Mars Hill Band

MARS HILL BAND

About

Mars Hill Band is a high-energy party band in Dallas-Ft. Worth. Consisting of seasoned and well-respected musicians from the Metroplex, this hot band not only sounds great musically, but also has the charisma on stage to make any event a memorable one! From R&B to Dance, to 80s/90s Pop, to Rock...Mars Hill Band can accommodate an array of music preferences.

Mars Hill has quickly gained an audience with their unique blend of classic and current music. Their philosophy and goal is to play as many styles of music with excellence, and to deliver a riveting and energetic performance.

Members

(click each name to view photo)

Dave Barnett (Guitar, Vocals) - Dave was a co-founder of Random Axis Band, and a former guitarist/singer for Emerald City, two successful bands in the Metroplex. He co-wrote the European #1 hit, "Kristine," with Bobby Kimball of the super group TOTO. He has played countless studio sessions and released his own Christian pop/rock CD, "Do You Wanna Go To Heaven." He also keeps busy with his studio and music production business, Barncat Music. Dave has an incredibly fluid guitar style and soulful voice that allows him to flow from jazz to pop and soul with ease.

Alana Laurino (Vocals) - Alana is our new addition and perfect fit for Mars Hill. She brings with her six years of experience as the female lead for Random Axis Band, and has sung with Professor D and The Project. Her vocal range and style made her a favorite sub for such bands as Emerald City and Top. Alana's love for all styles of music is evident and definitely compliments Mars Hill's wide range of musical preferences.

Claire Wilcox (Vocals) - Originally from Nice, France, Claire spent time in the States as the original female vocalist for Random Axis Band from 1995 - 2000. In 1996 she got the chance to perform with saxophonist Kirk Whalum at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Following Random Axis Band she moved on to the Emerald City Band, performing with them until 2004. From there she relocated overseas to perform with different groups all over Europe (Monaco, Antalia, Cypres, London, Paris, Oslo) as well as Moscow and Prague. In 2010 Claire returned to Dallas and recently joined Mars Hill Band as a lead vocalist.

Tony Wilcox (Vocals, Keyboard) - A native of Dallas, Tony developed a love for music at a early age. Singing often in church and influenced by three older brothers who are also musicians, Tony began singing professionally in his teens. Tony graduated from The Arts Magnet High School in Dallas and spent a year studying music at the University of North Texas. Tony has played with some of Dallas' most respected groups including Buster Brown, Einstein's Apartment, The Eric Tagg Band & Emerald City Band. In addition to live performance, Tony is also at home in the recording studio singing jingles or recording original compositions (found on his website). After spending several years living in the south of France, Tony is back in the States and a member of the Mars Hill Band.

Peter Champagne (Bass/Bass Synth) - Peter grew up in Plano, Texas, started playing classical piano at age 5 and throughout grade school played many recitals and won many piano competitions. Peter started playing electric bass at age 12; since that time, Peter has had the opportunity to play with some of DFW's finest musicians, as well as study under notable bass instructors such as Phil McNeese, John Adams, Lynn Seaton, Kris Berg and Charlie Banacos.

Steve Pruitt (Drums) - Steve is originally from Oklahoma City and studied Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas. When he's not playing with Mars Hill he freelances and puts in time with his own band called Moosehound, based out of Denton. Steve is also a Sonor Drums artist.

Thomas Eby (Trumpet) - Tom is a versatile trumpet player and keyboardist who has played with various bands around the DFW area including Studio 54, Roof Raisers, The Special Edition Band, Phoenix Hart and Bulletproof Brass. Tom has also displayed his musical skills for the Walt Disney Company and Princess Cruises.

Luke Brimhall (Trombone, Vocals) - Originally from Tampa Florida, Luke Brimhall moved to Denton, Texas in 2008 to pursue his Masters Degree in music at the University of North Texas. Before that, Luke earned his Bachelor's degree in jazz studies from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Shortly after earning his degree he performed at Disneyland in Anaheim, California with the All American College Band in the summer of 2007. He then went on to work as a musician aboard the ocean liners Queen Mary II and the Queen Elizabeth II for several months. Since arriving in Texas, Luke has had the opportunity to play with some of the best musicians that Dallas has to offer, including UNT's renowned One O'Clock Lab Band. He is an educator and performer and has been a member of the Mars Hill Band since 2009.

Testimonials

"When we made the decision to have a band play for our wedding, we knew that Mars Hill was perfect. Your ability to play and do any song from any era along with such an incredible group of musicians makes every time we hear you a perfect night! The communication we had leading up to the wedding was outstanding. Your professionalism is a blessing, and I would not hesitate to recommend your band to any couple who is wanting to hire the best band in Dallas for their reception."
-- Jon Froelich Wedding Reception

"Your versatility and flexibility was amazing. The band kept everyone engaged...no matter age or circumstance. The Mars Hill Band was the best value of all our wedding expenses."
-- Tim and Phyllis Fiss Wedding Reception

"We had the greatest time... Your band was GREAT and added so much emergy to the crowd! Thanks for a superb job and for being such a pleasant person to deal with!"
-- Kristana Kane Wedding Reception

"They were very energetic & crowd pleasing. It was nice to work with them because they were low maintenam=nce and didn't require much attention."
-- Diana Taylor - Shady Oaks CC, June 16, 2007

"I am writing to express our great appreciation for the extraordinary performance of the Mars Hill Band this past weekend in Hobbs, New Mexico. Their performance was nothing short of magical! Mars Hill Band captured the aduience's attention and kept them fully engaged the entire time. Our highly varied and demanding audience had nothing but steep praise for this incredible band. Their enormous talent, professional shomanship, and untypicaly friendly/cooperative style was very special. We could not have been more pleased!"
-- Bob Reid, Entertainment Committee Chair, Hobbs Highschool Senior Bash

"(The) band was wonderful and did a great job of getting the crowd into them and the music."
-- Mark Williamson - Futurecom Holiday Party December 2003

"It is with great pleasure that we recommend Mars Hill Band to entertain at wedding receptions, parties and other celebrations. Mars Hill played at our wedding in May 2003. Their individual and collective talents, styles and versatility were amazing and we received many compliments from guests of all ages. Having been to countless parties in the metropolitan DFW area since the mid-1980s, they rank among the best and we were thrilled to find them."
-- Bill and Amy Knight

"Mars Hill was fabulous and we had lots of compliments! Their voices are incredible. We look forward to going to their venues when we visit Dallas."
-- bride's letter - May 17, 2003

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