Jan Thompson Phifer
Keyboards, Vocals
Bringing that "woman's touch" to the group, Jan plays keyboards, sings, and enjoys keeping all of the harmonies tight. Her tastes in music may vary greatly from the rest of the band, but she's a real team player and loves being a part of the energy and music that has become Mack Pherson and the Struts. Jan won't tell us exactly how many years she's been playing piano and singing, but her family started her off as a young child of 7; her parents always told her that she was "born to entertain!"
Jan has a lot of support from her loving husband and her wonderful son, but she's learned that, as in baseball, "there's no cryin' in the band"
.jpg)
B.J. Randall
Guitar, Vocals
Born in Detroit and raised in and around the South Side of Chicago, BJ Picked up the guitar while attending Eastern Illinois University, where he received a moderate amount of liver damage but no degree. His musical influences are Motown and Memphis Soul, Chicago Blues, Carlos Santana, and Eric Clapton. As an original member of Mack Pherson, B.J. has finally succeeded in enticing real musicians to play with him. He has played with several bands as a guest, but naming them here could result in legal action. Marital status- Single. Sign- Cancer. Favorite Color- Magenta. Hobbies- Golf, BBQ, Napping. Turn-ons- Summer, interesting geo-political views, heated arguments. Turn-offs- Rap music, chick flicks, diet Pepsi. Boxers or briefs? - Boxers.
Mike "Party" Hardy
Bass Guitar
Mike's love of music stems back to his high school days when he joined a band of his peers. It's not only where he found his future in music, but where he also found his future wife Terri, who was the niece of the lead singer. Playing with the Coasters in Hawaii was the highlight of Mike's musical career, but playing in South Bend with Mack Pherson is a very close second. A graduate of the University of Florida, he's traded the palm trees of his past for the snow shoes of northern Indiana. Providing the bass line not only strengthens the foundation of the rhythm section but allows him to truly express his great love of *bottoms*. In between gigs Mike stays busy by playing attorney. And, being an attorney he has become accustomed to the respect (or lack thereof) that only bass players receive. Boxers or briefs? He's a lawyer; must be briefs.
Mike Leep Jr.
Drums, Vocals
After buying his first drum set at the age of 13, Mike tormented family and neighbors with his vigilant practicing until he bought his own house. While pursuing a degree in Automotive Marketing at Northwood University, Mike also pursued a further interest in music, when he held a kegger, charged a three-dollar cover, and bought himself a pawn shop guitar. A bass soon followed, then a PA system, more guitars, an 8-track mixing board, and the list continues to grow (to the band's benefit!). The "equipment junkie" is also the only member of Mack Pherson to be chased by a Graceland security guard and subsequently banned from the King's house. On Saturday mornings, you can see Mike on Channel 16, WNDU, but on Saturday nights he's content to play Ringo and provide the backbeat for the band. In addition to playing with Mack Pherson, Mike can also be seen in the Gurley-Leep All-Star Garage Band. Boxers or Briefs? No Comment.
.jpg)
Larry Forrest
Vocals
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, where they like to grow 'em big, Larry is the latest addition to the band. Larry's been singing since grade school, although this is his first experience with a band and he's loving it. His day gig is working with children, and he has 3 of his own. When he's not working, he's totally absorbed in sports. His musical taste runs the gamut, from Motown to Rock and Roll, which works out well for the band. He also helps with the percussion, directs traffic onstage, and is chief Talent Scout for the audience participation part of the show. Larry's outgoing personality makes him a natural entertainer. But I'm still trying to figure out how he knows so many women everywhere we play....Boxers or briefs? Larry says the question doesn't apply.
Charlie "C - Note" Rymers
Saxophone
A retired Railroader, Chuck's been playing a wailing sax for over 30 years. He's originally from Toledo, where he started his own band, The Brass Key, before joining the Watermelon Men, one of the top bands in Ohio. Over the years he has also played with the Drifters, the Shirrelles, and several other 50’s groups.
Charlie is very proud of the 1962 Selmer Mark VI Paris Original horn he plays, and spends most of his time mingling with the crowd, showing it off. In fact, he’s rarely onstage during a performance. We’re not sure if it’s because he doesn’t like to be confined to the stage, or if he just prefers being in closer proximity to the bar. One thing’s for sure - if there’s music and beer, Charlie’s ready to play! Boxers or Briefs? We're scared to ask.
roy is one of the top sound guys around. He deved an ear for music at a young age, hanging around his father’s machine
Troy "Mandingo" KirtsSound Engineer / Bartender
Troy is one of the top sound guys around. He developed an ear for music at a young age, hanging around his father’s machine shop where they produced horn parts for music companies like Selmer and United Musical Instruments. Most of his life revolves around music. In addition to working on the sound at local venues for national acts such as Huey Lewis and the News and Rod Stewart, he’s been an integral part of several bands locally. He designs and installs high end audio systems commercially during the day. He also owns a D.J. Company which keeps him in the clubs on the weekends. Thankfully Troy is young and single, so he has the time and energy that his schedule demands. At gigs, with his vast knowledge of sound engineering, you can usually find Troy with several attractive ladies in tow, no doubt explaining the finer points of running a sound system. Because the Mandingo is all about education! Boxers or briefs? Troy says, "Commando".