Player Bio: Ashton has played at various Rum Runner locations including Destin (FL), Wilmington (NC), Raleigh (NC) and Mishawaka (IN). For the first six months of 2005 he played the dueling piano show aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. In addition, over the past two years he has toured the country performing in a wide variety of venues.

Most recently he was honored to have been considered for the role of the Piano Man in the Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp production of, "Movin' Out" on Broadway.

After having graduated from performing arts school in NYC, Ashton has acquired an extensive resume that includes Music, Theatre, Film, Television and Radio.

Personal Quote: There is nothing more motivating then a full room of people singing the songs back to me every night.

Player Bio: A world traveler, Ben has performed all over the world and continues to travel extensively through Europe and beyond. Ben is always rocking the crowd.

Personal Quote: Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful

Player Bio: I began playing full time in 1970 (ouch!), and played and led bands for 15 years, then spent 10 years as a piano bar/one-man-band guy. Started doing dueling pianos at Rum Runners in 1995, left after 5 years, played other places (as player and/or music director), and came back to Rum Runners in July of 2005—the rest, as they say is history.

I recently finished an original contemporary Christian CD. It is doing well and can be found at many local music stores.

I am having a great time playing, singing, and doing comedy at RR’s and I hope to continue for the foreseeable future. Thank you to Rum Runners for your support.

Personal Quote: Sing me a song...

Player Bio: Bob has been doing this gig now for over 10 years, starting at a club in Phoenix, AZ. Bob has been entertaining people on stage since age 9 from home in Long Island, NY to Hawaii. He is looking forward to many more years of making people laugh and sing. Throughout his travels he has seen a million faces...and he's rocked them all!

Personal Quote: A great night at Rum Runnerss like a session of group primal therapy ... come on out and join us ... You're never to old to Rock and Roll

Player Bio: A great addition to the Mishawaka team, Brendan brings a great musical background to the stage and CHECK HIM OUT on the horns and the keys!

Personal Quote: Hear me roar!

Player Bio: A veteran player at Rum Runners, Brian has performed at almost all of the Rum Runners locations. Currently living in Michigan you can see Brian at the Lansing, MI store on a regular basis.

Personal Quote: It's all about the music!

Player Bio: Daina’s piano is the prefect accompaniment to her powerful blues rock vocals. With her natural comedic bent and her innate ability for performance and connecting with an audience, she found a perfect match with dueling pianos. She likes to have fun and brings everyone along for the ride. With a full length CD of her original tunes she has been honored in Minnesota with song of the year for her upbeat blues swing tune “Dangerous Man”. On stage, she’s a natural, guaranteed to please.

Personal Quote: Ain’t nothin’ but a good time!

Player Bio: Dan was originally born and raised in the land that’s high in the middle and round on the ends (OHIO). He is 100% self-taught beginning his piano career at age 3. He started performing in bands after serving 5 years in the U.S. Navy. One of the bands he was in opened for Kansas, Night Ranger and Blackfoot. After touring in the band scene, Dan found dueling pianos and has been amazing audiences all over the United States since 1990. His talent of playing 6 different instruments and comedy show has earned the name, Mr. Funny Man. Dan’s crazy/wild personality makes him a must for all to see!!!!!!

Personal Quote: Sombody give me a hell yeah!

Player Bio: Dan recently graduated from the University of Buffalo with a degree in theatre, and is now traveling the world in search of fame, fortune and 25 cent wings. As the newest edition to the Rum Runners staff, Dan spends most of his free time mopping the floors and muttering obscenities. Kidding aside, Dan is an extremely talented young man with a bright future and a great voice.

Personal Quote: Sweet!

Player Bio: Dave Caruso has performed for over 3,000 audiences at hundreds of colleges, nightclubs and outdoor venues in 23 states and Canada. Dave got his start in dueling pianos by studying acts in Michigan, Cleveland and Las Vegas. He has since performed dueling pianos at dozens of venues in Indiana, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Texas and all across Michigan.

Caruso's use of wigs, costumes and props make his show memorable, but it's his musical range, comic timing and audience rapport that make him a standout among dueling pianos entertainers. Hilarious song parodies are just one way in which Dave puts the spotlight on audience members throughout his show.

