Zmick Local Artist


    Websites: MySpace Page

    Genre: Rock

    Zmick is a progressive/live improvisational band that was born in the heart of Urbana, Illinois. The band formed when drummer Kris Ahrens and guitarist Dan McLean decided to leave Chicago and move down to Urbana, Illinois, to play music with long time friend and self taught bassist/composer Dan Wonsover, and jazz pianist/math prodigy Jack Scheff. The four musicians, who are huge fans of both elaborately composed progressive rock and jazz music, and broad appealing "catchy vocal music", have been fusing the two different styles together with strong groove orientated rhythms since they started Zmick.

    After going through several line-up changes over the course of about 8 months, the band fell apart and reformed into a quartet. Pianist Mike Donato, guitarist Brad Miller, bassist Dan Wonsover and drummer Kris Ahrens make Zmick what it is today. Along with Bigs, they're lighting designer/good vibes coordinator, Zmick has been traveling all over the midwest spreading positivity to every town they've perfomed.

    Their music encompasses elements of jazz, progressive rock, reggae, electronica, funk, metal, Latin and world music. When asked what they sound like, the members describe their music as "Sexy prog rock with a jazz mentality". Zmick writes music with the intent of bringing people together and giving them an opportunity to dance, sing, laugh and bond with other music lovers. It's about building a community where live music appreciators can come together and have a good time.