I can't speak for anyone else, but as KEYBOARD furthered the integration between print and web content, I kept looking for WEEKEND WARRIOR profiles hoping articles might be culled from those musicians active on the boards.

We've all had that hope to appear within the covers as long as we've been readers and subscribers to KEYBOARD, but with the omission of the column in 12/08 magazine, that hope is waning. So instead, I thought perhaps we could do our own edition right here in the same format in the same spirit as the column. For format:

Webpage:
Day Job:
Band:
Influences:
I play because:

This should be fun indeed, a different look at what we do in our own words...

I think it's a great idea. I'll check in when I get home and get to use a proper keyboard.

Great idea for a thread.

Webpage:
www.davidbryce.net

Day Job:
Product Evangelist for Summit Audio/Bricasti Designs/Lauten Microphones, independent voice over talent

Band:
I play in four at the moment...
The Barracuda Brothers (seven piece horn band, pop/rock/R&B)
The Police Cars (Police and Cars covers)
Paint It Black (Stones covers)
Marilyn's Last Supper (classic rock jam band).

Influences:
Way too many to list...but it was the Beatles that were my earliest love, along with classical music.

I play because:
...I can. Because I need to. Because my head would probably explode if I didn't.

dB

Looking forward to it!

'Nuff said by Sir Bryce! I think we an have some fun with this...

Webpage: http://www.myspace.com/ieg_musicworkz

Day Job: Consultant/construction manager currently doing heavy construction inspection for Philadelhpia International (PHL) and Philadelphia Northest (PNE) airports. Also Executive Producer for Isaiah Entertainment Group, a small music production and event management company. We produce the Philadelphia Gospelfest, one of the largest outdoor gospel (jazz and classical, too) music festivals in the country.

Band: Keyboardist for six-piece band for Urban contemporary gospel artist Michelle Bonilla.

Influences: For me, the "feel" and voicings grab my ear, so it's classic soul, funk and a lil bit of jazz, I tend listen to everyone from Stevie Wonder, Larry Dunn (EW&F) and Bernie Worrell (Parliment/Funkadelic) to Neal Evans (Soulive), George Duke and Joe Sample.

I play because: Music is my creative outlet and my solace, one of the few things I do that allows me to creatively express myself AND maintain my sanity at the same time. I also play because, honestly, I'm addicted to the rush one gets from playing before an audience appreciative of the performance aspects of music with other creative folk.

Webpage: http://www.bimedia.biz

Day Job: Part owner / Staff composer for production house. We do TV & radio spots, corporate videos etc. My "other" day job is Music Director at my church.

Band: Jennie DeVoe band. http://www.jdevoe.com

Influences: Wakeman, Emerson, Banks, Nicky Hopkins, Benmont Tench, Elton & just about anyone better than I (which is a whole bunch of people).

I play because: I wanna, I can, I need to / called to, & it's just about the only way I know how to make a living short of asking if you'd like fries with your meal.

Webpage: http://www.stlda.com

Day Job: Project architect for a small architecture and interior design firm in St. Louis

Band: Worship band at Greentree Community Church in Kirkwood, Missouri

Influences: Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson, Tony Banks, Benmont Tench, Michael W. Smith, my bandmates and whoever plays keys on the original recordings of the songs we're doing on Sunday.

I play because: Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and God has given me the ability and opportunity to be a participant and no longer just a listener. Making music with your friends and for your friends is just about the most fun you can have legally.

Webpage: http://www.pawnz.com

Day Job: Industrial Psychologist/College Instructor

Band: http://www.pawnz.com

Influences: Keith Emerson, Jonathan Cain, Gregg Rolie, Bruce Hornsby, Mitchell Froom, Tim Capello, Don Kielkowski, Michael Franklin, Jeff Abbott, Diane Rosco, my Dad

I play because: It's all about connecting to others through music.

Webpage: SoulerCoaster

Day Job: Director of software quality assurance for eCommerce division of large financial institution.

Band: SoulerCoaster, a 9-piece dance band that started as a '70s funk band, but now runs the gamut of '60s Motown, R&B, '90s and current music. I also sit in with a couple of original pop/world beat groups and '80s bands as well.