Often introduced as "The Man of a Thousand Songs," Caruso amazes audiences everywhere by his ability to play just about any song he's heard. He has also been hired to train wait staff personnel to perform hourly Showtime dance numbers, including some original routines.

In his first year as Entertainment Director for Rum Runners Mishawaka, he and his team helped them win the South Bend Tribune's Reader's Choice Award for “Best Live Entertainment Club / Bar.”

Personal Quote: What if the Hokey Pokey really IS what it’s all about?

Player Bio: Devin is the newest addition to the Fort Wayne team! Hailing all the way from Seattle, Washington, at the ripe and tender age of 23, he had already amassed quite an impressive resume. In various projects he has performed with everyone from, Nofx, The Suicide Machines, Lifehouse, The Backstreet Boys, The Black Eyed Peas, The Pussy Cat Dolls, and the list goes on. Devin's response when asked if these events really took place is, "dude I'll kick your butt if you don't believe me, wait i take that back i didn't realize how tall you are."

Anyhow Devin has been enjoying the dueling piano circuit for almost a year. His hard work has really paid off and it shows on stage every night on the Rum Runners stage!

Personal Quote: Henry Giles- "A song will outlive all sermons in the memory"

Player Bio: Dizzy Reed, from Guns N' Roses performs at Rum Runners for special events and rocking live shows. Dizzy now is part of a new band called hookers & Blow.

Originally formed as a way to get free drinks in Hollywood, Hookers & Blow was put together in early 2004. "The response has been overwhelming”, says guitarist Alex Grossi, “you forget just how big Guns N’ Roses are. Not to mention the fact that Dizzy has now been a member of G N’R for 14 years. On our last tour, we would show up to the clubs and there would be a stack of fan mail from all over the world for Dizzy, it's pretty amazing."

The band’s set list is comprised of many Guns & Roses songs along with a mix of classic rock standards. The band’s energy is infectious. From the first song it is apparent how much they enjoy playing together and it does not take long for the audience to become as much a part of the show as the 5 guys on stage. Bass player Curtis Longfellow explains, “there’s been so many times that we’ve played a show & the audience is full of people who saw us the night before & drove like 2 hours to see us again……it’s great.”

Personal Quote:

Player Bio: Graduating from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in May of '06, Drew is embarking on a very ambitious solo career. His mission: to entertain. His weapon of choice: the piano. His ammunition: over 1,000 cover songs in his repertoire as well as an original debut album coming out in the Spring of '06. Look for him at various locations as he tours the country next summer (as well as parts of Europe).

Personal Quote: See it as it is

Player Bio: Frank was born and raised in Petoskey, MI where he found out at a very young age that music was going to be his way of life. Studying piano, saxophone, and percussion music became a learning experience, and a full time job! After playing in many different bands through out high school and college Frank found dueling pianos which has led him to play all over the country. He can be found at many Rum Runners locations across the US.

Personal Quote: How many 80's music fans are in the crowd tonight?

Player Bio: Born & raised in Alabama. Started piano lessons at age 6. Multi-instrumentalist - Piano, organ, drums, sax, synths, harmonica, vocals. First concert age 8. First house club gig age 14. Studied pipe organ and piano for 8 years at Huntingdon college and Alabama state Univ. Played in bands for 20 years. Singles work for 10 years. Dueling piano since Oct. 2004. Loves to write & record original music. Lives in Myrtle Beach, S.C. with wife Iva Lee, singer & watercolor artist.

Personal Quote: Excellence only, no mediocrity. Bring the energy.

Player Bio: My Dad was a B3 salesman, and I had access to instruments at a young age. Played my whole life, did the band thang & then raised my kids doin' a single. I guess that's why i love dueling so much, because you can really mix with the people, the team work, sure feeling of helping people have fun. Oh, and the cash, I love it too!

Personal Quote:

Player Bio: James has taken his extensive theater experience and applied it to dueling pianos. In addition to playing at private events around the country, James debuted at our Mishawaka store in February, 2007. His energetic personality and impressive vocals consistently leave audiences entertained.

Personal Quote: It's time for another Rum Runners...SOCIAL!

