II Big

II Big - Brand New Classic Rock A mainstay on the Northern California music scene since 1994, II BIG has been through various personnel changes over the years, but the original vision of founder and drummer Ken Ingels has never wavered—these guys come to rock! Over the course of hundreds of gigs, II BIG has opened for a veritable who’s who of classic rock: Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult, Loverboy, Grand Funk Railroad, Joe Walsh, REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent, Jeff Healy, Creedence Clearwater Revival ...

II Big - Brand New Classic Rock A mainstay on the Northern California music scene since 1994, II BIG has been through various personnel changes over the years, but the original vision of founder and drummer Ken Ingels has never wavered—these guys come to rock! Over the course of hundreds of gigs, II BIG has opened for a veritable who’s who of classic rock: Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult, Loverboy, Grand Funk Railroad, Joe Walsh, REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent, Jeff Healy, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Styx. Whether they’re playing a smoky little bar in their hometown of Ukiah or before 5,000 opening for legendary rockers in the outdoor theatre of Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa in Kelseyville, the dynamic fivesome puts on a show worthy of their status as regional legends. The vibe was more AC/DC and Van Halen-like in the early days with the original members, but since the Hansen Brothers, singer and guitarist Aubrey and keyboardist, guitarist and co-lead vocalist Tom, joined in the early 2000s, II BIG has drawn crowds from miles around to hear a sound that Aubrey calls “Brand New Classic Rock.” The band is huge on the festival, fair and rodeo circuit, playing everywhere from the Bay Area to Reno and Eureka, where they recently played the Live at the Boardwalk series. “Although our audience seems to be made up of people of all ages, we’re most popular with those folks who grew up with the sounds of classic Eagles, Bob Seger and ZZ Top,” says Ingels. “When we play live, we mix in some covers with our originals, anything from Jim Croce to Eddie Money and Marshall Tucker, but whatever we’re doing, Aubrey puts a boogie on everything he plays. We’re always out there having a blast.” “Each individual member of is truly an artist in his own right,” says Ingels. “Their other specialties in life tie in perfectly with the artistry they bring to the band. But music is truly our sanctuary, and when we’re not out playing, we’re enjoying the creative energy we create in the studio. It’s just very enjoyable hanging out with these guys. When we say it’s ‘Brand New Classic Rock,’ essentially it’s about carrying forward the rich legacy of that classic sound everyone knows and loves.” Aubrey Hansen stands up front with his solid guitar playing and soulful vocals that can bring tears to your eyes, as well as make you get up and dance—transferring the heart of any tune right to the listener's soul. Tom Hansen, keyboards/vocals, has performed since he was 15. He adds years of professional talent and emotional feeling to the sound of II BIG. Ken Ingels' drumming provides a solid rhythmic foundation for II BIG's sound with a style reminiscent of John Bonham. Drummers of this caliber are one in a million! Indiana Slim snagged his guitar snake oil juice directly from his cousin, Lonnie Mack. Fully accomplished in many musical styles from rock & roll, rock-a-billy, country and blues, he has rocked with such classic performers from Jerry Lee Lewis and Bo Diddley to Billy Idol and countless Blues Legends. He has grooved alongside numerous top bands including the Allman Brothers, the Outlaws, the Doobie Brothers, Leon Russell, and Johnny Winter. Derek Soderquist began playing music at the ripe young age of 15, and brings a lifetime of experience to the II BIG sound. His finesse on bass even goes back to a previous incarnation of this very same band, beginning in 1995, and it's great to welcome him back!