Influences: Numerous. Read my bio on the SoulerCoaster website to see the ones I put there. Schroeder continues to be important. I really like the funky guys, like Billy Preston and Stevie Wonder. I love Medeski and John Novello as well.


I play because: It keeps me sane! Playing music on the weekends is the best way to keep myself grounded and escape from reality as well. I don't have the classical chops I had in High School and early college days, but I simply love the rush of taking the stage and hopping up and down behind my keyboard rig all night.

Webpage: http://members.home.nl/davehorne/

Day Job: None actually, though I am quite handy with the vacuum cleaner and am also known to prepare excellent meals - lasagna is one of my specialities. Does practicing the piano count as a day job?

Band: Most of my work is solo piano though I occasionally work with a bassist and\or drummer.

Influences: Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, Dick Hyman, Jonathan Edwards

I play because: it beats actually working for a living. Where else can you sit on your ass, play something you'd do for free, and get paid for it. If music had not worked out for me I would have stayed at Nicholson File Company.

Webpage: http://www.myspace.com/stevejordankeys
Day Job: Graphic Designer & Photographer, Seagull Photo & Design http://www.seagull-net.com
Band: In between bands at the moment but this weekend I'm auditioning for a corporate band called the Usual Suspects. I think I'm in, with the audition being just a formality
Influences: Emerson, Wakeman, Greg Rolie, John Novello
I play because: It's fun, it allows me to buy my studio stuff & it gets me out of the house.

Webpage: http://www.ellsounds.com
Day Job: Video producer; composer for TV, video, film and multimedia
Band: http://www.aethellis.com
Influences: Classical music, Elton John, Tony Banks, Emerson, Wakeman, Moraz, McCoy Tyner, Hank Levy, RTF, Bernie Worrell
I play because: It's an expression of emotion and allows me to say things I cannot using common verbage. Plus it's fun communing with my bandmates/old friends.

Webpage: www.fatcitysouth.com

Day Job: Computer Service Desk Agent for United Space Alliance, a major contractor committed to NASA.

Band Fat City 5 Piece Classic Rock and Blues. We concentrate on playing songs that no one else in the area are playing.

Influences Pine Top Perkins, Roosevelt Sykes, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Hargus "Pig" Robbins, Dave Brubeck, Al Stricklin, Jon Lord, Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Allan Toussaint, Chester Thompson, Jimmie Smith, many more too numerous to mention.

I Play Because: I love the interaction between like-minded players. I've been playing so long, that I cannot remember a time when I didn't play. As Donald Fagen said, "It's in my DNA". Plus, my wife tells me that if I don't play, I can be a total bear to live with.

Webpage: http://www.sweetandthebackbeat.com
Day Job: Software development manager for a large computer company
Band: Sweet and the Back Beat; We are a 5 piece Classic Rock/Classic RnB party band. I play Keys, bg vox and the occasional lead vocal
Influences: Varried. Harry Connick Jr, Billy Preston, Booker T, Stevie Wonder, Elton John
I Play Because: I love playing music, and I would go nuts if I didn't have an outlet that allowed me to perform. I am a showoff. I also do a little close up magic that helps my show off streak.

Webpage: http://www.promlancomp.com

Day Job: semi-retired. Operate a small computer/networking business (my shop also serves as my music/recording studio). Formerly worked with Navy Marine Corps Intranet in Norfolk - the largest network provider in the U.S. Also formerly a certified instructor for Microsoft and Novell networking.

Band: (1) Worship band at River Bend Baptist Church near New Bern, NC (2) "Pickin" group - a country, gospel, oldies amateur group in the New Bern area. (3) College Jazz ensemble.

Influences: Mike Pinder (like you couldn't guess from my screen name), Patrick Moraz, Paul Bliss, Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson, J. S. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven.

I play because: I am blessed in being able to play and to offer up my modest talent and ability to bless others. Part of my life calling also. Besides - there is no other (legal) rush like being on stage and someone actually appreciating what you are doing.

Jim

I assume you mean Mike Pinder, the mellotron master hisself....

Webpage: I don't have one of my own, although the company I work for has several.