Player Bio: A newer addition to Ft Wayne's, Jeremy brings a rock and roll sound to the stage with amazing vocals and a driving beat!

Personal Quote: It's Only Rock and Roll To Me

Player Bio: Ahhh, the good old days! Get your money for nothin and your chicks for free... Actually, it was - Get your nothin' for money, hope your chicks are clean... Joel has been singing in the church choir since he was 3 years old, playing piano since he was 7 years old, and playing in bands in front of live audiences since he was 15 years old. Touring the rock & roll circuit since he was 20, Joel has seen almost every aspect of the music business. He enjoys the variety of music performed at Rum Runners in Lansing and is best known for his Rock & Roll style.

Personal Quote: I wanna rock and roll all night.

Player Bio: Kris is Rum Runners National Entertainment Director. All inquiries about performing at Rum Runners locations should be sent to Kris at kwhitenack@rumrunnersusa.com

I was raised in the land of spirits in Enumclaw Washington. Upon moving to the frigid north in Minneapolis, I was caught in the existential conflict of, debating to become a minister or a doctor, I was swept up in the frenzy of music, through school (ba) and profession. My other interests are golf, running, diving, sex. Not necessarily in that order everyday.

Personal Quote: The relationship between us(the players) and you(the audience) should be established as a perfect symbiotic relationship.

Player Bio: Began Playing piano at age four, at home in Huntington Beach, CA. By age eleven, I was appointed as the Church Organist for Sunday's main service. At age fifteen, was appointed as Youth Choir Director. At age eighteen, upon completion of High School, I was on my first tour buswith an act out of Los Angeles called Lobster Repair, I have never looked back since.

The early eighties gave way to a whole new world of music, drugs and general debauchery. I loved every minute of it. Biggest claim to fame in the eighties was the chance to perform with the group Berlin. Many of the musicians were friends from earlier days in Los Angeles. It was a very comfortable relationship, which made living out of a suitcase that much more bearable.

While living in Colorado from 1988-1998, I was introduced to my first ever "Dueling Piano Bar". I was fortunate to introduce Denver crowds to their first peek at this unique style of entertainment. During this time period, I was also blessed to be called upon to work and tour with many "Up and Coming" Country artists, many of which are Number One Artists to this day. The list of names is too numerous to list here. If 'ya wanna know, ask!

Moved to Florida in 1998 to open yet another Dueling Piano bar. Worked my way up the Eastern seaboard opening club after club. Now, I reside in Fort Wayne.

Personal Quote: Life's been a "Grand" affair. I couldn't ask for more

Player Bio: Matt has a degree in Piano Performance from Elon University. He plays in a band called the Matthew Kush Band in his spare time and is a member of the Raleigh Piano Teachers Association. Matt has spent time in Los Angeles and the Carribean performing in the more recent years. He has been playing at Rum Runners dince Feb, 2005.

Personal Quote: What's your man gotta do with me?

Player Bio: Mike performs at our Sandestin, Florida location. He plays guitar, bass, drums, accordion, mandolin, hammered dulcimer, and all of the odd percussion instruments thanks to his time on the drum line in high school and in college.

Personal Quote: We're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at showing it." -The Breakfast Club

Player Bio: Michael McCaslin began playing piano at age 10 and played in a two man band throughout high school. Michael studied music at Michigan State University. He started his professional career as a disk jockey doing wedding receptions while developing his 'one man band' routine. Since then he has taken his act all over Michigan from Monroe to Marquette. Mike was introduced to Dueling Pianos in February of 2003 at Streeters in Traverse City watching Billy McAllister and Smokin' George, and was added to the roster shortly after.
Since then he has freelanced all over the country and performed aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Mike has been a regular in a number of Rum Runner establishments in Michigan, Indiana and Florida. During the day he owns and manages a computer repair company that serves most of Northern Michigan.

Personal Quote: Andele andele

Player Bio: Mister Sam has been doing the dueling pianos for 4 years. He had a successful career before this show a musical director for over 20 theatre productions, a performing member of the Actor's Equity Association (yes, the Actor's Ass), and 5 years leader of Detroit's band Metro Rhythm. In dueling pianos he has found a perfect fit for his talent and personality. Yes, he admits to being a bit and schtick guy and he's proud of it. He loves to make an audience laugh, he loves to....ok, it's me writing this bio! He is ME! I love this gig, and I love performing for the people that come to see it, especially the customers at Rum Runners!!

