Band

Of course we all have day jobs, families and other things going on.
Playing the music is our passion and the following bios focus on that. We all acknowledge and give special thanks to our wives, children and supporters who continue to allow us this opportunity to perform.

– Sawdust Symphony

Greg Brundage

Greg Brundage sings, plays the guitar and is the front man for Sawdust Symphony. Coming from a musical family Greg is proof that “the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree.” In 1991, he turned to guitar and played with Tommy Wu and the Funky Backwoods Boys from 1992-94. Greg graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Music Education in 1996. Greg trained as a cellist, the instrument he started in 1980. After college, Greg returned to the stage as co-founder of the Sawdust Symphony and gets the credit for the band’s name. An exciting guitarist and vocalist with great musical knowledge, Greg is a not-to-miss performer.

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Mike Mueller

Mike Mueller is also a co-founder of the Sawdust Symphony. He started playing banjo in 1972 at UW Stevens Point, playing with Otis and the Alligators until 1979. Throughout the 1980s and 90s Mike played in a variety of venues and with many fine guitarists. From 1980-86 he played banjo with Al Brundage, Greg’s Dad, and with the band Cahoots in Milwaukee. Mike is a student of the banjo and worked with Peter Wernick, J.D. Crowe and other well-known players. This work allowed Mike to develop his own rhythmic style and imaginative melodies. Mike also gives banjo lessons at his home in Mequon, Wisconsin.

Mark Vitkus

Mark Vitkus plays mandolin, guitar and sings. Mark was a founding member of the Pike Creek Bluegrass Band, playing festivals and local venues for more than 25 years. Pike Creek released two CDs in the early 2000s. After Pike Creek disbanded, Mark joined the Liberty Bluegrass Band, which became the Brew City Drifters. Now Mark contributes his skills to the Sawdust Symphony to create the band’s “American New Grass” sound, blending traditional bluegrass with high-energy contemporary musical forms.

 

Max Winkels

Max Winkels plays bass and sings. Max is a multi-instrumentalist, starting on the banjo in 1972 and playing in bands a couple of years later. The open, slowly changing harmonies in much of his music are typical of what many people consider to be the sound of American music, evoking the vast American landscape and pioneer spirit. Wait. That was Aaron Copland. Darn.

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