Formed in early 2024, The Pocket is mid-Michigan’s latest and greatest cover band. Blending influences from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, The Pocket is sure to keep the crowd moving. Thank you for checking us out and we hope you like what you hear. If you are interested in booking us for your event, please visit our contact page.
Photo Provided by Ben’s mom
Born and raised in Lansing, MI, Ben is a proud “westsider”. His love of many kinds of music keeps him constantly learning new bass lines and rhythms. His favorite genre is Classic Rock, however he loves Reggae and Blues as well. He lists his favorite bands as The Beatles, Led Zepplin and The Doors and not surprisingly, his favorite bassist is Paul McCartney. As he is a manager in his regular job, he does his best to keep the band organized and focused. While you won’t see a lot of bass solos from Ben, he strives to provide the band with a solid foundation and a steady tempo to let his bandmates shine. He is also a devoted husband, father and “Bebo” to his two granddaughters. His musical dream is to play bass at the Superbowl Halftime Show (“with the Lions playing, obviously”). When asked what his happy place was, he said, “any swim-up bar in Jamaica will do…”.
Brad was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. When he got a guitar for Christmas at 12, he was hooked. Guitar became an obsession that continues to this day. Playing with The Pocket has expanded his range and exposed him to music he’d never played before. As our not-so-secret weapon, his incredible ear for music regularly blows his band mates away. He enjoys keeping his musical skills sharp. Brad’s favorite musicians include Johnny Cash, Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, Van Halen, and Queens of the Stone Age. Brad and his wife, Joanne, welcomed their first child, Anna, in June of 2024. He enjoys spending time at his family’s cottage at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Kurt bought his first guitar in 1985 when his college roommate, a very good guitarist, convinced him to spend his last $200 on a used guitar so he could “back him up” when he was playing. This started Kurt’s love hate relationship with playing guitar. After college, Kurt mostly kept his guitar in the case, rarely finding the time to play. Occasionally, he would take it out with the hopes that maybe he had gotten better, only to be quickly disappointed. It wasn’t until 2022 when he blew the dust off his original 1982 Fender and joined a group of friends for a weekly garage jam session. Those garage sessions ultimately morphed in to The Pocket. Kurt’s original solos and creative input bring a fresh outlook to classic songs. He is the glue that keeps the band together.
Kurt loves the weekly jam sessions and constantly adding new songs to their body of work. When asked what his favorite part of playing in a band was, he answered “It gives me the excuse I need to keep buying new guitars.”
Hank was first introduced to live music by watching his mom and her girlfriends playing gigs in an all-girl band in the early 70s. His mom, Phyllis, fronted the 3- piece band singing lead vocals and playing bass. Hank fondly remembers his late mom whenever he hears "Harper Valley PTA", or "Top of the World." He still loves to sing those songs today. Being named Hank, should tell you that his mom thought he would enjoy singing as well.
Hank appreciates all genres of music, but classic country and classic rock are his favorites to sing...in that order. “The classics are timeless and have staying power compared to the current age of pop songs that, although good, seem to come and go so quickly. Old guys like me are blessed to be able to remember when those classic songs were being played regularly.”
Hanks wide vocal range and mastery of his instrument give The Pocket the ability to add songs to our playlist that many singers wouldn’t even attempt. His positive attitude and enthusiasm for adding those fun songs keep our band energized!
Music and singing have always been what make a bad day better for Hank. “The practice days & gigs with the band are always the best days.”
Cassie is a sleep-deprived, coffee-fueled, mom of two little girls who still finds time to sing her heart out. Her eclectic taste in music spans from show tunes and gospel to Appalachian folk and everything in between. Basically, if it has a beat or a story, she is all in. A lover of harmonies and the thrill of live performance, she enjoys every minute of her time with The Pocket.
Cassie is, quite possibly, the humblest of our band. This is due to the fact that she has no idea how great she really is! There have been more than a few times that the band’s jaws have dropped when hearing Cassie belt out a new one (facing front, she had no idea). She and Hank have worked out some harmonies together that add another layer many bands just don’t possess, and we are grateful to have her.
Scott is a Michigan native, retired schoolteacher and lifelong music lover with a deep passion for Classic Rock and the power of a good harmony. Ironically, his mother’s greatest fear growing up was that he'd turn into a rock and roll drummer! Now Scott is jamming with The Pocket, proving that you can teach an old schoolteacher new tricks, especially when those tricks involve keeping the beat.
Scott’s positive energy and easy-going nature are essential to the chemistry of the band. Always “up for anything” when it comes to trying a new song. Happy to give the spotlight to his bandmates, he always does his best to, as he says, “serve the song”. Truly a team player, we just wouldn’t be the same without Scott!