Personal Quote: It's YOUR party!

Player Bio: Noel Leaman is a Saginaw Mi, native. Son of Piano teacher, Grandson of a Violinist and Celloist. Started playing drums and piano at age 3. Composed music at age 10. Performed in various bands throughout High School. Awarded 2 scholarships to prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. Toured with Marvellettes, Sharrie Williams and Norma Jean Bell. Opened for Tesla, Kid Rock, Fuel, Frankie Valley, David Ball, Aaron Tippon, Bobby Blu Bland, Marty Stuart, as well as other famous artists.

Noel has worked in hundreds of clubs and venues since and before graduating Berklee College of Music in 1992. Besides these venues he has also performed for many festivals, wedding services & receptions, private parties and corporate functions. Noel has also performed extensively in Asia as well as Europe and the Caribbean. Besides performing as Entertainment Director at Lansing's RumRunners, Noel also scores and arranges music for theater, is in his 10th season as Choir Director at Zion Lutheran Church in Saginaw, and resides as Recording Engineer and Composer for Oracle A.M.S., a recording studio located in Southfield, MI. whose clients include the big three automakers as well as DOC Eyeglasses, WorldWide Financial, House of Blinds, and others.

Personal Quote: Whatever job you choose, kick ass and make yourself so valuable that they can't live without you.

Player Bio: Hailing out of Atlanta, Patrick Raymaker is a dynamic performer. Patrick can be regularly seen at our Ft Wayne, Indiana location and soon in Greensboro, NC!

Personal Quote: The blues are something you feel

Player Bio: Paul Bickel has been working at Rum Runners since February 2006, at the Mishawaka and Lansing clubs.

In his spare time, he is a full-time band director at Western Schools in Jackson, complete with marching band, jazz bands, and concert bands. In the past, he performed with Lansing-based band Huckleberry Groove and Scotty and the Neptunes. He also has performed for weddings, funerals, corporate events, and plays trumpet in the Jackson French Quarter Dixieland Band.

Paul graduated from the University of Michigan, where he played in the Michigan Marching Band and Basketball Band sang in the a cappella group Amazin' Blue. Paul can be found in Rum Runners on most weekend nights, performing the hits of yesterday and today for your listening pleasure.

Personal Quote: I meant to do that

Player Bio: Come see Pauleo perform at our Lansing, MI location

Personal Quote: Coming Soon

Player Bio: Born and raised in Spartanburg, SC Phyllis has performed in 18 different countries as a pianist/singer/entertainer. After spending 8 years working on the Las Vegas Strip Phyllis has returned to the Carolinas and is currently residing in NC with her husband and twin boys and a jack russel terrier. You can catch Phyllis Wed, Fri., Sat. and Sunday nights at Rum Runners Raleigh where she is the Entertainment Director.

Personal Quote: Las Vegas Style Cabaret Show in The Triangle!

Player Bio: Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, my family and I moved to North Carolina when I was 16. At age 7, my mother forced me to play an instrument…I reluctantly chose the piano. I did not enjoy practicing or taking lessons until I realized that girls actually noticed me (a little) when there was a piano in front of me. Prior to Rum Runners, I was in several bands and performed solo in Raleigh at various bars, pubs, and restaurants. I have been at Rum Runners Raleigh since May 2007 and look forward to meeting new people, learning new music, and helping people enjoy their nights out in Raleigh.

Personal Quote: May you live all the days of your life - Jonathan Swift

Player Bio: I was born and reside in Greensboro NC. I started playing drums at age 3 and recorded my first album at age 7. At age 10 I went on the road full time with The Easter Brothers a bluegrass gospel Group at age 10.

Worked with several big name bands in Nashville and worked for Mercury Records. I have always enjoyed music and play several instruments including Piano, Guitar, bass, Drums, banjo, mandolin, harmonica to name a few.

I have three children which are my life. Christina, Dylan and Zack.