Day Job: a 21st century job in the USA. Low pay, no benefits, "Part-time pay-full time commitment on my part". Its better than working at Wal-mart, if only for the fact that I don't have to say "Welcome to Walmart".

Band: One Man Band solo act, classic rock.

Influences: Early-Jimmy Smith, Buddy Holly, Everly Brothers, Beatles. English Invasion groups.
Later-Billy Joel, Elton John, Bruce Hornsby, Steely Dan, ELP, Greg Rollie, the list is endless.

I play because: at age 61, I still can. Moving the equipment is a major PAIN, but I get through it. I LOVE to entertain people, and play songs that remind them of where they were when the song was popular. I do tunes from the 1950's on, most of the tunes I play are from the seventies and eighties. I've also been playing Green Day and working on a few other Alternative Bands music, in an effort to avoid being a complete fossil.

Webpage: www.newandimprov.com, really overdue for an update.
Day Job: I work a few days a week at a music store, plus do freelance engineering at a couple of local studios or out of my home studio, teach a little, some freelance computer/educational media work.
Band(s): 1. Eleven Eyes myspace.com/eleveneyes Eugene Oregon-based jazz/funk/hip hop/afrobeat sextet. I play mostly bass and a little keys, as well as programming some backing loops and engineering our CD's, working on our third. We were just voted Eugene's best jazz band 4th year in a row by the local news/entertainment weekly.
2. Xenatra myspace.com/xenatrarules Avant jazz/dub/hip hop quartet (sax, keys, drums, rapper). I mainly play fake hammond in this band. In addition to our own material, we also do soul jazz covers of tunes by John Zorn, Soundgarden, Kraftwerk, Monk, Old Dirty Bastard, Slayer, and many others. A very, very fun band.
Influences: Miles Davis, Sun Ra, John Zorn, Larry Young, John Medeski, Wayne Horvitz, Jackie Mittoo, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Andrew Hill, and many others.
I play because: I haven't found anything that satisfies my soul more than playing improvisational music with fellow musicians who kick my ass on a regular basis. I feel honored and humbled that I get to do this on a regular basis.

Great stuff people ! Keep it coming...

Webpage: http://www.eastcoastdirt.net http://www.myspace.com/duendemountainduo
Day Job: Online Supplements and healthfoods store. Organicpharmacy.org
Bands: East Coast Dirt (Progressive Fusion) Duende Mountain DUo (Live keys and drums electronica)
Influences: Keither Emmerson, Robert Walter, Jimmy McGriff, Greg Allman, Electronica
I play because: It's fun! non-verbal communication is a truly unique experience, like to see the kiddies dance,
Rig:
Nord Lead 2x, nord Electro 2, Kurzweil PC1SE

DSI MEK

Webpage: Rock-Xtreme.com

Day Job: Director of Architecture Services for a computer consulting company.

Band Rock Xtreme - Classic rock featuring songs from 1962 to 1972 only. We strive to be true to the era. Once playing music is in your blood you can never kick the habit.

Influences Lord, Emerson, Chester Thompson, Greg Allman, Seth Justman, Billy Preston

I Play Because: It's my release. After a long week of work and dealing with family and life issues, there is nothing better than letting loose and playing some hard driving rock!

Webpage: Two of them, well actually 3 myspaces. One I built for myself and one for The Legendary Dukes. The other is Neville Francis, a guy I play keyboards for. The Dukes have been around since 1957 and I am the 4th Keyboard player in their line up. You can here a live cut on the myspace from last month with the new XK I got. Here are the pages:

http://www.myspace.com/riddimposse
http://www.myspace.com/jmuskopf
http://www.myspace.com/thelegendarydukes

Day Job: I do intervention work at the NYS Smokers Quitline at a local university.
Band: Two of them, The Neville Francis Band and The Legendary Dukes.
Influences: Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen, old soul music, Roy Bittan, Danny Federici, Bruce Hornsby, Gregory Issacs, most Reggae Music and too many more to mention.
I play because: I think I have no choice to be honest. I think music and your instrument picks you and not the other way around. Funny because the thing my parents said won't pay the bills is doing just that for me now.

