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It
is with GREAT pleasure that we are able to introduce to all of you
the Bender's newest band member, guitar player and vocalist
DAVID KELLER!!!
David was
born and raised in Wichita. His birthdate is 4-22-62. He is a
single dad raising his 13-year-old daughter, Allison, who
attends Wichita public schools.
David's
nicknames include "Dave" or "Boss" ...which was actually
shortened from "Boss Hoss, " a nickname Kevin May gave him a
long time back. "I have known Kevin May for it seems like
forever. We were roommates in college, and studied music
together." Dave said he and Kevin have a long friendship and
musical history, and have played in several bands
together. Dave has fond memories of being 'roomies' with Kevin
at "the house" on Oliver Street, which is actually where the
idea for a band began, and the Deaconaires were actually born in
the basement of that house.
David studied
music at Wichita State University School of Fine Art under
direction of Jerry Hahn. His degree is in Music Performance.
David says the only instrument he plays is the guitar, but
mentions he did have to learn to play enough piano to complete
his degree, of which he said with a laugh, "I haven't played
any piano since." Dave has always been interested in guitar and
started playing in his early teens. He played "Big Band" during
his high school and college years. But, he was deeply
influenced by classic rock guitar and greats such as Jimi
Hendrix, Jimmy Page of Led-Zeppelin and Eric Clapton.
For you music
buffs and the guitar players out there who would like to
know...Dave has three guitars. The first one is a Fender
Stratocaster- Model '57 Reissue (Turquoise), the second one is a
Telecaster Telesonic, and the third one is a Gibson ES 175. He
uses # 10 stings in the Fender Strat, # 9's in the Telecaster,
and # 11's in the Gibson. Dave has 2 amps that he uses...a 1965
Super Reverb , and the other is a 1962 Fender Twin Amp. He
feels these amps (although old) are actually great for older
music, as it helps to authenticate the "oldies" sound.
David's hobby's include "jogging and smoking cigars." (Talk
about making a nurse CRINGE!...haha) Dave says he also enjoys
cooking now, "but it's only because I have too!" His favorite
TV show is Late Night with Conan O'Brien. He also enjoys
watching all the NFL and NBA teams--mainly because the games are
usually on late at night (or are re-running from earlier).
"Late night is the only time I really have to watch TV."
David's typical
morning starts out with jogging--(usually 8 miles a day,
nonetheless). Most afternoons and evenings he is teaching
music/guitar lessons. He currently has 47 students under his
wings. And, since August, David says all the rest of his time
has been spent learning BENDER'S SONGS!
Dave enjoys
listening to Blues and Jazz music mainly. But, says he also
enjoys listening to Primus, Frank Zappa, and Buckethead when
he jogs. Since joining the Benders, however, he is finding
himself listening to oldies rock a little more now.
Dave is very
excited and most honored to be able to play with the Bender's.
He sees this as a great opportunity to grow as a musician. He
reports he has already learned a lot, and the biggest challenge
so far has been vocal harmonies and being able to sing with one
or two other guys.
When asked about the other band members, this is what Dave had
to say: "Byron has been very supportive to me, and is very
easy to work with." "Campy is very easy going, good
natured and is all about having fun." "And, as I have
already said Kevin and I go way back. It's funny, but
neither one have us have any brothers, so we have always joked
that we are brothers by different mothers."
"These guys are
road warriors. They are all very seasoned, talented musicians,
and I am very pleased to be working with them."
On the Bender's
fans, Dave says he is looking forward to meeting everyone, and
so far all of the fans have been "very nice and supportive" of
him. "The Bender's have the greatest fans ever!"