The "Shaman in a Suit" is known for ferocious live performances that play with time and emotion. Blending elements of psychedelic classic rock, world, alternative and modern music, as well as a constant search for the profound.

After being completely wiped out in an apartment robbery, a new guitar and a new recording studio was needed. Over the next two years, the brand new album, "Open" was recorded. "Open" the back of your mind and let in the universe... The Record Release Party was at the Knitting Factory, in 2006.

An experienced performer, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Will grew up as a son of a professional jazz guitarist. Incorporated into the music, besides self study and reflection is Will's background with the study of world religions, spiritual practices and their connection with music.
An energy surrounds the music that is as much influenced by classic rock bands as it is gypsys and shamen. The gypsy mentality ranges from Will's love of famous guitarist Django Reinhardt, to the broader sense of taking flavors from many cultures. Further, the shamanic aspects are readily apparent, as every show is treated as a ritual.

This year, will once again play at the New York City Marathon. Played a 3 hour set in 2005 and 2006.

Previously, Will worked with platinum songwriter/producer Mark Mangold as well as Sam Endicott of The Bravery and played at Central Park for the U.N. International Day of Peace, opened for Marc Ford (Black Crowes) at Tobacco Road in NYC and Suzanne Vega at Stephen's Talkhouse in Montauk, NY.

Before coming to New York, Will played in Post Vintage and Red Story. Playing the Harrisburg Music Festival, PA Fall Fest, Penn State Arts Fest and numerous other colleges and clubs.

Besides the band, Will is also works with theatre, TV & film soundtracking. Well versed in audio engineering, composition and performance of rock, blues, jazz and 'world' songs as well as ambient/transitional/incidental music and sound forms.

Guitarist, vocalist, bassist, banjo and mandolinist, harmonica, keyboardist, percussionist and general sound manipulator.

"Things changed dramatically after my apartment was robbed. I was nearing the completion my first solo album and I come home to find my place totally ransacked. They took my Les Paul guitar that was given to me by my dad when I was 13. They took my studio equipment, computer and all files and back up drives of the hours of work that went into the album. They even took my beat up old handcart to haul it all away! Yes, it sucked. Thoroughly. However, I made a decision. I could wallow in despair, give up, etc... But instead I decided to work harder than ever. My convictions steeled, I went and tried to put all the pieces together again. New guitar. New recording equipment. And the new, replacement album sounds hundred times better than the old one. It's been a long road back, but this, apparently, was the only way.

There are many artists that I could call an influence on my music. I am very thankful for all the artists I have worked with in the past. This new band represents a culmination of all the hard work and learning I and my bandmates have done over the years.

I strive for music to be a journey. To take myself, my bandmates, and anyone who cares to listen on a diverse trip. Travelling through space and shape, hard driving moments and those layed open, through light and dark. Everything inbetween. Guttural, worldly, spiritual, timeless.... Thanks for taking your time here..." - Will

Drums, Percussion

Mark Kirby a/k/a The Kirbzone says, "I studied and played drums for longer than I care to admit. My mission has been to play every kind of music, but I always finds myself back in some kind of mind expanding rock conglomeration.

I received my B.A. from Oberlin College back in the days when sex didn't kill you.

I am a drummer, screenwriter, and fixture in the bars and clubs of N.Y.'s Lower East Side and the current mecca of the New Bohemia, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

When not mining my past for the bizarre, weird and unseemly experiences that are the substance of various writing projects, I am hard at work writing about music for various printed and online magazines such as MusicDish.net, brooklynrock.com, and The New Tomorrow.

In addition to rocking out with Will Hanza, I am drumming for Ixion Burlesque (as pictured in photo, left)."

Drums

Bass

Personally, I believe it is also much more. I believe in a universal energy that can be tapped into by any of us. Part of any moment of any song is the openning up of myself to this energy so that it can swell into my being and through my voice and guitar. It is a current which can be ridden upon and steered through.

Whether it be music or other art, sexual or conversational, life is this energy. To me, feeling alive is feeling this energy. Early music was usually a most sacred event. Drum circles with shamen falling into trance states, communing with God/the energy/the whateveryoucallit. Western culture all too often leaves much of that connection behind.

It is my and our goal to write and perform in a way that is true to the goodness and love of the universe. The whateveryoucallit is not cold, dark or atheist-bred. It is warm, benevolent and full of hope. It is larger than anyone of us. One just need be open to it." -Will