country fans are talking about: The Hillbilly Mafia is bringing unbridled Energy, Enthusiasm and Excitement to the stage each and every night! Isn't that what it's all about? Come on out to a show and see what everyone is talking about!
The Hillbilly Mafia is:
Sonny Windberg - Andru Thomas - Grant Thelen - Jeff Waldeland - Dave Hughes
Sonny Windberg - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
If
you're looking for the personification of a cowboy, then look no further than
The Hillbilly Mafia's own Sonny Winberg. Part Marlboro Man, part rugged
outdoorsman. Born in Siren, Wisconsin, Sonny is a natural country singer and
self-taught guitar player and you can't help but feel the true emotions of each
song he performs.
When listening to Sonny, one can hear his influences, most notably George Strait, Alan Jackson and Hank Williams. Some of these influences helped Sonny hone his craft while performing with the likes of Bobby Bare, Tommy Horton, and Gene Watson. Outside his time with the Mafia Sonny enjoys fishing, hunting, riding his Harleys and driving his hot-rods as well as spending time with his wife Becky and baby boy Nolan.
Andru Thomas - Vocals, Lead Guitar
Andru
has continued to push the envelope of his creativity, starting with a Kazoo in a
3rd grade talent show, to currently playing on national stages. Besides guitar,
Andru is versed on drums, keyboards and continues to write and produce music for
others. With influences like Dann Huff, Bryan Adams and Harry Connick Jr., Andru
writes material with a blend of soul, progressive and classic rock elements.
Thomas's soulful voice can also be heard when he performs his own solo show.
An accomplished lead, rhythm and acoustic guitarist, who has logged in over 4,000 shows, Thomas has built a quite impressive musical resume and continues to wow audiences with his guitar prowess...and his hair.
Grant Thelen - Vocals, Drums
Grant
has been known to pick up the guitar, bass, banjo, or mandolin at one of the
many late night post-show Mafia Jam Sessions, he also plays a mean harmonica and
can scream on a trumpet but, he is most at home behind his Drum Kit. While
studying at the U of M and playing in any ensemble he could make time for Grant
also began playing drums with Minneapolis rock, blues, folk, and country bands.
Grant’s musical resume is long but some of the highlights include playing shows
with Country Legends like Randy Travis and The Bellamy Brothers, as well as
current Country Stars, Joe Nichols, Phil Vassar, James Otto, and Little Big
Town.
Grant thanks God everyday for his family and the ability to share his musical gift with anyone that will listen! When Grant has a day off (a rare occurrence these days) you’ll most likely find him at home with his wife Anna and daughter Eve, maybe he snuck away for a motorcycle ride, or is downstairs in his studio working on his passion.
Grant plays Pearl Drums, Remo heads, and Zildjian Cymbals. He proudly endorses Forte Custom Snares (MN).
Jeff Waldeland - Vocals, Steel Guitar, Guitar, Banjo, Harmonica
A
multi-intstrumentalist, Jeff loves the challenge of learning something new. He
has recieved a Degree from the University of Minnesota for Classical Guitar
Performance and is currently furthering his education and diving into the world
of physical fitness and nutrition. Born and raised in Minnesota, Jeff has
called a few places home in his life including California and St. Cloud
Penetentiary, ask him about his awesome tatoo on his right arm. Currently he
resides somewhere in limbo between Daytime Jeff and Nightime Jeff with his wife
Brenda and three Children.
Dave Hughes - Vocals, Bass
Holding down the bottom end, sometimes with both hands,
Dave represents half of the HBM’s rhythm section. Dave has been performing on
stage since the age of nine, from 4-H talent contests to school plays, he’s been
a ham his whole life! He started playing guitar at age 14, and was in local
bands by 18. Dave has an outstanding vocal range and a natural ear for harmony
parts. He's a great player as well, and with his fresh sense of humor and
fun-loving attitude, he's right at home on stage with The Hillbilly Mafia!!
After spending time living and working out of Nashville, TN, most notably as
part of Dustin Evans' touring band, he once again calls Lake Crystal, MN home.
In his spare time dave enjoys scuba, muff and cave diving, and working on cars
in his shop.
Dave Plays Ernie Ball Music Man Bass Guitars
Dagen Entertainment, N4762 HWY 25-Menomonie, WI 54751
715-232-9300/715-232-9301 fax
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