Biographies

Ben Egan

Ben Egan lives in Erie, CO, and began his love for music when he started playing bass at age 13. Today, he plays upright and electric bass, as well as the saxophone in his high school marching band. Influenced by jazz, experimental music, hip-hop and R&B, Ben combines that with his deep interest in music theory to inform his eclectic and diverse approach to music. In addition to being the bass player for The Blue Shoes, Ben also plays in a handful of other jazz bands, including the Longmont All Star Jazz bands, the University of Colorado Boulder Big Band (as a substitute), and the Colorado Jazz Messengers from the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts (CCJA).

Simon Von Hatten

Simon Von Hatten was born in Austin, TX. He received his first drum set for his 3rd birthday and has been playing piano from the time he was 4. Living in a very musical city, his parents took him to several concerts to see his favorite bands and artists such as Styx, Boston, Rush, Phil Collins, and more. Simon’s favorite genres are rock and jazz fusion, and he loves artists such as Snarky Puppy, Cory Henry, and Joey Defrancesco, as well as those listed above. Simon joined the Longmont All Star Jazz Band and has recently participated in various music camps through the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts (CCJA). He is involved in the Longmont High School marching band and the Longmont Combined Schools Winter Percussion Ensemble.

Dylan Luther

Dylan Luther is from Longmont, CO and began to play drums at age 9. He met the rest of the band at Longmont High School. His major influences are John Bonham, Neil Peart, Keith Moon and Gene Krupa. Dylan is an integral part of the Longmont combined-schools winter drumline and is also a section leader for the highly acclaimed Longmont High School marching band. He is also in Longmont High School's jazz band, The Rhythmaires, and plays on both the piano and drum set.

Brody Mundt

Brody Mundt is from Longmont, CO. His first instrument was the guitar, which he began playing shortly after he turned 10 years old. Brody also became interested in singing just before he turned 14. He also enjoys experimenting with drums and bass in his spare time. His musical interests consist of blues rock, including Led Zeppelin and The White Stripes, classic rock, and also jazz artists such as John Coltrane and Charlie Parker. Brody is involved with the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts and currently participates in their Colorado Jazz Messengers group.  He is also a member of the Longmont All Star Jazz Band and is active in Longmont High School’s jazz band, marching band and winter percussion ensemble.