Desert Sage Band » Band Members

Guitarist and lead vocalist, Stephen Lockhart grew up playing classical piano, which lead to a jazz band in high school. Although he listened and loved bluegrass since childhood, it wasn't until he went into the service and some buddies turned him on to roots music, that he became the bluegrass fanatic that he is today. Stephen can take any song and make it bluegrass, and we mean ANY song!

Fender Bass man, Mark Valdez has a style all his own. His consistently warm, friendly and passionate personality is the foundation for the soulful grooves that reach deep into the heart of Americana. Mark's playing is vibrant, provocative and enchanting. A great performer not only to dance to, but also to watch!

The mandolin madman, Ken Fitzer, was a long-time guitar player, when, about 6 years ago, he was turned on to bluegrass. He picked up a mandolin, took a few lessons and life has never been the same. His wife has to surgically remove the mandolin from his body when they go away on vacations, as it gets "in the way" of some important activities!

Doug Foster, plays fiddle and sings backup for the band. Before joining Desert Sage, Doug had been on a long musical sabbatical, last playing with the short-lived southern group "Wahoo." His influences include James Taylor, The Who, The Police, The Waterboys, & Michelle Shocked.

Mike Mathews, our metronome/engineer drives the train. His influences include Neil Peart, Fat Albert, Buddy Rich, the Beatles, The Grateful Dead and Phish. Mike admits that he loves playing with Desert Sage because the coffee is strong, the grooves are tight, the songs are short, and they let him take his shoes off.

What's that? A blues harp in the middle of a bluegrass group?! Our newest hired gun, Jeff Remy, formed the "Dead" style group "Trigger" back in the "70s", played blues with the great William Clark, "Zappa jazz" in "Cliche-OK" and now stirs in an unexpected spice to the Sage with his vocals, percussion, and haunting harmonica playing.



		BAND MEMBERS Guitarist and lead vocalist, Stephen Lockhart grew up playing classical piano, which lead to a jazz band in high school. Although he listened and loved bluegrass since childhood, it wasn't until he went into the service and some buddies turned him on to roots music, that he became the bluegrass fanatic that he is today. Stephen can take any song and make it bluegrass, and we mean ANY song! Fender Bass man, Mark Valdez has a style all his own. His consistently warm, friendly and passionate personality is the foundation for the soulful grooves that reach deep into the heart of Americana. Mark's playing is vibrant, provocative and enchanting. A great performer not only to dance to, but also to watch! The mandolin madman, Ken Fitzer, was a long-time guitar player, when, about 6 years ago, he was turned on to bluegrass. He picked up a mandolin, took a few lessons and life has never been the same. His wife has to surgically remove the mandolin from his body when they go away on vacations, as it gets "in the way" of some important activities! Doug Foster, plays fiddle and sings backup for the band. Before joining Desert Sage, Doug had been on a long musical sabbatical, last playing with the short-lived southern group "Wahoo." His influences include James Taylor, The Who, The Police, The Waterboys, & Michelle Shocked. Mike Mathews, our metronome/engineer drives the train. His influences include Neil Peart, Fat Albert, Buddy Rich, the Beatles, The Grateful Dead and Phish. Mike admits that he loves playing with Desert Sage because the coffee is strong, the grooves are tight, the songs are short, and they let him take his shoes off. What's that? A blues harp in the middle of a bluegrass group?! Our newest hired gun, Jeff Remy, formed the "Dead" style group "Trigger" back in the "70s", played blues with the great William Clark, "Zappa jazz" in "Cliche-OK" and now stirs in an unexpected spice to the Sage with his vocals, percussion, and haunting harmonica playing.
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