About 15-17 years ago I had the pleasure of seeing the very innovative Blue Man Group show in Boston (Since seen several more times!). It was that first show that lead me to the stick, and now many years later I finally brought my dream to fruition. Having been a drummer/percussionist since I was around 14 (self taught), the stick intrigued me. "How can someone make so much music from one instrument?" I thought.

Today, I realized I did not know if the stick was a permanent part of the BMG bands and shows around the country. So I googled it (of course!). And... yes! The stick seems to be a part of every BMG band! And THAT got me to thinking... does anyone know who these mysterious stickists are? Do they show up here? Are any of YOU past or present members of these bands? It would be cool to connect with some of these players... see how they got involved with the stick, how they auditioned, and their history before/during/after their involvement with the Blue Man Group shows. I have to think that the 3 guys from Manhatten that started the street performances that eventually became their world wide passion and business, must have some connection with the Chapman stick, or had at the least some knowledge of the stick to include it in the bands.

In reading about the bands today on google and wikipedia, it seems that the bands have actually released some of their music on 2 CD's, and have apparently played venues / shows, and made appearances separate from the Blue Man Group performances. Anyone have more information about this? Whoever was the stickist in the Boston BMG band some 15-17 years or so ago is my muse!
Rand

I've often wondered the same thing Rand; are there any Blue men here? How do they get these gigs? Theres a few vids floating around out there of rehearsals and such,....I think the requirement is they all have to be bass players first and foremost, and Stickmen second. The bassist for I Mother Earth (Canadian band) was a member at one point in the franchise but I dont think he played Stick at all....

Saw them twice,....and folks, if you havent seen them, you should endeavour to do so. Fun for the whole family, if thats how you roll.......or a great date night.

cheers,
kev

Have a look at FHF #34, Gene hosting Tom Shad of a Blue Man group with some other weird looking guy on the panel. BMG Chicago was the first time I saw a Stick in person (albeit from a distance).

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcTa2eQEZTQ[/youtube]

Here's some info about the auditions.....

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axHe_BVY_9c[/youtube]

enjoy,
Dave Brosky "DBro"

From my brief stint working with BMG in Vegas and getting to see the great Thaddeous Corea (son of Chick Corea) play the Stick nightly, I found that they actually hire guitar and bass players and then use the Stick in non-conventional ways.

It's really there to provide effects and background layers to certain songs (Utne Wire Man is a great example, and one of my favourite parts of the show).

BTW- Tom was in the Vegas show at one point (not sure if he's still there) and is an awesome guy!

The program with Tom was very unique. He learned to play a Stick because he had to - the gig called for it. It was inspiring to see and share in his musical experience.

From what I understand, BMG is always looking to build out there catalog of musicians so don't go eBaying that Zither just quite yet.