Energy, groove, pocket, and feeling good.  Those are the words that people use when Ryan is behind the drums.  When Ryan steps on stage, his energy and mindset are focused on making the music, the musicians, and the audience feel good and enjoy the moment.


Ryan was born in 1974 near Detroit, Michigan and raised near Flint, Michigan. Raised on a steady collection of 33’s, 45’s, cassette tapes, and CD’s, Ryan listened to a variety of music growing up.  In later years, Ryan earnestly explored styles of music that he was not familiar with.  Jazz became an obsession for him.  Music from all around the globe began to permeate his being and continue to open his mind to unending musical possibilities.  He also began to learn more about percussion and its associated traditional styles.  All of the rhythms inherent in these and many other styles became an integral part of Ryan’s musical vocabulary.

In addition to his performing and recording talents, Ryan is also an active educator in the Front Range.  He has a private drum instruction studio with forty students.  Ryan also gives drum set clinics at least twice a year.

Ryan enjoys performing in a variety of styles including: rock, jazz, blues, country, hard rock/metal, R&B, funk, jam-band, bluegrass, singer/songwriter, psychedelic, Texas swing, Cajun, zydeco, New Orleans based music, and several Latin styles.

In addition to Face The Music, Ryan has recently performed with the following bands and artists:  Bill Nershi (String Cheese Incident), Drew Emmitt (Leftover Salmon), Billy Branch (Chicago blues legend), Andy Irvine (bassist and Warwick clinician), Whitewater Ramble, Pete Kartsounes, Bonnie and The Clydes, Hot Soup, The Symbols, Olivia Rudeen, Kelli Alissa, Matt Flaherty, Andy Frasco and The U.N., Youth In Eyes, Guns For Hire, Arnie J. Green, Bobby Walker, Johnny O. Band, Damon Fowler, John Alex Mason, Brad Pregeant, Lynnea Godfrieux, Huge In Germany, and Stereomaid. He also performs with a variety of other local, regional, and national acts on a substitute and fill-in basis.

Contact:  David James    720-351-5041                    InterEntertain@aol.com

 Rick the "RocketMan" hails from Tampa originally where he grew up playing drums and classical guitar.  He attended University of Tampa on a classical guitar scholarship.  Rick came to Colorado and never looked back.  Rick's influences include Edwin McCain, Mark Knopfler, Toad, James Taylor and that dude from Tesla.  Rick performs with Jess Wingenette as well as "Face the Music"  bringing  with him his progressive styles accompanying  us with acoustic guitar, cajon and also the congos rounding out the rhythm section.  

Rocket Man

David James

Ignacio better known as “Chiquis” moved to Colorado from Juarez Mexico in1980.  In Juarez he had the opportunity see several times John T Hooker one of his inpirations.  Ignacio along with his friend Alex Anaya were one of the first to bring Rock en Espanol, to the Denver music scene.  Ignacio and Alex would bring Rock en Espanol to the Denver public through their radio program “Rock en la Cultura” on the La Onda 1150 AM radio station.  Ignacio brings the latin flavor to

“Face the Music”.

Face the Music

Stan a new player in Denver with a lifetime of music in his veins has joined with “Face the Music” bringing with him his tasty sounds of Santana.  Recently he was the lead guitarist for a Santana tribute band in St. Louis for 4 years before moving to Denver.. Stan is inspired by Jazz-Rock-Fusion and musicians the like of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Return to Forever, along with John McLaughlin with Mahavishnu Orchestra and Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter with their band Weather Report. 

Stan

Ryan

David James who performs as “Jess Wingenette” has forged a dynamic group called “Face the Music” which covers music from all genres.  Our set list is designed to accommodate people from all ages and back grounds. 


The bulk of our music is 70’s and 80’s rock with a taste of country and a little funk.  We pride ourselves in be able to perform many requests as well.  The rhythm section Ryan on drums and Ignacio on bass are the backbone of this group.  Stan on lead

guitar coming to Colorado from St Louis, brings to us the tasty sounds of Santana and more. 

     Virgi Dart brings with her an amazing voice and stage presence adding a little Latin flare.  These group of  professionals will amaze and inspire.

Rick

 ​​Virgi, one of the most amazing performers in Colombia, has had the opportunity to perform on the most grand stages in her hometown, Cali. Prior to moving to the US, Virgi headlined at the most prolific disco group in Colombia allowing her opportunity to perform with some of the most

well-known artists in

Latin America. 
 Virgi is excited to bring her professionalism, talent, and commanding stage presence to her newfound home in Colorado. She looks forward to combine Rock, Pop, Funk and Country blending her Latin Music background into the mix to deliver the most memorable performance for all. 

Virgi puts the FACE in “Face the Music”

Ignacio

Virgi