SIDEMAN PROJECTS

THE SURF COWBOYS

A little bit of Bakersfield in PDX with a direct connection to Buddy Holly. Solid songs, harmonies and a tight rhythm section made this band a joy to be in.

HEIDI HELLBENDER

I was back in my wheelhouse, backing up a dynamic singer. A ’65 Fender Bassman with a 2-12 tilt back cabinet, tape echo, a Jerry Jones baritone and a couple of Gretsch guitars. Absolutely rockin’ upright bass and a kick ass drummer.  This was another band that got away.....

AMY FARRIS

I was attending a record listening party when I happened to strike up a conversation with a fellow. He asked me if I knew of Dave Alvin, the guitarist and songwriter. Of course I did! I used to steal the licks off of his recordings. 

Loren had recently worked with Dave as his photographer.

Dave had just produced a record for Amy Farris, an Austin, Texas violin phenom.

She was looking for a guitarist to work with, it was a wonderful combo.

DEBORAH IYALL

Romeo Void was one of my all time favorite bands. I jumped at the chance to audition for Deborah when I heard that she was looking for a guitarist to join her new combo. Thanks for the tip, Sparky!

JENNIFER SMIEJA BAND

Including her own Americana group, the very talented Jennifer sings and plays guitar and percussion with The Short Stories, Swamp Thang and The Too Loose Cajun/Zydeco Band. She also is a featured actor in “The Last Hot Lick”, a well- received independent film based on the life of Jaime Leopold, bassist for Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks. 

I’m very proud to play guitar in her notable band.

SHOEBOX LETTERS

Dennis Winslow spent a few years in Nashville as a songwriter for Warner-Chappell Publishing. Returning to the Great Northwest, he founded Shoebox Letters, and began writing and recording in earnest. With multiple critically acclaimed album releases, I now join Dave Stricker and Stephanie Cox as a member.