Todd Epley at Birch's on the Lake Brewhouse & Supperclub

Over the past 10 years Tim Mahoney has undergone a transformation. One that began with the high-energy pop-rock band, the Blue Meenies--which quickly made its mark on the Twin Cities music scene, colleges, and clubs all over the midwest. His success allowed him to release 5 solo albums that have since sold over 80,000 copies and were well received by the strong audience he has built. He was choosing his own road and had interest from almost every major label. Naturally, he had expectations of "making it" with national tours, the swank tour bus, and a big record deal. He thought he needed something slick for his next album, 3 Different Views, so he took out a second mortgage on his house and enlisted players from John Mellencamp's Band to record and play on the CD. Major labels showed some interest but didn't bring a deal to the table. 3 Different Views was his most expensive CD to make and is his lowest selling CD to date. Mahoney's dream of "making it" was alluding him. Depressed, he did the only thing he knew how to do--he focused on the music. Ultimately this was an eye-opening and therapeutic learning experience. He continued to write and started to play solo acoustic shows. This was the beginning of the evolution of his opinion and attitude toward his career. The reception was overwhelmingly positive. So he released a solo acoustic CD ­ Full Circle ­ and in just 9 months had already sold over 4,000 copies.Proof that the comfortable rasp in his voice and the bittersweet lyrics are still winning people over. Full Circle was his least expensive CD to make and it is on pace to be one of his best selling CDs. And after showcasing at a NACA (National Association of Campus Activities) Conference, he has performed solo acoustic shows at over 40 colleges in the Midwest and continues to expand nationally. He plays over 150 shows a year between full band and solo acoustic. He moved through disappointment and disillusionment to the realization that he has been LIVING his dream for 10 years. He has built a business and is making a living doing something he loves. But now Tim is more focused, more mature and more appreciative of his fans. And in turn, his fans have remained loyal and faithful in supporting him. He is enjoying the journey to longevity in the music business. ---------------------------------------- Chad Whittaker is no stranger to the music scene. Self-taught on the bass, keyboard, guitar and vocals, Chad has no problem keeping busy in and around Minneapolis. In 2005 alone, he has played well over 100 shows with twelve different bands, and even recorded two albums. Chad first explored the Minneapolis music scene in 1994 joining the already successful pop band Charlie's Cafe. Their first self-titled album was released in 1996, and was nominated "best pop album" later that year by the Minnesota Music Awards. Just after the millennium, Chad had an idea to start a cover band that would emulate entire shows performed by the jam-band Phish. He called it Taboot, and it won him a second nomination by the Minnesota Music Awards in 2001. In 2000 he was asked to tour with the Beach Boys as a rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist. Chad has also had the privilege to play with the popular "Kung Fu Hippies" in 2003, and share stages with the Allman Brothers, the Big Wu, O.A.R., and Widespread Panic. The Hippies also found time that year to record an original CD in which Chad wrote and sang about half of the album. Chad joined the Tim Mahoney Band full-time in the fall of 2003, but was an occasional fill-in as far back as 1999. In addition to the Tim Mahoney Band, you may see Chad around town sitting in with Dazy Head Mazy, Concentual, Red Dot Garage, and many others. Ask Chad who his biggest musical influence is, and without blinking he'll tell you it's Joni Mitchell. He's also very fond of the Beatles, Dylan, and the Grateful Dead. Oh, almost forgot ... Chad and Tim went to the same middle school in Mound together when they were kids, so that's pretty cool.