webpage: none, just my bands and their never up dated.

day job: carpet layer in a small lake community.

band:1. The Zen Okies 2. Randy Crouch W/Flying Horse I'm a side member on week-ends and try to make it to the paying gigs, instead of beer only gigs. My gigs are usually 4hrs away and don't get home til' 7am to see my kids

influences:Beatles,Dick Gordon jr. Steve Pryor, Allman Bro, Tommy Bolin, Gatemouth Brown, Ponty, Mcgriff

I Play because: I can't quit. I'm 47,15Lb over,short, teach a little and there's nothing like hangin' out with the buddy's and laying down the Groove factor. I'm the glue of the band, not the Front man. I make others play better.

onebee - you live in Asheville and play a DSI!?!? Blasphemy

Webpage: 13th Hour

Day Job: Mechanical Engineer for a 7 person manufacturers' representative serving the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, flavors, fragrance and personal care industries.

Band: 13th Hour - Classic rock cover band. We have a lot of originals but I have a hard time getting the guys to play them. It's an on-going battle!

Influences: Keith Emerson, Billy Powell, Rick Wakeman.

I Play Because: I love to jam out with my friends. I'm 43, me and the guys go back to high school. First time I ever played with the guitar player I played his parents' upright and he played an electric on "Whipping Post" when we blew off caddying one Saturday. We have a blast when we play (most of the time ). It's also an opportunity to continue to learn and improve because God knows I need it.

Webpage: None

Day Job: Mechanical Engineer working in the logging and sawmill industries.

Bands: Capital Sound Stage House Band - Blues, Funk, R&B, Jazz
StoneBroke - Classic rock cover band
Terry Singh - Funk, Jazz Fusion

Influences: Rick Wakeman, Joey D, Jimmy Smith, Chick Corea

I Play Because: It's my release and I love it.

I thought I'd finally contribute, even though I'm not a WW. I'm blown away by how many so far are engineers or very technical in their "Day Job."

Webpage: http://latinforunemployed.com http://blue-funk.com
Day Job: Since April 2008, this is it. I used to be a web developer, and was a mechanical engineer before that. I've given that all up to pursue music full time.
Band: Blue Funk is my band, but I'm starting to play with others, such as Collective Hallucination. After the gig with them I'm going to look for more blues and blues/rock gigs (CH is a soul/r&b band).
Influences: Billy Payne, Chuck Leavell, any keyboard player that has played with the Stones, the Crowes, or Mule (Chuck has done all three!), the great Chess piano players like Leake, Spann, etc. Many others I'm sure I'm forgetting.
I play because it's in my soul. I must create.

webpage: http://www.myspace.com/happydogproject
Day Job: Dj in World Music Station Kosmos 93,6 (www.kosmos936.gr) and musician.
Band: i play in many, but my "own" group is a funk/world ensemble with emphasis on the groove and odd meters, hammond/rhodes sounds and drum-bass interplay. I also play for Turkish multi intrumentalist virtousoso Omar Faruk Tekbilek (mostly in Europe, but also in Japan, Australia etc)
Influences: first od all MMW. Also the jazz greats, Herbie, Chick, Peterson, and others. Some electro/jazz groups from the Scandinavian countries and France, good popsters like Jamiroquai, jamaican legends King Tubby and Lee Perry, folk soloists from Turkey and Greece (incredible clarinet players), John Zorn, the list goes on...
I play because: it's my inside life, what more to say...

webpage: http://www.myspace.com/2theninez

DAY JOB: Full time student Medical Arts School for Massage therapy.

BANDS: 2 The Nine'z is a new project with my girlfriend. We add musicians as needed and mostly it's been my drummer from WEST STREET Band. We cover old jazz standards to soul, R&B, Funk and Disco.

West Street Band does a wide variety of 70's-2000's music from Steely Dan to John Mayer. This is a 4 piece band.

The Castaways is a 7 piece Horn band doing the Wedding and NC Beach music scene. SEE Below for websites

Reason I play: I make my living at it. I couldn't stop if I wanted to. There is a joy in playing GOOD music and having an audience respond to it.