I am really excited about working with Rum Runners, I enjoy all the other musicians and look forward to playing with and meeting all the others, as well as playing the other clubs.

Personal Quote: I'll try anything twice, in case I didn't give it a fair shot the first time.

Player Bio: Roz has been cruising the dueling piano circuit for about two years now, and she's tickled the ivories from coast to coast. Her theatre background led her out to LA for a while where she landed a commercial singing and playing the guitar. With the combination of her brassy vocals and ability to draw in a crowd, she adds a unique quality to every show. Roz also enjoys long walks on the beach, Jagermeister, and mashed potatoes.

Personal Quote: Feeling good is good enough for me

Player Bio: Scott is a regular performer at our Rum Runners stores.

Personal Quote: Great to be back.

Player Bio: Raised in Lansing, MI Scott grew up listening to the hottest new music from Detroit to Chicago to Tampa. Started DJing at the ripe age of 15 at a Skating Rink. After not DJing for 5 yrs, Got offers to get back into it. Now that is the past....... The future Rum Runners DJ 4+ yrs

Personal Quote: Watch out for the silent assassin

Player Bio: Born in the dead of winter on the frigid Dakota plains, Slim's warm personality is measured only by his cold, cold heart. Being the restless type, he spent his childhood pursuing one instrument after another and eventually spent some years as a high school band director. From his home in Minneapolis, he's traveled throughout North and South America, The Caribbean and Europe entertaining audiences with music and comedy for over thirty years. A circus performer by nature, he's also appeared under the name "The Great Biguinni" dazzling audiences with stage magic, juggling and fire-eating. An avid sailor, Slim keeps his 22 footer, Fandango on Lake Minnetonka where he loves nothing more than an after-the-gig cool, summer night sail when there's no other boats around to crash into.

Personal Quote: "Hey Bartender!"

Player Bio: One of Mishawaka's regular subs. More info coming soon!

Personal Quote: Coming Soon

Player Bio: Tim was discovered hanging outside of Rum Runners in Raleigh with a sign that said "Will play for food." After some convincing Tim was let inside and the rest was magic. He's spent time in radio, done stand-up comedy, written skits for various radio shows, and played in various bands throughout Florida. He brings a unique show to Rum Runners every night incorporating humor with music and creating a great party atmosphere!

Personal Quote: Party people make some noise.

Player Bio: Tommy has been performing in a wide variety of musical ventures since the early ‘80s, including rock & roll bands, musical theatre, weddings and various solo gigs. He has been dueling since late 2001.

Tom began playing piano at age 10 and realized early on that music would be a central part of his life.

A freelance dueling piano player, Tommy has become a favorite at the South Bend Rum Runners club, revving the crowd up with a broad repertoire of rock and roll from the 60s to today. He also can be seen occasionally at the Lansing and Ft. Wayne locations. In addition, he is currently playing with the Michigan rock band “Subject to Change” and working on a CD of original material.

Personal Quote: No matter where you go…..there you are. (Buckaroo Banzai, 1984)

Player Bio: Born in London, England, Michigan-based Tommy studied keyboards and bass guitar at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. He graduated in 2001 with a BA honors degree in Music and the Yamaha award of excellence for music and music technology - awarded by Sir Paul McCartney.

Tom's performing/recording schedule has given him the opportunity to play from LA to Dubai and nearly everywhere in-between. He regularly plays at Rum Runners in Lansing, and occasionally in Fort Wayne, Mishawaka and Sandestin. He can otherwise be found playing around the country or with his band, 13 Days, which he formed with fellow-dueler Frank Turner in 2006.

Personal Quote: 15 minutes could save you hundreds on your car insurance.

Player Bio: I'm currently finishing a Bachelors of Arts in music at Michigan State University, with emphasis on music education, vocal performance in classical and jazz. Trying to get out of college with a degree and minimal debt is the goal, from there, who knows? I've been composing and writing tunes for a long time and continue to do so. Making music is the only way I want to make a living.

Personal Quote: You can't hold no groove if you ain't got no pocket

Player Bio: Will is one of the most popular performers at our Mishawaka, IN location. Performing Wednesday through Saturday nights, you can always find will rocking and rolling on stage.

Personal Quote: Smoke 'em if you got 'em