Sean Smith
Sean's music career began when he picked up the saxophone in elementary school. Years later, after time with several instrument, he joined a cover band in high school, playing keys & sax. It was then he added bass guitar which continued through college, and he has since added electric and acoustic guitar and lead vocals for his current solo and band gigs. His formal training includes time spent majoring in music education and theory at Millersville University. Primarily influenced by classic rock and traditional Irish music, Sean has recently embarked on writing his own music.
Dennis Coleman has been a rock and roll drummer since The Beatles inspired him to do so in the sixties. Of late, he preferes to play the Zendrum, which makes it easier for him to sing, plus he gets to stand up front with the real musicians. When not playing the drums, he fiddles around with guitar and piano, and writes songs, lyrics, and books.
Chris Michels began training in classical violin at age six. By the age of thirteen he had learned bass guitar. He played in rock bands, musicals,chamber groups, and the Billings City Orchestra before leaving for the University of Montana. After college, Chris toured the U.S. for eight years, adding the mandolin to his performances. In NYC he enjoyed a steady gig at the legenday Lone Star Cafe. In his career, Chris has played with Levon Helm,Lee Greenwood,Joe Walsh,Tower of Power, Gregg Allman, Sammy Kershaw,John Anderson and Blackfoot.
Dave Sullivan started playing rock and roll after seeing The Beatles perform on Ed Sullivan in 1964. Since then, he has played in a dozen odd bands, quite often actually making a living at it. Dave did a lot of solo work in the late seventies and early eighties, including two albums garnering good reviews in Billboard magazine. Three more albums were recorded in the next decade when he switched to Gospel music. By 1996, he returned to rock and roll, and has been trucking ever since.
Chris Michels began playing violin at age six. Dave Sullivan quit piano lessons by the time he was ten, so that he could play what he was hearing in his head. At age nine, Dennis Coleman was playing bongos, and begging for his own set of drums. Sean Smith was playing trumpet and saxophone before he got to middle school.
At one time or another, each of these guys has been the lead singer in a band, and at times one or two have played together. Dave and Dennis first played together when the Beatles were still together.
Chris has traveled with some big name performers, Sean has become formally educated in music, later deciding he would rather play that teach.
Brownpenny reflects this commonality. Their uniqueness comes from the historical culmination of their musical experiences, as they contribute to the songs that are written by their fellow members. It resonates as five capable lead singers support each other with strong harmonies.
Most importantly, they are five guys united by the tenacious wish to keep on doing that thing they have been doing for as long as they can remember.